ONLINE BOOK

IGNITED BY TRUTH (CHAPTER 3) AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY BY KAYLEE TUCKER (with Karen Burkett)

Kaylee speaks from the heart as she tells of the pain of sexual abuse, domestic violence and depression and how she found joy, hope, peace and forgiveness through the darkness.

Table of Contents

Section I: Beginnings

Collection of reflections from all chapters

CHAPTER 3: A SUMMER OF FAMILY LOVE

After my mom died, my brother Brent and I lived with my cousins, the Gibson family, in Pasadena, California, for the summer. A dedicated Catholic family with a big heart, they invited us because they wanted to help. We had a blast. What a wonderful family they were! And Aunt Marcell and Uncle Harry were the best mom and dad who ever lived. After my mom died, my brother Brent and I lived with my cousins, the Gibson family, in Pasadena, California, for the summer. A dedicated Catholic family with a big heart, they invited us because they wanted to help. We had a blast. What a wonderful family they were! And Aunt Marcell and Uncle Harry were the best mom and dad who ever lived.

There was never a dull moment with sixteen children and two adults living in the house! Even though there were so many of us, each one was noticed and loved. And we prayed every night. What a change this was for Brent and me. The happy, loving atmosphere was something we'd never before experienced.

I believe the Gibson's were able to keep their family close because of their deep faith in God and their times of family prayer. Every night we all gathered in the living room and took turns praying. I prayed that my dad would live long enough to take care of my sister and me. (God answered my prayer-my dad lived until I was 17 and my little sister was 14.)

Aunt Marcell was especially kind and loving. She encouraged me every day. I can still hear her saying, "Whatever you do, do it with love and you will never fail." We each had responsibilities around the house or yard. Aunt Marcell consistently commented favorably about the work I did around the house. "Is there anything you can't do? You have so many talents." I was only eight years old, but those words stayed with me and helped to develop my character.

The summer abounded with activities. My cousin Christopher was the object of my first crush. He had a paper route and a station wagon, and I thought he was the neatest. We went everywhere together.

Another favorite cousin, Anthony, sang and played guitar. He told me to start writing my name as if I were already famous. He made quite an impression on me. I am proud of him to this day-he became a doctor at a very young age. I named my son after both of these cousins, Christopher Anthony.

My cousin Caitlin organized a camp with the help of her sisters-Camp Little Hill. There were camp classes to learn about clouds and weather, chores, reading and games. What fun! Completing a chore or class earned participants a point on their scorecards. And I won! It was the end of the summer and I was leaving, but the girls told me they would mail me the grand prize. And much to my surprise, they did! A large envelope addressed to me arrived in the mail. My fingers trembling with excitement, I opened it to find a shiny 50-cent piece and a big blue ribbon attached to a handmade card.

The prize was wonderful, but the greater treasure was learning about trust and love. These cousins had loved me and encouraged me-and they had kept their promise. I'd never known that kind of caring and trustworthiness. What an impression their kind act made on me.

The experiences and lessons of that summer were to stay with me through the years to come. In the summer of 1978, I was eager to visit my aunt when I traveled to Santa Barbara to attend the wedding of her daughter Bernadette. When I arrived, I rushed to my aunt's bedroom to give her a big hug and kiss. Seeing her face, I was drawn into sad memories. She looked so much like my mom when she was ill. Aunt Marcell's cheeks were sunken and her entire body was so thin. Although no one had told me she had cancer, I knew at once that she was dying. She arose from her bed, her thin body hugged me tight, and she kissed me. In a state of shock, I left the room as quickly as I could, filled with heartbreak and anger, tears streaming down my face. Aunt Marcell had been such a blessing in my life, and now I had to say good-bye.

Although she died at a young age, Aunt Marcell touched many lives during her stay on earth. Her unconditional love for others, her constant faith in Jesus, and her willingness to give of herself blessed the lives of everyone who knew her.

More love, more comfort