Hi Karen, My name is Karen also and would enjoy talking to you if we can coordinate our time. I've had spiritual experiences (spiritual visitations, audible teachings, visions, OOB, and visits by Jesus~two times witnessed by friend and family member). Then I went through a lot of stress and the spiritual experiences diminished somewhat. Now I want to get back to that level of connection. I married my true love who had a NDE & given a mission which is what we are about. Have had good and bad times in my life.
Your two children as sources of hurt "which are tied to growth" also provide the lesson of letting go. We are here to save ourselves and be an example only; all about free agency and not control of others or saving others. I had to let go of two of my children who believe in a dogmatic, oppressive religion (believe in polygamy, suppresion of women, masonry, etc.) so I know the hurt.
Karen