Former "19 Kids and Counting" star Josh Duggar will be spending this Christmas in rehab, much to the sorrow of his four young children, who reportedly "miss their daddy".
As reported by the Gospel Herald, the oldest child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar checked into a faith-based rehab earlier this year after he confessed to struggling with a pornography addiction and infidelity amid reports he had active accounts on Ashley Madison, a website created to facilitate adulterous affairs.
While Josh's heartbroken family reportedly hoped he would return home for the holidays, a source close to the family told People Magazine it would be a surprise if he were released before Christmas.
"I don't think he's going to be back for Christmas," says the source. "I would be surprised. There would be a huge elephant in the room."
Josh's wife, Anna, opened up about how the scandal affected her during Sunday's episode of Jill & Jessa: Counting On, referring to the past several months as a "bad dream".
"It's such a betrayal for a spouse for through what we're walking through and it was hard," she said. "[But] in my heart, when I got married, I vowed to God first and then to Joshua, 'For better or for worse. 'Til death do we part. I pray that through all of this that I would be an extension of God's love to Joshua, that I would love him and forgive him and wait patiently and allow God to work through our hearts."
However, Anna is not the only one affected by Josh's actions: "It's so hard when it comes to the kids," the source said of the couple's four children, Marcus, Mackenzie, Michael and Meredith Grace. "They miss their dad. They're like 'Where's daddy?' They've said it before."
Despite the pain they are experiencing, Anna and her children are attempting to enjoy this holiday season with their extended Duggar family.
"The Duggars, including Anna and her kids, are planning a big Christmas this year with the whole family together," said the source. "Regardless of all the negativity that has happened in the past few months, we are going to be positive and celebrate Christmas."
Meanwhile, Anna and her infant daughter, Meredith Grace, were able to briefly visit Josh as he completes his stint in rehab earlier this month.
"She said, 'It was the best three days of my life,' says the source, explaining that the family is focused on forgiveness and moving forward.
"Jim Bob keeps saying this is just another new level of forgiveness."
Anna reflected such a sentiment during the latest installment of Jill & Jessa: Moving On, explaining that "my prayer and my heart's desire is for our marriage to be restored."
Sister-in-law Joy-Anna, who is currently helping Anna with her four children, also praised the young mother for her strength and determination during this difficult time.
"I'm really amazed by the strength that God has given Anna and just how she's going through all of this and having a good attitude about it all even though it's so hard and you know it hurts really bad," she said.
