humanity

Humanity begins at home.

Christmas is Canceled
It’s less than 2 weeks until Christmas and for many of us, we will be spending it alone. When my husband and I moved across Canada almost 30 months ago, it was to be expected that we would be spending it alone as we literally have no family here and our closest friends are about a 6 hour drive away. I know our parents miss us and want to see us, but they understand… though the first Christmas we were away, someone told my mom that the military flies families for free on one of their military flights. It’s a little shitty as it makes many stops across the country to drop off and pick up people so makes for a very long day – I believe one of my coworkers did it last year and went from Ottawa to Victoria and it was a 22 hour flight. The other issue is that there are set days it flies, so our holidays needed to work around that. The first Christmas we didn’t even consider making the trek as we had only been away from home for 6 months. The second (last) Christmas, my husband was going to be starting basic training (as he just joined the military) and we wanted a relaxing Christmas at home – plus we weren’t certain if the travel days would interfere with when he needed to be at the garrison. And then this Christmas… well, originally he was supposed to be at his trades training, so again, the timings wouldn’t have worked with the school schedule… but then covid canceled that either way - including his training.
By Kaylee Norton5 years ago in Families
A New Holiday Season Challenges Americans to Celebrate Safely
For many people, the first couple weeks of December have been filled with little reminders that this holiday season is so different from others. Our calendars, usually jam-packed with holiday parties, are now disappointingly empty. Day-long trips to the mall to buy gifts for family have been exchanged for online browsing. And on a darker note, many of us have lost family and friends to COVID-19 with whom we would spend the early December weeks excitedly chatting about holiday reunions.
By Pam Jannes5 years ago in Families
Turning A Nightmare Into A Positive Message
Desensitized. That’s a big word. Here’s a story. It was as difficult to write as it is to read. Norman is a small in stature, slightly rotund, bespectacled middle-aged man. He sits in his compact car, waiting at the curb of a grocery store for his wife to arrive from checkout. It’s a hot summer evening and the sun begins its late descent. The store empties slowly, and the exiting shoppers search for their cars. Trunk lids slam shut. Engines roar to life and fade into the distance of commuter traffic.
By Stu E5 years ago in Families
Family Insanity
I know part one was probably pretty dull for everyone, but not every beginning is exciting or starts off with a bang. Sometimes it takes a bit for it to grow and slowly take its form. Well as we continued growing up, we noticed the small things. Every time we went to my aunt's house (her house was 7 houses down the street from ours) we always saw my grandmother giving gifts to our cousins. It hurt but we never complained to her. We just watched in silence. Sounds small, right? But it continues on. We slowly notice the favoritism over the years towards my cousins and how me and my brother were often ignored by them. It was even more difficult since they usually were in charge of watching us while our mother was busy with work. It got worse, especially for me because one day I get the call from my father that he is having another daughter. I didn't think much of it then until he called less and less. It was hard for me, since daughters depend on their father to always be there for them and are what we see as an example for future relationships with men. What made it worse was how my family reacted. Here is where the mental abuse begins. My aunt and grandmother told me how my father didn't want me and how my mother trapped him with being pregnant with me. They said that I was a mistake and that he wished I wasn't born. Hearing that hurt and felt true when he wasn't calling or answering. Every time I struggled in life, whether it was having trouble with school or having trouble at home with my mom, their words continued to ring in my head.
By CC Carr5 years ago in Families
CHRISTmas
'Tis the season for baking cookies, singing songs, hot cocoa with peppermint sticks, trimming a tree or 2 exchanging gifts, and merriment. To some, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!" To others it is a great anxiety, stress, depression, financial strain, and good 'ole family fights. Those who are low income, those with a mental health issues diagnosed and not diagnosed fight incredible battles daily during the holiday season. They are some of the most appreciative.
By Katie Schwenk5 years ago in Families
Intro to Me
When you’re little all you wanna read about is perfect relationships and happily ever afters. When you’re an adult, perfect doesn’t sell. We wanna hear about turmoil, affairs, and broken homes because that is real life. When other people (fictional or not) have problems, it makes us feel not so alone. My story has it all. I’ve been the jaded mistress. Today, I’m a successful marriage and family therapist.
By Arabella Jones5 years ago in Families
Homeless
I am Samantha and I am 38-years old. I am from a small town in Giles, County, Virginia. I am in a woman’s center due to my abusive husband. I have been married four times since I was 20-years old. Let me tell you how I got to this point. I was born on July 20th. When I was three months old, I had bad seizers, so my parents took me to the emergency room. They told them I had Meningitis, and I needed to be moved to a bigger hospital immediately. I spend years doing physical and occupational therapy. I finally started walking around the age of three.
By Samantha Farley5 years ago in Families
On Unconditional Love
Today, I had a break down over $66.10. It wasn't exactly because of the money, but it was. I am without a job, living with my fiancée's parents. My psychiatrist has been dragging her feet on sending my prescription through medicaid, and I'd been fighting with the office for over a week to get it filled before I just bit the bullet tonight. I knew I would have to pay something since my last psychiatrist was not through medicaid. I just didn't think it would be $66.10.
By Zale Cook5 years ago in Families
The Current Effects of Evolution on Our Christmas Traditions
Nostalgic but Fond Memories Today I received a video through my Facebook Messenger. The video is about a Christmas tradition in Puerto Rico. This tradition is a “parranda.” It brought many memories from when I was young. It was also very nostalgic for us - my husband included. We enjoyed the full 7-minute video and reminisced about that time in our lives.
By Debbie5 years ago in Families
Christmas
During the holidays there are some of us that have a hard time. It might be something as simple as finding a Christmas gift. For others, it can be something greater, such as finding the Christmas spirit when they feel that there is no reason to be happy or celebrate.
By Rebecca Schoenfeld5 years ago in Families
Superpowers
It's very hard for me to tell this story in a way that others can understand. I just hope it's all much clearer written down.
By Sylver Boswell5 years ago in Families
I made the conscious decision to epically fail this Christmas and here's why
What were your first thoughts about Christmas as a child? And now, what do you think of when you think about Christmas as an adult?
By Amy M5 years ago in Families