“My parents pulled up with their pick-up truck and helped me flee. I left with $400, my cat, and my car. I’d been in an abusive relationship for 13 years… without even knowing it.”
‘It was a Tuesday night when I phoned my parents at 1 a.m. whimpering, ‘Mom, I have a really bad feeling about my marriage…’: Brave survivor explains being stuck in 13-year-long abusive relationship without knowing
‘When I think back to 2020, I’ll remember the anxiety and fear. But I’ll also remember the camaraderie of my coworkers and time spent with family.’: Nurse pens goodbye to 2020
“With every dark memory, there is light too. When masks and food were left at my doorstep. The way my sister never failed to include us in her grocery trips. The way our teachers persevered. There’s a silver lining to take away from it all.“
‘I took comfort in the fact my ugly, clunky ‘frankenboobs’ wouldn’t be with me forever. But, y’all, I am SCARED.’: Cancer fighter prepares for reconstruction surgery, ‘I am MORE than this body’
“I have to face the reality this is the end of the journey. Whatever I wake up to, or whatever I wake up with—that will be my new body. There is no next phase, there is no going back.”
‘There are no shortcuts, no finish line. I root for the boy who never spoke, for exactly who you are, and the person you may become.’: Special needs mom shares journey with autism
“But I do know that in your way, and your own time, you will do great things. I’ll stand on the ground while you soar above me. I’ll look to the sky and wave, even if you don’t look down long enough to notice.”
‘You’re just lazy. Breast is best.’ People who didn’t even know me bashed my decision. I choose to react with kindness.’: Mom promises to ‘teach my babies to love your babies’
“Breast versus bottle. Co-sleeping versus crib. Screen time versus no screen time. The list goes on and on. This year, we’ve seen so much hate. Kindness begins at home.”
‘Whether you choose to isolate 100%, form a pandemic bubble, or send your children to school, know you are doing the very best you can.’: Woman urges ‘choose joy, despite all the reasons not to’
“Living in 2020 is kind of like living inside of a dumpster…during a tsunami…while it rains dirty diapers. If you are doing everything you know to do, fear is no longer keeping you safe, it’s merely robbing you of your joy.”
‘We buy supplies. We prepare for gunmen. We spend nights and weekends away from family to make your children feel supported.’: Teacher urges ‘give us a minute’ among school reopening crisis
“I spent today removing my personal belongings from my classroom. Nothing but empty desks remained. I cried all the way home. Right now, we’re scared to death.”
‘It’s okay,’ we told her. She was left to wipe the tears. My heart hurt a little for her. I long to see joy within their eyes.’: Camp caregiver’s kindness and encourages girl to ‘face her monster’
“Despite the encouragement, applause, and prayers from her friends, she could not bring herself to do it. But as I walked away, I couldn’t help but wish she could have jumped. And, in that moment, it dawned on me. I think it fits with what we are all facing these days.”
‘I notice the lump in my throat getting bigger. I fight back tears as my sons stare at me wide-eyed. I pray God will help me carry all this weight.’: Mom with anxiety urges ‘life is too short, throw in the towel’
“It’s hard to take care of yourself when you’re always taking care of everyone else. I’m struggling to find the balance between keeping it all together without falling apart and realizing when I need a break. I pray to God to help me carry all this weight.”
‘How long has he been like this?’ I yelled. His temperature read 105. ‘You can’t have him,’ I said to death. ‘Not again.’: Bereaved mom describes parenting after loss during pandemic
“The doctor came in, ‘We need to run some tests.’ He doesn’t know. She died inside of ME! I was the one who could have saved her. Do you know how hard it is needing to prove to the world I can keep my children alive? ‘Please stay. Please stay,’ I whispered.”
