“For years, my anxiety was high during the holidays, my emotions an all-time low. Nobody knew the cause. After I came out about my sexual assault, my family didn’t know what to believe. My uncle was a ‘great guy.’ When, the shock wore off, my mom hugged me. ‘Everything will be alright.’ Yet, she continues to invite him to every holiday. No one should have to exist in the same room with the one who makes them want to vanish within it.”

‘We still have to invite uncle Tommy to Thanksgiving.’ I will not be part of a family who chooses my abuser over me.’: Rape survivor ‘thankful’ for second family who takes her in during the holidays

‘Why do I do this!? I want my children to remember a mom who searched for the good. Who didn’t let a Thanksgiving casserole drive her to an early grave.’
“I ‘ooh and aah’ over my kids’ hand turkeys and marvel at what they’re thankful for, only to turn around and curse the Wi-Fi for being spotty and fuss at my husband for putting my already-snug jeans in the dryer.”