Awesome article Erica. Poignant, insightful, extremely well and smoothly written. Thank you for sharing. Hope you & family enjoy the holiday this year.
Erica I did not realize that you had been poor and in a large family. A lot of your rough edges make more sense now. I went though a lot of the same stuff, though my trip to Salvation Army for Christmas presents was when I was 12 and a bit too young to be embarrassed by it.
Hi Erica - I wish that your story would reach the people who think you are a do gooder who doesn't know what she's talking about. I think most of them are too closed minded.
"I wish I could tell all the do-gooders that your empathy can feel insulting, so please be mindful. It's not your fault. You want to help, and there are no easy answers. Assure them that their situation is temporary. That would have helped me." This was the one part I wish you had worked on more. In my many decades of volunteering, I've learned that one approach does not reach all. You know have the benefit of hindsight that wasn't available that Thanksgiving night.
Your family's experiences may be more common than many of us realize, but everyone who manages to get back up after being that far down, is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.
Awesome article Erica. Poignant, insightful, extremely well and smoothly written. Thank you for sharing. Hope you & family enjoy the holiday this year.
thank you so very much, Lou
Erica I did not realize that you had been poor and in a large family. A lot of your rough edges make more sense now. I went though a lot of the same stuff, though my trip to Salvation Army for Christmas presents was when I was 12 and a bit too young to be embarrassed by it.
I never thought I had rough edges, but I suppose I do :) interesting to know we share some experiences. thank you so much for your comments.
Hi Erica - I wish that your story would reach the people who think you are a do gooder who doesn't know what she's talking about. I think most of them are too closed minded.
"I wish I could tell all the do-gooders that your empathy can feel insulting, so please be mindful. It's not your fault. You want to help, and there are no easy answers. Assure them that their situation is temporary. That would have helped me." This was the one part I wish you had worked on more. In my many decades of volunteering, I've learned that one approach does not reach all. You know have the benefit of hindsight that wasn't available that Thanksgiving night.
Your family's experiences may be more common than many of us realize, but everyone who manages to get back up after being that far down, is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.
God Bless your family and everyone!
you always have such wonderful things to say! I value your opinion, Tony.