Can We Be Sisters Again?
Circle Sister Challenge
To my sister from the north,
This is the letter that I’ve always wanted to write to you since our falling out. It’s such a shame that we’ve fallen out over a guy. You are a very devout Christian, so I hope through the power of God that you can forgive me, the way I forgive you and that we can restore our sisterhood back to its former glory.
I still remember the day I first met you. It was in an elevator in London. We were going the same direction and you recommended a quirky cafe which I went to. By coincidence we bumped into each other again and we found out we had lots in common like our love for anime, Disney and metal. We had a great time hanging out and seeing Love Bites, an amazing Japanese band that have gone on to be really successful in their native country and internationally.
I still think it was one of the best days of my life. It taught me what the joy of conventions were all about, meeting new people and trying out new things. I still have the bunny and the best friend necklace and keep them in a safe place. If I hadn’t had met you, I think my life would have had a lot less colour in it.
People thought it was weird that I went all the way from Stevenage to get your Pajarmas. Well being so far up North, it would have been hard to do it yourself. I didn’t mind helping you as a friend. People said I shouldn’t have bothered and that you would have never paid me back. I did lose faith, but you kept your promise.
I regret our argument and putting the burden on you through my rants. You were a great listener. I miss you everyday. I know you had the best intentions, and you were only looking out for me. I sometimes wonder if you miss me as much I missed you. We blocked each other, and after I sent you the belated birthday card, I decided to unblock you in case you ever wish to speak to me again.
I do regret the some of the things I said, and the things I did and didn’t do. There’s not a day that goes by when you are not in my thoughts. I came across the Valentine’s card you did for me, and I still have it in my draw. I admit I was angry, we did not always see eye to eye on certain things, but that does not take away the wonderful memories we had together.
Although we no longer talk, you still inspire me everyday with your talent and how you use your talents and passions for the greater good. I love the teamwork you have between you and your mother when you illustrate her books. You are a wonderful singer, I can’t sing in tune, but apparently I’m decent at the karaoke. You are brilliant cook and its through you that I discovered one of my favourite dishes and a love for Persian cooking. a wonderful artist. The love you had for me, and the way you invited me, a stranger you met at a convention inspired me to write one of the best poems I ever written.
I believe in you. I hope there will come a day when we will be sisters again. PS, I hope you enjoyed your birthday card, I know how much you and your mum love Squirtle!
Remember my inbox is always open.
I end this letter with lots of love and virtual hugs and hearts, your sister from the south.
P.S I almost forgot to mention that you’re still one of the best cat mamas in the whole of England!
About the Creator
Chloe Gilholy
Former healthcare worker and lab worker from Oxfordshire. Author of ten books including Drinking Poetry and Game of Mass Destruction. Travelled to over 20 countries.
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Naomi tapped on Bertie’s bobble hat. “Look Bertie...” she said, pointing to a little black book under her arm. The young boy squinted, trying to make out the silver letters against the black fabric. “What is it?” He couldn’t tell what it meant, but he had a feeling that something good was going to happen. His elder sister never smiled unless she was getting something.
By Chloe Gilholy3 years ago in Families
"Innocence Broken: The Tragic Reality of Abused Children in Minnesota's Broken Child Welfare System"
As a society, we often like to think of ourselves as protectors and advocates for the most vulnerable among us – our children. However, the harsh reality is that even in a developed country like the United States, children are not always safe from abuse and neglect. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Minnesota child welfare system, where numerous instances of abuse and mistreatment have been reported, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethics of the system. One of the most alarming issues within the Minnesota child welfare system is the high rates of re-abuse. According to a report by the Star Tribune, nearly a quarter of the children who are placed in foster homes by the state are abused or neglected again within five years. This is a devastating statistic, as these children are already victims of abuse and neglect, and it is the responsibility of the child welfare system to ensure their safety and well-being. However, it seems that this system is failing in its duty, leaving these vulnerable children at risk of further trauma. Moreover, there have been several cases of physical and sexual abuse in foster homes, further highlighting the flaws in the child welfare system. In one shocking case, a 10-year-old girl was sexually abused by her foster father, who had been convicted of child pornography before being approved as a foster parent. This raises serious questions about the vetting process for foster parents and the lack of oversight in the system. How is it possible that a convicted abuser was allowed to be a foster parent and harm a child in the state's care? Another concerning issue is the overrepresentation of children of color in the child welfare system. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, African American children make up only 5% of the state's child population, yet they account for 20% of children in out-of-home care. This disproportionate representation raises questions about racial bias in the system and whether children of color are being unfairly targeted and removed from their families. Furthermore, the Minnesota child welfare system has been criticized for its high caseloads and inadequate resources. Social workers in the state are often overwhelmed with heavy caseloads, which can result in delayed response times and inadequate assessments of vulnerable children's situations. This lack of resources and support not only puts children at risk of re-abuse, but it also puts a strain on the already overburdened social workers, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. The consequences of these issues within the Minnesota child welfare system are grave. Not only are children being re-victimized, but their chance of living a stable and fulfilling life is also significantly impacted. Studies have shown that children who experience abuse and neglect are more likely to struggle with mental health issues, educational difficulties, and even criminal behavior in the future. By failing to adequately protect these children and provide them with the support they need, the child welfare system is setting them up for a lifetime of challenges. In conclusion, the abuse of children in the Minnesota child welfare system is a serious and ongoing issue that requires immediate attention. The system's flaws, including high rates of re-abuse, inadequate resources, and bias, have left many vulnerable children at risk and failed in its fundamental duty to protect them. It is the responsibility of the state to address these issues and make significant changes to prevent further harm to its children. Every child deserves to be safe, loved, and cared for, and it is time for the Minnesota child welfare system to live up to that duty. Start writing...
By Katie Stangel4 days ago in Families
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