advice
It takes a village to raise a family; advice and tips to make the most of yours.
Sisterhood Transcends Even Death. Content Warning.
I want to share a story with you all. I was 10 years old when I first met her. As a child (and even as an adult) I have really horrible social anxiety meeting new people. As a child, I would get nauseous and vomit. My father who knew this always helped me through awkward social interactions until I could become comfortable and relax around new people. One year before my 10th birthday, my father said that my god-parents were bringing my god-sister and god-brother for a visit. I had not seen her since we were toddlers and only vaguely remembered our first meeting. On this day, my anxiety was on high alert and my stomach was my enemy number 1. I begged my father to tell them I was too sick to see her and make them leave. But he did no such thing, instead warmly inviting my god-family inside. She was beautiful. Long blond hair and only slightly chubby, she was shy and spoke very softly. Immediately, I wanted her to feel at ease. "Come on, I'll show you my room. The adults can talk," as we both ran up the carpeted stairs to my room, which was one of the largest in the house. For hours we played games and it was like the past 10 years of space between us had not existed, almost as if we had never been apart. "Hey what do you want to do when you grow up?" I asked her. "I want a fashion boutique and I want to have my two best friends open it with me." she said. "WHo are your best friends?" I was curious and almost excited at the idea of a fashion boutique. "Well, besides being my sister, you're one of them." Now I was really excited! I had found my bosom buddy friend in life. I would protect her at all costs. We sat down drawing out and excitedly mapping out a business plan. The back would be a huge store room of supplies and products. The jewelry would be to the right of the front doors as you walked in, near the cash registers and walking upstairs would be a large open room for kids to run around and play while their parents shopped. After hours of talking and sketching, we had a full 40 page document in our hands. My god-mother appeared at the top of the stairs, telling her it was time to go. I didn't want her to go and for the next 5 years we were inseparable. As we headed into our teen years, our dream stayed live in our hearts. She was going to go to fashion school so we could have our own clothing line and I would go to business school to study all the business aspects of our endeavor. Nothing in life changed our dreams. We had struggles and went down different paths in life, always keeping in contact and joking about how one day we would have our dream come true and we would finally be reunited. Six years ago, I got a call telling me an intruder had broken into her house and accidentally set her place on fire. She died that night, and when I let out a scream I felt like our dream had died along with her. For years, I was too distraught to even attempt to think of our store. On the second anniversary of her death, I decided that I wanted to bring that dream back to life, to honor her and what we dreamed of as children on that fateful day we first met. I opened the business with a name I chose in her honor that she would have loved. Tonight, I am struggling with the financial aspects of sustaining a business and all it entails with only myself to run it. More than that though, I am struggling with the grief of chasing a dream that has to evolve, has to change, even just a little bit. And I am missing her so much! Tonight, I want anyone out there reading this who has ever struggled with losing a sibling or a loved one to know--I understand and I know your pain. It sucks and it is ok to let it suck. They miss you as much as you miss them. One day, our fashion boutique will take off and I will have finally succeeded at building our dream, because I won't give up the one thing I have in life of hers--of mine and hers. Tonight this is me.
By marion scott2 years ago in Families
What to Write in a Wedding Card: A Wedding Photographer's Guide. AI-Generated.
As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless moments of love and joy. I've seen the tears of happiness, the laughter shared between families, and the promises made that will last a lifetime. And through it all, I've noticed a common thread: the heartfelt messages written in wedding cards.
By Alex Under2 years ago in Families
Minimalism with Kids: Mission Impossible?
A few weeks ago, I stood in front of our crowded kitchen cabinet, feeling defeated. I gave a loud laugh at the absurdity of it all. There were close to twenty water bottles, each offering the ultimate hydration solution in various shapes and colors, staring back at me. They belonged to us, the parents, or our kids. Most belonged to our kids. We could give in so easily to their requests not long ago. Especially me, their mom.
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatár2 years ago in Families
4 Questions to ask yourself to see if you should stay in your relationships
I have been trying to figure out my next steps. This has been difficult for me as my ex, is very back and forth. He is the father of my daughter, and I have been trying to do the right thing for her. He is very back and forth on what he wants. I also know that he is a narcissist, and has many mental health issues. I know that it is up to me to make decisions for what I really want for my life. That I shouldn't be waiting on anyone else to make decisions on what will happen in my life. Things between us have been good the last little while. Though I also know that it will only be a matter of time before he does something, or starts to treat me badly again.
By Talara Nolan2 years ago in Families
Family
How Much Is Family Important? Family is the foundation of our lives. It is where we first learn about love, support, and values. Whether big or small, close-knit or distant, family plays a critical role in shaping who we are. But how important is family, really? The answer to this question is simple: family is vital. It is the backbone of society and the cornerstone of our personal growth.
By Mamoona Bushra2 years ago in Families
Experience the Thrill of Ranthambore’s Wild Animal Kingdom
Ranthambore National Park, located in the northern part of India, offers an incredible experience for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This vast sanctuary, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, is a haven for those seeking adventure and serenity amidst nature. In this article, we’ll explore what makes Ranthambore a must-visit destination and how you can enhance your stay with comfortable accommodations.
By Ranthambore tiger resort2 years ago in Families
Why ‘Family’ is a Subjective Concept in this Prejudiced World
Most of us have been born & brought up within the comfort of our homes, beautiful in their own, elegant ways. We’ve been on the receiving end of love & warmth, protection & guardianship, & have been trained to serve our families, no matter what.
By Shruti Bhattacharya2 years ago in Families
Expert Tips for Carpet Repair in Humid Climates
Carpets add warmth and comfort to homes, but they can also be sensitive to environmental factors like humidity. In humid climates, carpets face unique challenges such as excess moisture, mold, mildew, and buckling. If you live in a humid area, like Point Cook or Berwick, where humidity levels can fluctuate, it's essential to know how to maintain and repair your carpet to keep it in top condition. In this blog, we’ll provide tips on how to carpet repair Berwick and care for carpets in humid climates and discuss when it might be necessary to call in Carpet Repair Services to handle the job.
By James Smith2 years ago in Families
Sleep Apnea and Its Impact On Your Health
Sleep is vital to our overall health, yet millions of people worldwide struggle with getting the rest they need due to a severe condition known as **sleep apnea**. While it might seem like just loud snoring, sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your long-term health if left untreated. In this article, we’ll dive into sleep apnea, how it affects your body, and why seeking help is essential. Whether you're worried about a loved one or suspect you might have sleep apnea, this guide will help you understand the risks and the next steps for better sleep and health.
By LaMarion Ziegler2 years ago in Families
