tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post8156335272570237466..comments2023-06-15T06:00:57.172-07:00Comments on At the Foot of the Stairs: Deer Crossing and other musings [Updated 9/30/14]Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-46430900167197114162014-09-27T10:56:48.649-07:002014-09-27T10:56:48.649-07:00Jen, I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading...Jen, I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your words. I love the blatant honesty (for which I remember you well, by the way, and have always respected very much indeed), and also the optimism. I say optimism because even in the face of a lot of challenge and difficulty, you write in such a way that shows that none of us are alone in our trials. I think that the reaching out, the speaking of "that which shall not be spoken" is incredibly brave, and necessary. I've watched family members and friends go through what you're experiencing, and it terrifies me. Some of what they have gone through is a result of decisions they've made (both good and bad), and some is crappy bad luck...and even in my fear that this could easily happen to me (all it takes is a broken ankle to sideline a foodserver for six weeks), one thing you wrote deeply resonates: unless my entire family and group of close friends somehow disappear, I'll never be hungry, homeless or alone. This is also what makes me angriest about the rhetoric out there painting people who can't pay their bills as being lazy, and that it's always their fault, their failure. Maybe it is sometimes...people make mistakes, bad decisions, abuse substances, etc...sure they do. But I think mostly, people are doing their level best, and not everyone has a safety net of family and friends who would never let them be homeless. Not everyone has a fallback of supporters who love them and care what happens to them. And I think that those of us who do have those things have no right to judge or demean or shame those who struggle...it's not a level playing field out there. It's just not. Tracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09523232238021972587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-72675780138950207112014-09-27T06:26:22.476-07:002014-09-27T06:26:22.476-07:00I'm so happy that yesterday was a better one f...I'm so happy that yesterday was a better one for you. I didn't know about the new preposition rule. That's mind blowing. Truly.<br /><br />Which jobs do you go to on Saturday? I hope it's another good one today. XOXOXThat Uncomfortable Itchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09775377280498782156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-57636533214454386972014-09-26T15:02:33.455-07:002014-09-26T15:02:33.455-07:00Also, the above comment is not from Nathaniel. It&...Also, the above comment is not from Nathaniel. It's his mother April Mitchell:) I'm just an idiot and can't figure out how to switch users when I'm logged into the blog I keep for him on his mission. You may already remember Joanne was my grandma so your dad was my uncle.nathanielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15828893010965497073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-58816781776177382014-09-26T15:00:33.849-07:002014-09-26T15:00:33.849-07:00Oh my heck, are you April's son???Oh my heck, are you April's son???Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10491983319316686696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-45875832800498352792014-09-26T14:58:36.630-07:002014-09-26T14:58:36.630-07:00And thank you :-)And thank you :-)Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10491983319316686696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-59531473453368050662014-09-26T14:58:25.095-07:002014-09-26T14:58:25.095-07:00Hola, Elder Mitchell! How did an LDS missionary fi...Hola, Elder Mitchell! How did an LDS missionary find my blog??Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10491983319316686696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8108724844214743792.post-54553292213201174412014-09-26T14:55:54.107-07:002014-09-26T14:55:54.107-07:00Jen you are amazing. You're doing all the righ...Jen you are amazing. You're doing all the right things and it has to pay off in the long run. Your mom has an incredible support in you. If we all could be so lucky someday. <br />It really is hard to make a living these days. I think a lot of people are feeling it. We certainly have. At the Chalk on the Walk recently we all wondered who can afford to shop there.<br />So glad you have good people to work with.Good karma must be heading your way. (Right???) In the meantime good for you for savoring your gift mood. Not that I know how you even find the time. nathanielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15828893010965497073noreply@blogger.com