Katie's story:

     When Katie was brought into the world, her mother was 16 years old and unable to take care of her. Her generous and loving biological mother gave her up for adoption, and that's how she came into my family.  My aunt and uncle adopted her when she was a few days old; after years of miscarriage and heartache they got Katie, and got pregnant!

     Growing up, Katie had no idea she was 'different' and as far as her cousins were concerned- she was one of us!  One fateful day, my grandmother told Katie she had been adopted. I don't know how grandma broke the news, and I don't know how Katie initially reacted to the news.  However, in the years to come the news of Katie's adoption leaked and seeped into other areas of her life. 

     Slowly, Katie isolated herself from the family a little at a time (except for her sister and one cousin, my sister Randi).  Family functions were uncomfortable because Katie wouldn't neither participate nor engage in family things.  For years it was this way, and Katie suffered without help from a counselor, and without a family who reached out to her. Over time, Katie changed her image. It had been a long time since Katie had graced anyone with her beautiful, vibrant smile and her former extroverted personality. Katie's outward appearance seemed to reflect her inner turmoil. Black hair, black nail polish, no smiles, quiet, and unsure of herself.

     A couple years ago, my sister told me that Katie was cutting herself. This was brought to her parents attention, they asked her about it--- she denied it, and they dropped it. Subsequently, Katie began drinking. Again, and inquisition, a denial, then under the rug. When Katie began using drugs and having unprotected sex, her parents handled the situation in the same way.

     Alright, not in the exact same way. Instead of getting Katie on birth control, (like respectable, responsible parents would) they didn't.  Saying 'they couldn't force her to take it'. Instead of not allowing Katie to see her boyfriend, they invited him over to stay the night --- on a semi-regular basis. 

Now, almost a year later Katie is flunking out of high school, working at her parents' business, and pregnant.  That is right, pregnant (and keeping it).  Where are the parents? Where was their moral guidance? Why was she allowed to throw her life away and ruin a child's life in the process?

Oh, and just to make things even more interesting . . . her baby daddy lives in a parking lot in his car! A public parking lot!

Hi everyone! (Can you share this with as many people as possible?)

I am trying to raise enough money to go to Biloxi, Mississippi over spring break. 

The people of Biloxi lost their homes to hurricanes Katrina and Rita- and are still rebuilding. College students from the Duluth area, (along with local churches) are going to help rebuild lost homes, providing HOPE to families in the area. I am currently raising money to cover the expenses of the trip. 

The total cost is $375.  Expenses included in this cost are: travel, lodging, and meals!  I want to use my blog as a tool to raise money, and give my friends and family an update on the current amount of money raised so far. 

I am seeking $25 dollar donations (or whatever you can donate).  Along with the grattitude of the people of Biloxi, you will have my grattitude and I will post a big thank you on my blog, along with the amount of money graciously donated, please remember-no donation is too small. The deadline for money to be recieved is February 1, 2010.  

Thank you in advance for your kindness.
          
Donations:
1. THANK YOU, James and Grace Van Wey for your donation of $100.00 to go toward expenses for Biloxi.
     This brings the current total to $100.00 raised, of $375.00.  Only $275.00 to go!

What is so horrible about being alone? I mean really- I want to know. 

Fear of being alone motivates people to do all kinds of STUPID things.  The woman who "can't" leave her marriage because she doesn't want to be alone (which nobody wants, but people need to deal with), the boyfriend who won't leave his girlfriend who mistreats him because he doesn't want to be alone.  I just don't understand why people don't leave toxic relationships alone.  They are BAD FOR YOU!

Furthermore, what the hell are the rest of us supposed to do?

To those who CHOOSE horrible relationships: Do you expect people who love you to watch you self-destruct? Do you expect silence? 

--I am not good at silence, but if you must...