Every day can be a struggle. We all have hard times, but it’s even harder to go though the holiday season alone, especially when you have lost someone special or you are not be able to spend time with your children because they are in the system.
I know from personal experience. I lost my grandmother a few days before Christmas back in 2011. I also caught my first ACS case a few days before Christmas in 2015. My kids were placed in foster care and I didn’t get to see or talk to them until after Christmas. I had so many different feelings going through my mind — anger, sadness and disappointment.
There’s a saying, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” To me, this means you have to keep fighting and take one day at time. This is the first Christmas since my kids were in foster care that we have our own apartment and are all together. It’s been a long haul and a struggle but finally being all together is a blessing.
Here are some tips that helped me get through a difficult time:
- Stay around friends and/or family who care about you and want to see you succeed.
- Keep yourself busy and safe.
- Talk to someone you feel comfortable with or seek counseling services.
- Feel free to reach out to us here at RISE. This is a no judgment zone and we have information about resources to help you though your hard times.
- Stay positive and things will get better, no matter how hard things may seem.
Happy holidays! Stay safe!