Hi Julia,

Sweet girl, I had to write you because your words brought tears to my eyes. I’m sorry you feel sad but there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.
There is always hope. Please do not disappear. You are precious and have a wonderful heart. I can tell by your words and reaching out that
you are trying to find your way in this world. You will find your way by reaching out to others, like you are doing now. Do you have hobbies, after school
activities or maybe a church youth group? When I was your age (I’m now 40 and trust me, time has a way of zooming by) I belonged to a youth group at
my church and it really helped me find some good friends and I didn’t feel so alone. No family is perfect, I had my struggles in my family growing up with
divorced parents and a distant step father. I used to look at other families and think they were happier but every family has dysfunctions. Make the best of
the good times and ask your family to have a meal together. They may not realize they aren’t doing this and just in a rut or bad habbits. Hang in there. I
will say a prayer for you tonight.
Bridget

Julia,

I’m unsure how much help I can provide but I will try my best.

First and foremost, I am sincerely sorry for the suffering you are enduring and I commend you for seeking help and advice. No home should ever hold an environment where ‘regular fights’ occur. I am sorry that you should be constantly exposed to this. Perhaps understanding the reasons why these fights occur may help provide you with some strength and ease. Though the reasons may be many here is one that may be most fitting: in a society that rushes us to become adults and become a part of the ‘work force’ to keep the economy going, it’s highly possible that some of us may have never pondered upon the values necessary that foster positivity within ourselves and our surroundings. Often times, we are pushed so hard with the notion from society (and other forces) to finish high school, find a major, find a career, buy a car, become independent, find a spouse, buy a house, raise a family that we overlook what it is we truly need. When this happens and we are exposed to scenarios where anything materialistic is of no help, we do not know how to react. The frustration builds up and eventually explodes.

What I’ve described may not be the case. The behavior they display, however, seems to suggest otherwise. In general, and I apologize for the assumption, individuals whom exhibit such behavior are result of poor self-reflection and understanding. Please do not be upset with these individuals. There is a high chance that they may have never been directed in these manners nor had the proper tools or teachers to do so, among other things. Simply put, none of us truly know what we are doing in life. With this said, no one truly know ‘how to act’ in life. We go only by the experiences we’ve had, what we’ve learned and what we choose to apply. In this sense, we are all innocent; such as your loved ones are. Therefore it is important that you stay compassionate towards them. Perhaps one day (maybe even through your own behavior of goodwill) they will see their actions and act accordingly to rectify them.

In the meantime, do your best to stay strong and definitely do occupy yourself with all of the important things to your future for one day you will leave your nest, as you well know, and have your turn at the limitless experiences.

Regards,

Al

ps: I apologize for any grammatical errors I may have made.