Watching the DNC this week made me think about what it was like to be 14 and pregnant at the end of 1972. Roe vs. Wade would alter all the rules a month later, but changes to my rural community would be slow.
I became an emancipated minor and did my best to adult.
I wasn't allowed to go go back to public school but was sent to a "school for young mothers." There, six girls, from 12 to 16 years old, learned to cook and clean in a small house made into classrooms.
Luckily for me, it was within walking distance of my house.
We took turns cooking and copied our recipes to give to classmates. I still have my box of recipes.
For over fifty years, I have been meaning to make these caramel sweet rolls. Today is the day.
I wonder what happened to all the other girls.
I also wonder how we could even consider going back.
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Norcal Gma 2 (norcalgma2@sfba.social)'s status on Sunday, 25-Aug-2024 07:49:53 JST Norcal Gma 2 - clacke likes this.
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Curious Magpie (curiousmagpie@mastodon.social)'s status on Sunday, 25-Aug-2024 13:14:26 JST Curious Magpie @NorcalGma2 You are so right, we all have challenges and to some extent I think we really do need them. But. Some of the challenges we’ve faced should *never* have existed.
I hope we can create a future like that for all beings.clacke likes this. -
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Curious Magpie (curiousmagpie@mastodon.social)'s status on Sunday, 25-Aug-2024 13:14:27 JST Curious Magpie @NorcalGma2 We sure have seen a lot of changes during our 66+ years. The thought of going back to those times is horrifying. Forced to be mothers at 12! 14! 16! with no recourse.
I’m always moved by the courage in which you’ve lived a not-always easy life and the ways you’ve scattered blessings around you. -
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Norcal Gma 2 (norcalgma2@sfba.social)'s status on Sunday, 25-Aug-2024 13:14:27 JST Norcal Gma 2 @CuriousMagpie
I'm not sure anyone has an easy life. My husband's started out more privileged,
but he and his siblings have had their fair share of challenges.
I am mostly happy with my life choices thus far. It's not over yet, so we will see how this final stretch goes.