Today was another day in this chaotic world. My heart feels a mix of kindness and sadness when I think about the changes in my family. Trying to support our loved ones and dealing with life's challenges feels like a heavy responsibility.

I've taken on various jobs to earn money for my family. Some were tough, especially the ones I did during the war before switching to something else. Each day's hard work is a sign of our ongoing efforts for the people we care about.

Our family has faced its share of troubles and tragedies. We lost dear relatives and close friends due to the violence of war, leaving an empty space that will never be filled. We've cried together and leaned on each other. Love and determination have been our motivators, helping us through the toughest times.

I think about the changing roles for men, women, and kids in the world around us. Society's standards and values are shifting. Kids are growing up in a world that demands resilience, and women are breaking barriers and taking on important roles.

Despite all this, I have confidence in my thoughts. Our family's journey continues, and we'll act swiftly if conflicts arise.

- Loid Forger

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "World War I and Its Aftermath: Key Dates." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/world-war-i-and-its-aftermath-key-dates.

History.com. "World War I History." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/world-war-i-history.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "1918 Pandemic (H1N1 virus)." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html.

The duties that everyone in the family now has have changed significantly. When the war finally ended, my loving husband came home safely, which brought happiness and a need for change. We looked at several options while working together, accepting change and remaining strong in facing times of difficulty.

Although it’s really hard for me to find a job, I feel as though if we keep looking for it and trying hard we’ll be able to find one. It’s unfair that we get so few opportunities to work because it’s really difficult to provide for our family.

Our family's emotions and beliefs change as we watch the latest things develop. The individuals of that time period influenced our ideas, sparking conversations and disagreements about society problems. We were supported by our beliefs and ideals, which served as an advantage in an environment that was continuously changing. 

Our family gained peace and happiness in everyday pleasures throughout it all. We treasured our time spent together, sharing food, engaging in conversation, and having a good time. These interactions built stronger relationships and made many memories.

Many things are changing, but I'm willing to adapt to these changes and hope nothing worse happens moving forward.

-Yor Forger

Encyclopedia.com. s.v. "Interwar Era (1920-1940)." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-and-education-magazines/interwar-era-1920-1940.

We have experienced a lot of difficulties and deaths.  Our neighbourhood suffered a terrible storm the previous year. It appeared as though everything was ending since our house was completely demolished. Yet as a family, we fought and found support within each other.  We established our lives and found faith with the support of our friends, family, and the neighbourhood.

We always manage to continue having fun regardless of the difficulties we face.  The whole family enjoys visiting the neighbourhood theatre anytime we could.  It provides an opportunity to have fun and make memories while escaping the harsh reality of conflict.  Together, we use modern technologies and listen to the radio.

Our brains are very much distracted by the present moment.  Anxiety has been brought on by the conflict, yet it additionally demonstrated our country's resiliency and power.  We are grateful for the courageous individuals who risk their lives to defend what is right and I'm hoping they return safely. The people of the present moment have a strong feeling of community.

Both men, women, and kids now play different roles. Mom is taking over as the family's primary provider while Dad is away. She serves as a role model for all of  us.  We gained the ability to grow a lot more independent as kids and assist throughout our home. 

Our family is still close and supportive of one another despite the many challenges we have experienced.  Being near each other gives us support as we face obstacles together. I hang onto faith for a better future hope we can overcome any challenges that come our way.

- Anya Forger

The Canadian Encyclopedia. s.v. "Battle of Hong Kong." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-hong-kong.

Veterans Affairs Canada. "Defence of Hong Kong." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts/second-world-war/defence-of-hong-kong.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. "Introduction to the Holocaust." Accessed June 11, 2023. https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/introduction-to-the-holocaust.

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