Another day has passed in our world's chaotic moment.  My heart is overflowing with generosity and grief as I consider the transitions which have taken place throughout my family.  As I work to support those we cherish and deal with the difficulties that life throws at us, a heavy burden of duty weighs on my back. 

I've worked on a variety of jobs to make an income in order to provide for my family. I also agreed to the difficult jobs, having previously worked endless hours in certain workplaces throughout the war before switching to something else. Every day's hard work becomes an ongoing indicator of the efforts we undertake for the people who are important to us.

The family we share has not been saved from difficulties or disasters. Loved relatives and close friends died as a result of the acts of violence of war, creating an empty space that will always remain unfilled.  Everyone has cried together and now have relied on each other.  Our love and determination have served as the factors of motivation that have helped us get through the most difficult of times.

The constantly changing responsibilities for men, women, and children in the world around us come to mind. The standards and values of society are changing, as we can see. Kids are maturing into an environment that should require resilience and flexibility as women begin to break through boundaries and adapt to important roles.

I have confidence within my thoughts, realizing that the journey of our family's still remains and that we will take action straight away if there are conflicts. 

- Robert Johnson

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.

- Iris Johnson

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.

- Holly Johnson

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.

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.

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.