Kindred Keri: My Sister is Homeless
|
AD
BURT'S BEES LIP BALM STOCKING STUFFERS Burt's Bees Lip Balm instantly softens and hydrates your lips to help prevent dryness, cracking or chapping. Infused with responsibly sourced beeswax to richly moisturize and soothe lips, the nourishing oils and butters will make your lips juicy, happy and healthy. A matte finish keeps your lips their natural color, while the tint-free tube of lip moisturizer glides on smoothly to pamper dry lips while keeping them protected and hydrated. This pack features four refreshing flavours, including Beeswax, Strawberry, Coconut and Pear, and Vanilla Bean. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS, this flavoured lip balm is 100% natural origin to rejuvenate and beautify chapped lips with clean ingredients. You can conveniently tuck a tube of this moisturizing lip balm into your pocket or purse to keep natural, nurturing lip care at your fingertips. Playing by natures rules since 1984, Burts Bees uses ingredients from nature to nourish and revitalize your skin and lips, making products that have become a staple of your household. Burts Bees is the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended natural skin care brand. |
I recently found out that my sister has been homeless for some time, but she’s kept it hidden from the whole family. I’m heartbroken and worried—why didn’t she tell any of us?
We’re a close family, or at least I thought we were. I want to help her, but I don’t know how to approach her without making her feel uncomfortable or pressured. I can’t stop wondering why she wouldn’t come to me, or any of us, for help. What should I do?
Kindred Keri says:
Your sister is lucky to have someone as caring and compassionate as you in her corner. It must be so difficult to realise she’s been going through such a hardship alone, and your feelings of concern—and even confusion—are completely natural. Many people in situations like this feel conflicted about asking for help, and there’s often more happening beneath the surface than we might see.
Consider this: homelessness can carry a heavy emotional burden, and some people feel ashamed or even like they’ve failed. Your sister may be struggling with feelings of pride, or she may be afraid of being judged or of burdening others. Often, people feel they need to navigate their struggles independently to maintain a sense of dignity or control in difficult circumstances.
The best way forward is to approach her with gentle understanding and compassion. When you reach out, let her know you’re there for her unconditionally. A simple “I just want you to know that I’m here for anything you need, no questions asked” can help open the door for her to share without feeling pressured. Show her, too, that you’re listening not to fix or judge but to truly understand her experience.
If she’s not ready to talk yet, that’s okay. Sometimes, knowing someone is quiet and steady, there can be all the support a person needs to eventually open up. You might also look into local resources or support services that could assist her in finding housing or job opportunities, as those could be practical steps if she’s open to it.
Remember, too, that she’s still the same strong person you’ve always known, navigating life’s challenges as best she can. Your loving presence can be a lifeline for her, and your patience and understanding are gifts beyond measure. As she begins to trust that it’s safe to share her struggles, she may feel ready to open up more.
Trust that your kindness will be felt, even if she needs time. Remind yourself that your love and compassion are making a difference—even in the quietest of ways.
With empathy and warmth.