🖋️ The Reckoning Room

This Is What Happens When You’re Everyone’s Lifeline

On the toll of emotional labour, the invisibility of caregiving, and the way women, especially, are expected to carry everyone else’s weight while barely allowed to stumble under our own.

This morning began like so many others do, for women who are quietly holding entire ecosystems together.

A friend called, not okay. Crying. Spiralling. Desperate.

I stayed on the phone for 45 minutes, keeping her grounded while I got myself ready to take my mother to church. Then, just before 10 a.m., she called again. Said she couldn’t face opening the store she works at. I asked her if she wanted me to come. She said yes.

So I went.

I stood beside her while she tried to hold it together in retail, in public, with customers watching. I kept her upright, and invisible, so the world wouldn’t see the unravelling. I held the weight so no one else would have to.

Then I left to pick up my mother.

Then took her shopping.

Then helped her with tasks at home.

Then fielded calls from my daughter, who was also struggling.

Then from my husband, who needed help with a medical issue.

Then I remembered the woman from the morning. The one who said she couldn’t sleep. Who asked if I could bring her something to help calm her body and mind.

So I did.

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If you’ve ever found yourself holding space for everyone else while no one holds it for you - this one is for you.

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