19 Comments
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Susan Niemann's avatar

HEARTBREAKING. I know it happens. I was victimized by my crazy father....and I served on a volunteer board assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. America is NOT the great country some want to think it is. Well done essay and valuable information.

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Thank you, Susan. My brother and sister were like kids from a different family. I did not belong. I left out the part where she beat me in the name of JESUS on a regular basis.

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Susan Niemann's avatar

I’m so sorry-my father was a crazy angry drunk. You never knew what would set him off. I’m proud of how you and I came out of all that! ❤️

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

As I am of YOU! xoxo

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Thalia Toha's avatar

Sharon, So sorry to hear about the hungry nights in your childhood. So thankful for your siblings. I have a friend who did that to her kid and now she has an eating disorder and has an odd habit of under-eating. Definitely a huge problem! So grateful you brought this to light. Very important work!

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Thanks, Thalia!

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Thalia Toha's avatar

Absolutely, Sharon. Hope you’re in good health otherwise and are gearing up for a lovely summer?

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

One kid, 2 grand kids! 😊

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Thalia Toha's avatar

Oh, I heard grandkids are really fun! How old. I hope you get to see them often?

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

No it loves my raised bed cart!

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Thalia Toha's avatar

Don’t tell me that you built the raised bed cart, too!? Some of my friends do and that’s always been absolutely inspiring!

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Yes thanks! Gardening is my zen time!

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Thalia Toha's avatar

That’s always a good zen time, Sharon! I’ve had mild success with cilantro. Not so much tomatoes though for some reason. Any particular plants that seem to respond well to your green thumb? 👍

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Orchids indoors & Bok Choi & spinach outdoors 🌱

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Thalia Toha's avatar

Oh! You’re the first person I know who does bok choy outdoors! Is it fairly difficult to do, Sharon?

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

It was a kit and yes, I assembled it. Good thing ive put together lots of kids toys!🤣

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Thalia Toha's avatar

True, Sharon! You have a lot of kids yourself? They can turn anyone into a woodsmith for sure! 😅

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Jennifer J. Brown, PhD's avatar

Such a critical issue where I live, thank you for raising these urgent action steps. More than one million living in New York City use SNAP to buy their food, and in the City approximately 25% of children still live in poverty, according to govt stats. It is heart breaking. I am so sorry to hear what you endured and hope we can all find ways to help protect children better.

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Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

I’m praying sanity will prevail.

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