Happy Monday morning!
If there is ever a series of hours that can be quantifiably considered as the most-hated hours of the week, it would be the poor numbers that comprise of every Monday morning. I’ve never been one to wholeheartedly share those sentiments, but I can understand those who do.
For most, Monday mornings mark the end of relaxing weekends full of good company, indulging hobbies, and hours of free time. They also serve as a blatant billboard of loud letters that mock you with the unfortunate reality of five long, cruel days before the weekend emerges again. What’s more, is the morning hours are often hardest to overcome – the echoes of dreams still floating through a foggy mind, and the warmth of the cosy bedsheets still reaching out to you. With that perspective, I can fully understand those who see Monday mornings as the detestable hours.
But not so today.
This Monday morning marks 7 days until Christmas, and with the giant snowflakes falling from the clouds, the soft blanket wrapped around my shoulders, and the warm cup of coffee in my hand, I can honestly say that this is a very happy Monday morning indeed.
Additionally, this happy Monday morning marks the final section to my series: the last five stories featured on the Humans of Ottawa page. I know the stories well. I have read and re-read their words, re-living the moments every time I look at the photos. Each time I do, I am struck again and again of the importance and significance that the faces hold. The impact that their stories can have – and will have. And their stories give me so much joy.
Perhaps their stories can encourage you too, on this very happy Monday morning.
“Sometimes when I think of that day, I am scared. People tell me that I might die. But I tell them to wait and see what happens.”
“We were married for 16 years before we divorced. It was because of gender-based violence. He was unfaithful, and stealing money for himself. We had seen counsellors, but eventually I knew he was never going to change. I just wanted to be free. Being alone is not easy. Sometimes we still go hungry. But now I have learned how a marriage should work, and I am raising my children to see the difference.”
“Both of my previous husbands were unfaithful. It was so painful for me. When they would never be at home, I could just tell that they were with another woman. I don’t know why anyone would cheat. But my children have been gifts from God. It has not been a struggle to raise them, though I am always worried about having enough food.”
“We encourage mothers to give birth at the facility instead of at home, because here they can be properly helped. Sometimes they won’t come because there is no transportation, sometimes because they don’t think they need to. I think it is a matter of ignorance – they just don’t know. Or, they think that they have the experience. They will say, ‘No, this is my 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th child, I already know what to do.’ But if something happens, I would rather them be here at the facility so we can help.”
“Sometimes, you hear a rumor about your spouse, maybe they were here with that person, or there with another. But you can’t just believe it. You must ask them and be open about it. We trust each other. Growing our garden has helped us work better together too. I dig the ground, and my wife will take away all the weeds. Then we plant the seeds together. Communication is a big thing for couples. For us, we feel free to tell each other what we want or don’t want.”
And thus concludes the series!
I can’t wait to share their full stories with you! So much more is to come.
As always,
Caitlin Arlene
Caitlin Arlene 
Mr & Mrs. Makiaka words state what is true across all cultures concerning marriage. Trust, working together not only physically but relationally and spiritually, and communication will always be the cornerstones to successful relationships.I loved having the opportunities to see these truths from across the world reflected in the sharing of small personal quotes
LikeLike