Looking for the Light at the end of the Tunnel

The weekend is over and I think I'm actually doing a little better. Instead of staring at the counter of food from the food bank, I'm immersed in my job. I normally just graze my breakfast and lunch at my desk at work, then have a heartier meal at dinnertime. I had a bowl of oatmeal and a peanut butter and jam bun for breakfast and lunch. Supper was a can of vegetable soup and toast. We also splurged on a glass of milk each. It's hard to believe a glass of milk can taste so good.

We found the weekend was as emotionally challenging as it was physical. We've come to take for granted we can eat what we want, when we want. Over the weekend, it felt like our rights were taken away. We lost control of the most basic of needs. We lost control of our lives. It's that feeling of helplessness combined with the lack of nutrition that make this whole experience hard to digest.

But today I see the light at the end of the tunnel: a light that is much fainter for people on social assistance. It's easy for me to accept my plight, because I know it's all going to end in just a few days. There's also the relief that my children are eating nutritious lunches. I chose to participate in this challenge. Unfortunately there are thousands of families who don't have the choice.