Life's Philosophy

Life's Philosophy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Life's Philosophy, Digital creator, Maysan.

In July 1945, a group of 13-year-old girls went camping in America. They swam in a river in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The gir...
20/06/2025

In July 1945, a group of 13-year-old girls went camping in America. They swam in a river in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The girl in front of the photo is named Barbara Kent. What none of the girls knew was that nearby, the U.S. military was testing a nuclear bomb as part of the Manhattan Project.

Barbara later spoke about what happened that day:
“We were all just shocked… then suddenly, there was a big cloud above us and strange lights in the sky,” she remembered. “It even hurt our eyes to look up. The whole sky looked strange, like the sun came out all at once, but really bright.”

A few hours later, white flakes started to fall from the sky. The girls were excited. They thought it was snow. They put on their swimsuits and went back to the river to play. “We grabbed the white stuff and put it on our faces,” Barbara said. “But instead of being cold like snow, it was hot. We just thought it was hot because it was summer. We were only 13.”

But those flakes were radioactive dust—fallout from the nuclear bomb test. It had exploded at 5:29 a.m. on top of a 100-foot tower, about 40 miles away in the Jornada del Mu**to valley. The site had been chosen because people thought it was far from where anyone lived. But thousands of people actually lived nearby—some only 12 miles away. No one warned them. No one was told to leave before or after the test, even though the fallout kept falling for days.

Every single girl in that photo got cancer. All of them died before they turned 30, except Barbara. She lived longer, but she also had cancer more than once. People often remember the horrible effect of the bombs dropped on Japan, but many forget what it cost those living near the first tests in the U.S.

One man, Dapo Michaels, was fascinated by science and worked on the project. He didn’t understand the full impact at the time. But once he did, it haunted him. He felt deep guilt and couldn’t forgive himself. He became mentally unwell and had to live in a hospital. He died there a few years later.

The same thing happened in Maralinga, Australia. Many Aboriginal people likely died from cancer caused by nuclear tests, but no one kept track, and we may never know how many.

Somewhere there is a woman: she is 30, no children. People ask her, "Still no kids?" Her response varies from day to day...
01/09/2023

Somewhere there is a woman: she is 30, no children. People ask her, "Still no kids?" Her response varies from day to day, but it usually includes forced smiles and restraint. "Nope, not yet," she says with a chuckle, muffling her frustration. "Well, don't wait forever. That clock is ticking, ya know," the sage says before departing, happy with herself for imparting such erudite wisdom. The sage leaves. The woman holds her smile. Alone, she cries. . .

Cries because she's been pregnant 4 times and miscarried everyone. Cries because she started trying for a baby on her wedding night, and that was 5 years ago.

Cries because her husband has an ex-wife and she has given him children. Cries because she wants desperately to try in vitro but can't even afford the deposit. Cries because she's done in vitro (multiple rounds) and still has no children.

Cries because her best friend wouldn't be a surrogate. "It would be too weird," she said. Cries because this issue causes friction in her marriage.

Cries because the doctor said she's fine, but deep inside she knows it's her. Cries because her husband blames himself, and that guilt makes him a hard person to live with. Cries because all her sisters have children.

Cries because one of her sisters didn't even want children. Cries because her best friend is pregnant. Cries because she got invited to another baby shower. Cries because her mother keeps asking, "Girl, what are you waiting on?" Cries because her in-laws want to be grandparents. Cries because her neighbor has twins and treats them awful.

Cries because 16-year-olds get pregnant without trying. Cries because she's an amazing aunt. Cries because she's already picked out names. Cries because there's an empty room in her house. Cries because there is an empty space in her body. Cries because he'd be a great dad. Cries because she'll be a great mother, but isn't.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Somewhere else is another woman: 34, five children. People say to her, "Five? Good Lord! I hope you're done!" And then they laugh. . .
because those types of comments are funny. The woman laughs too, but not in earnest. She changes the subject, as she always does, and gives the disrespect a pass. Just another day.
Alone, she cries. . .

Cries because she's pregnant with another and feels like she has to hide the joy. Cries because she always wanted a big family and doesn't see why people seem to be disturbed by it.

Cries because she has no siblings and felt profoundly lonely as a child. Cries because her Granny has 12 and she'd love to be just like her. Cries because she couldn't imagine life without her children, but people treat her like they're a punishment. Cries because she doesn't want to be pitied. Cries because people assume this isn't what she wanted. Cries because they assume she's just irresponsible.

Cries because they believe she has no say. Cries because she feels misunderstood. Cries because she's tired of defending her private choices. Cries because she and her husband are perfectly capable of supporting their family but that doesn't seem to matter. Cries because she's tired of the "funny" comments.

Cries because she minds her own business. Cries because she wishes others would mind theirs. Cries because sometimes she doubts herself and wonders if she should have stopped two kids ago. Cries because others are quick to offer criticism and slow to offer help. Cries because she's sick of the scrutiny.

Cries because she's not a sideshow. Cries because people are rude. Cries because so many people seem to have opinions on her private life. Cries because all she wants to do is live in peace.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Another woman: 40, one child. People say to her, "Only one? You never wanted anymore?"

"I'm happy with my one," she says calmly, a rehearsed response she's given more times than she can count. Quite believable. No one would ever suspect that alone, she cries. . .

Cries because her pregnancy was a miracle. Cries because her son still asks for a brother or sister. Cries because she always wanted at least three. Cries because she always wanted at least three. Cries because her second pregnancy had to be terminated to save her life. Cries because her doctor says it would be "high-risk." Cries because she's struggling to care for the one she has.

Cries because sometimes one feels like two. Cries because her husband won't even entertain the thought of another. Cries because her husband died and she hasn't found love again. Cries because her family thinks one is enough. Cries because she's deep into her career and can't step away. Cries because she feels selfish.

Cries because she still hasn't lost the weight from her first pregnancy. Cries because her postpartum depression was so intense. Cries because she can't imagine going through that again.

Cries because she has body issues and pregnancy only exacerbates it. Cries because she still battles bulimia. Cries because she had to have a hysterectomy. Cries because she wants another baby, but can't have it.

__________________

These women are everywhere. They are our neighbors, our friends, our sisters, our co-workers, our cousins. They have no use for our advice or opinions. Their wombs are their own. Let's respect that.

Address

Maysan

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Life's Philosophy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category