Vladimir Nabovok's The Damm Family In Their Car

Vladimir Nabovok has said that “Common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.” If this indeed is true, then how are we to make the most out of this short illuminated interval? Many of us are dealt modest hands, and we live through this window in a simple and content fashion while pursuing our goal and forming our very own destiny. Few lucky ones are given hands that are much envied upon by the rest of us. They are able to live a life of extravagance, yet they feel as if there is much more to be desired. Others are dealt less favorable odds, and live out an invariably stark existence, having difficulties finding the silver lining in their dispiriting condition. Such is the fate …show more content…
In fact, it is a dangerous lifestyle. You will have forfeited that sense of security by default, and on top of that, the overwhelming hardship and stress that comes with such a life will quickly take a toll on you. Such effects are permeating through the following picture. Titled “The Damm Family in Their Car”, the photograph is haunting. The look of despair in the eyes of the Damm children is heart wrenching. Upon doing some research on the picture, there was in fact a story from Time magazine attached to this photo. The Damm family had been on the road for quite some time. They would live in their car and sleep on the side of the road, eat moldy food, and live from one welfare check to the next. Finally the parents have had enough and decided to get some training at a technical school that was offered through social services. During this time they attempt to find an apartment for rent. Many readers of the Time were touched by the story, and showed their care by donating the Damms $9,000, 2 used cars, and a bunch of furniture. Sadly, four months later the Damms were once again living on the streets. Sources said they spent the money and sold the furniture for drugs. In the end, the children are the real victims of this merciless cycle. They are denied 3 meals a day, a hot shower, an education, and most importantly their childhood. But they do not complain. In fact, they even take on the role of being protective guardians for their unfit parents. Talk about irony. Although these are reasons enough to evoke an up roar, there is actually little outsiders can do to save these children from their unfit parents. It is like watching a train heading for a cliff, and all we can do is