Fifty-two weeks later,
I pass the crack in the sidewalk
where you asked me,
“Can I hold your hand?”

I look for a sign in the clouds
that it all meant something.

I have resorted to blocking
anyone who entertains tarot cards
or attempts to convince me that
the way you looked at me
meant that you felt it too.

As of March 27, 2025, a total of 483 confirmed cases of measles have been reported by twenty (20) jurisdictions in the United States: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

There have been five (5) outbreaks (defined as three [3] or more related cases) reported in 2025 and 93% of confirmed cases (447 of 483) are outbreak-associated.

Total Cases
483

Age (Years)
<5: 157 (33%)
5-19: 204 (42%)
>20: 111 (23%)
Unknown: 11 (2%)

Hospitalizations
<5: 25% (40 of 157)
5-19: 9% (18 of 204)
>20: 10% (11 of 111)
Unknown: 9% (1 of 11)

Deaths
2

Vaccination Status
One dose: 1%
Two doses: 2%
Unvaccinated/Unknown: 97%

Source: CDC (Abridged/Edited)

Children who experience parental neglect often struggle with emotional regulation, forming healthy relationships, and developing a sense of self-worth.

Children who are emotionally neglected may feel disconnected from their emotions and struggle to trust others, leading to long-term challenges in building meaningful connections. As adults, they may feel chronically misunderstood and disconnected, which can perpetuate struggles in developing healthy relationships.

This unresolved trauma (trauma-driven behaviors) can draw them toward abusive or neglectful romantic relationships.

Source: Choosing Therapy (Abridged/Edited)