Appalachian Family interview-Amanda, Crystal and Robin
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Amanda, Crystal and Robin, an Appalachian family in McCreary County, Kentucky.
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#appalachia #softwhiteunderbelly #marklaita #addictionstruggles #swu #kentucky
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The little girl offering to pat the coughers back. And the ladys immediate reaction was to smile and hug the little girl❤❤ I might not understand what their life is like. But I understand love.
Awwww...@Michelle🥺❤
Poor child
@michellethayer7137 you made me cry, but a good cry because it seems like that's what the world really needs at this point, MORE LOVE!🩷🩷
I noticed that too... unfortunately often times little ones follow directly in their guardians footsteps! But that's the beauty of it Miss Kinzy if you read any of these by chance...you can do and be anything you want! ✌️
Me too 💓
I met this lady is SC through a friend. She invited me into her trailer and we talked for hours. She kept telling me how she wanted more out of life. She tried to go to college and didn't finish. No one is less than because of their socio-economic level.She showed so much hospitality.
I agree! The only thing I see wrong here is they shouldn't smoke around that little girl. Beyond that, I hope she achieves great things and continues to be a blessing to her family!
What part of SC?
You're 100% right. No one is less (or more for that matter) because of their economic status. I just wish with all my heart that people in the quote-quote "lower" status wouldn't think less of themselves.💔
Amen
@@cindys.9688 It's hard for them not to feel like that with the way people treat them, because they are different. Look at these comments alone. People need to think before they speak. I can only imagine what a day in their life is like.
When she said, "I tell ya hon, we had a rough life" I thought, that's an understatement. I felt that in my soul.
She made her life difficult. I know I'm her . She does drugs . Can't yoou tell a drugy
@@maryvernon6411 sure she decided to be in the car when she was 6 too. your probably on crack or something too go crawl back in your trailer
That first one has a full blown case of emphysema.
yes Ma'am,at first I couldn't understand everything said,but I understood their pain and it's so much
@@maryvernon6411 She was in a coma for 5 years after seeing her family pass away before her eyes. I know people make bad choices with drugs and substances, but bain damage is a challenging disability, on top of emotional trauma, it's hard to say any of us would do any different in the same circumstances.
You were very respectful with the interview with these women. We'll done.
He always is respectful. This guy is one class act. I’ve watched many of his videos
I agree
This dude is a class act. Hes always repectfull and never judges anyone
Bless you for the dignity with these women. 😊❤
Did anyone not get anything out of this but me? Too many comments on smoking. Yes smoking is bad, but this lady is getting over being sick. These people are poor just like me. I live in a trailer and never been happier. I ditched my abuser nine years ago. Single and don’t mingle. I learned a lot about these women’s life in less than thirty minutes. I don’t need to recap if you were paying attention. Please be kind. I see three women that hated where they came from and still dreaming to do better with their lives. And no one wants nor needs a man. The little girl is smart and intelligent and respectful. There’s hope for her future. Mom is going to school online to become a nurse. I was impressed. I hope to hear more from these ladies.
It’s easy to judge. We usually do so when we don’t understand. I would never condone harmful lifestyles, but some people are born with extreme limitations.
Yes..well said. Beautiful.
Nobody wants or needs a bad man, but a good man would be a blessing.
Best Part Is When She Praised Our Lord N Savior Jesus Christ 🙏🙏🙏Amen
@@baublesanddollsmaybe they roll they're own which is cheap...or they buy a cheap pack...🤷♀️
I am 73 and I am continually appalled at the depths of misery and pain that is visited upon the women of this world.
It's sad really
same, at 58
I guess the men don't matter.
@@barrycrane5908I guess we don’t lmao 🤣 that’s why our deletion rates are much higher, No one believe we matter, they believe we should be strong to endure everything.
@@drelocs2878This interview is about these women, I'm pretty sure, these are women. Although you can never tell these days. 💀That does not discredit the crap men deal with, including sexual assault and domestic violence against them.
I think sometimes we don't know how lucky we are.
Blessed is what I'd call it
You are so right!!
I see it online all the time. People complaining about everything.
"i hope we all make it".
I try and tell my 14 year old daughter this all the time
These ladies exude kindness, even after all the tragedies in their lives. Wish the best for all of them.
I grew up in a dysfunctional household in the projects. To a teen mom who married 4 times by the time i was 6 years old. I joined the army to gtfo. Never looked back. The military helped me learn how to be successful and paid for schooling.
Good for u
This is the most underrated comment on here. This, this, this, THIS. Military becomes your family too.
Thank you for your service. My family wasnt dysfunctional but we didn’t have money so the military helped me so much I am thankful for the opportunity & experience
so glad you made it out and found your purpose, helping others is how to keep going
Congratulations, you were born into a terrible situation & had the strength to get out... legally ❤️
“You have to forgive everyone for your own benefit “ a very valuable statement .
💯!!
I'm not there yet
I'm not there yet
@@ruth_southernstar most people will never get there. Start with positive thoughts. They will lead you to positive actions. Positive energy is being made and forgiveness is a result of all. May Jesus and Peace be with you. Amen 🙏🏼
@@rogieru8796 Thank you
Appalachian lady here & I'm proud of where I'm from and im still here. I love my people. We may be poor than ever but WE are forever rich with what we do have. ❤❤❤
You are the descendant of brave scotch/Irish who said no to slavery and escaped into the Appalachian mountains to live off the land. My people, who were also Irish, were stuck in NY to work factories.
You are precious!! I always say materials things don't matter it's the love in people's hearts and family that make someone rich!!! God Bless You!🙌🏻❤️
These ladies might have a IQ of 12 if you combine them! 😂
cope.
Well said AshleyMae! 💕💕💕 @Jeanette - Irish here too! ☘️
Kentuckian here…These three women live 2-1/2 hours from me and our lives could not be more different. I’m praying for them.
I'm in Louisville!
I know people in McCreary County who are nothing like this. More like Louisvillians.
The disparity between middle class and poor couldn’t be any bigger than in Kentucky.
I'm in Bonneville Kentucky
Help them If you can
Life can feel so heavy. These ladies have lived a 1000 sad old country songs. On a lighter note, we used to bring out the roll of tp when we were sick as kids. Mark, you are showing us the realities of this world with kindness and compassion. Thank you for giving them a voice.
'a 1000 sad old country songs' - poetry
Yes mark thank you for not making them feel belittled or made fun of . Your truly a man of integrity and compassion .
I still being out the roll....lol
I had parents who both died from lung cancer. These ladies have gotta give it up or they won't be here in a couple of years. They CAN do it! It would be nice if they had a few more years ahead of them.
Sometimes to live less and do the things we like is better than live longer. A lot things come with the age also.
I ❤ how proud the Mom is of the little daughter.
There is true motherly love there.
Of course there is!
💯💯💯💯💯🙏🏻
Please, God wrap your arms around this beautiful Kentucky women. And thank you so much Mark for showing sides of the world that most people would never see…
You would have done better by asking your god to put the trains breaks on earlier or maybe he could have stopped her sons car from rolling over and killing him, or maybe your god could have sunk sir Walter Rayleighs boat.
@@nomadsteve5297 You're an Atheist?? Life isn't easy, Syevie.
The opportune time for meaningful "arm wrapping" has come and gone. I guess Magic Sky Friend was busy somewhere else, probably punishing people for not sufficiently kissing up, I mean praising, His ever-caring and merciful self...
Will said
Thank you, amen
I see three Beautiful Women who came out of a horrific storm - the storm of their lives .......Yes they have some bumps & bruises (mental wounds) that will last a lifetime - as most of us do . But what shines through to me is that each one of them is a survivor 💪& they never lost Love for their family or others. Love & Forgiveness is the key to it all - these woman are rich in that& that is why they are survivors!!🩷✝️ And the little girl is precious & very caring & you can tell has much love in her heart. Beautiful Family & I pray the Lord will continue to watch over them & keep them safe, healthy & all together!! 🙏🩷✝️😘
Beautiful description❣️
Thank you, Mark, for featuring this family. I appreciate their honesty and I hope their lives improve for them as well.
Bless that little girl - looking to help her aunt while she’s coughing. At least they have each other x
❤amen
Each other? I grew up in a home just like this. That little girl has a better chance if she was left at a train station.
It was so sweet how she gave her a hug and was patting her in the back when she kept coughing.
A NURSE??
@@annmarie4794 Let's hope x
I can hear the pain in Crystals voice. The abuse she suffered from her ex and being so scared you have to pack up and move every time he found her. So sad and heartbreaking. These women have had a hard life. I pray that little girl can achieve her goals in life! And I pray they all can find healing from all the trauma they have experienced.
All I hear is coughing
I’m suprised law enforcement didn’t get involved
She’s smart and surrounded by strong women that seem to have a good head on their shoulders, the little girl will go far.
Come back and visit Mark! I run an outreach in McCreary County KY called Sanctuary of Service McCreary. We are a nonprofit that helps people just like these ladies all over McCreary County with food, clothing, shoes, school supplies, household items ect… We could really use your help! We just redistribute any donated items back to the community free of charge.
how can I donate. I have so much. I refuse to sell. I want to give.
@@mistymiller2281 Do you have a website or something of that nature that people could go to and donate?
Me too. Would love to donate ❤
Crystal is a true warrior. The three of them are. The humanity emanating from these three women is palpable. Their ordeals didn't turn them into bitter old ladies, quite the contrary.
Beautifully said
Love your take on this! 😊
Accidents, beatings, stabbings, shootings, addictions, brain damage…
Then the little girl spits out the word “paleontologist” with such certainty and clarity. 🤯
IF that girl becomes a paleontologist I will eat my hat. Give me a break. Try just finishing highschool, not getting pregnant, getting out of that trailor, and meeting some intelligent humans and that will be progress.
SO NEW VICTIMS TO MAKE MONEY OFF OF====SWU IS A SLEEZE-BALL
I hope she becomes one! I also hope she never picks up a cigarette
@@JJones-zg7yzarticulate.
Not asthma inhalers sitting right next to the cigarettes 😮😢😅 Lord help them...
Crystal has such a beautiful positive outlook...you can tell she is genuinely a loving and caring person...how she speaks about forgiveness is inspiring 🙏
Don't be fooled by the lie. They are druggies and alcoholics. I am Robin step mother and everything they said was a lie except the accident.but her dad wasn't in the accident. Robin's older sister Rhonda and her grandmother was killed the gentleman in the car survived but lost his legs Robin was in hospital for 3 months check the Dayton newspaper the wreck happened on April 23 1972 check the facts.
Crystal and her daughter, I have to just admire you, you’re working so hard to make a better life for yourself and your daughter, while helping to take care of your mom and your cousin.
Crystal sounds like you are trying hard to make positive changes for yourself and your daughter’s future. More power to you!
Jesus! These women give a new definition to the word surviving. I hope they find some joy in their lives. ❤️
These ladies have such good skin. Especially to have be smoking for years. And I how highly the mothers spoke of their daughters.
LADY I HOPE YOU WAKE UP YOU ARE DRAWN INTO THIS SITUATION SO MARK CAN MAKE GO FUND ME MONEY YOU STUPID HUMAN BEINGS OUT THERE
u call this surviving?
@@bcx1138 YOU CALL IT SPREADING YOUR LEGS TO GET WHAT YOU WANT WHETHER IT IS DOPE OR MONEY THESE ARE SCUMAGS PEOPLE AND YOU REALLY SHOULD WAKE UP YOU BRAIN DEAD HAG
This is bull it's all lies
That little girl looks so sweet.I love the way she was trying to help her aunt when she was coughing.❤️
That child looks stoned.
Who lets an 11 year old drink Mt Dew?
💚💚💚
She looks as messed up as the rest-very sad
Im sure you've heard this a million times mark . But thank you so much for the work you do today. Preserving history everyday . God bless your heart
It’s heartwarming to hear people revealing their authentic selves instead of hiding behind the whitewashed phony masks that most of us “better off” people wear our entire lives.
Thanks Amanda, Crystal, Robin, and precious McKenzie for inspiring me to keep things simple and real in this crazy complicated world.
Very well said 💜
Saying a prayer for this family
This is the most emotional and sad interview I’ve seen from you Mark
I have stage 4 colorectal cancer and have been through some major surgeries and another upcoming soon but I must say that I feel more compassion for these women than I do myself. I have free healthcare, disability and insurance monies and the best care yet these women are suffering. Breaks my heart and I pray that God blesses them and brings more comfort and strength in their fight for survival. I hope that little girl gets to be exactly what she wants to be and I'm happy to see that she has a Momma that tells her that she can do whatever she wants to do!
You have a wonderful attitude. May you be well.
I hope your health improves. God bless.
I don’t know you, or even your name. But I’m going to pray for you, for complete healing and miracles in mind, body, soul and spirit, in Jesus Christ name. You have a miracle coming, don’t give up, no doubt and keep faith. God bless you, Jesus loves you. Remember faith as small as a mustard seed will move a mountain.
They too no doubt get free healthcare, supplemental income and SNAP benefits. Not complaining or critiquing that. I'm just saying.
Ivermectin, look it up, cancer is parasites.
I'm glad to see they all have each other to lean on. I wish these ladies all the best. Life can be so hard, but we humans are pretty resilient. 🥰🌸
I can see there is a lot of Love in this family, and none of us are perfect, so thanks for interviewing this beautiful family that went through a ton of trauma and lived to talk about it.
Kinzie, keep those grades up, get a scholarship to college, get fuuuuuck outta there, and never, ever, put a cigarette in your mouth. Ever. I’m an ex smoker and it is the dumbest shit ever.
Great advice!! I smoked for 20 years and it was so hard to quit, but I did in 2016. Best decision I ever made. I could smell the cigarette smoke through the TV screen watching this.
This people should not be allowed to raise a child, can you imagine what will happen psychologically to the little girl.
Agreed 👍 nicotine is an evil task master.
@@theresekirkpatrick3337not exactly 😂
@@FuggRoundNfindOut idk why people hate the chemical not the delivery method, nicotine NOT from cigs is great shit
Now this would make a great non-smoking commercial
I was thinking the same 👍
Oh Amanda, you are a professional cougher.
I literally almost threw up…🤢
Facts I wouldn’t smoke if I saw this 😂😂😂
😂😂yeess
I just got diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, these people will outlive me. So people be nice, get over yourself and say something positive. Oh I NEVER smoked.
Ivermectin, seriously look it up.... cancer is parasites.
😢💔god bless your soul
Sorry to hear that
I’m so sorry to hear that, I hope your doing better, praying for you.
I'm so sorry you poor lady 🙏💐
This makes me realize how much we can take things for granted. My heart goes out to these people for being as strong as they have been through all thier struggles. ❤
These women are tougher than any man I’ve ever met. True strong, outstanding women
Most women are
Totally
Then you haven't met very many men.
Wow ginger, seriously .........
It's not so true. My niece Robin is lying. Her Dad never beat her. She's got brain damage and an alcoholic wanting funds to keep partying.
These types of videos really make me appreciate my parents and where I’m at in life and where I could be. Mark you a wholesome man! Thank you for sharing the most interesting people
This is why we need programs like SSI and be grateful to live in a country that supports them.
MARK IS A SCUMBAG OPPORTUNIST
This whole situation breaks my heart. Smoking with obvious health consequences, drug and alcohol addiction, poverty, abuse, the little girl drinking on a Mt Dew…
Great to hear there’s educated involved so hopefully McKenzie can also strive for a better life.
I've spent 90% of my life in the midst of folk just like these ladies. I've walked hollars and climbed mountains. Some in E. Kentucky, some closer to Lexington. Country people and hill people are some of the most generous, honest, and caring people you'll ever meet. Being poor is just life for a great number of people. Don't feel sorry these ladies. Yes they would appreciate having more scratch to work with, but even if they had plenty of money they would prolly move a little closer to town, and buy some things they've always wanted, but over all they, like myself don't need alot of material possessions to be happy. Most country people don't know they're poor until they get around people that make fun of their clothes, shoes (sometimes the lack thereof) or where they live. Good country people are born with a pep in their step and smiles on their faces. Most have a close realationship with Christ. When it comes to having "things" most of these folks'll tell ya, you can't miss something you've never had. As far as the smoking goes, nearly all my people smoke. Their parents did, and their parents did. Chewing tobacco too. When you work and live around berly all your life, and everyone you know smokes, chances are you're gonna pick it up also. Hang in there ladies. Keep pushing forward. Y'all look after one another. Ain't nobody else gonna.
One last thing. Drugs have devoured sooo many families in E. Kentucky. It's a hard scrabble life out there. These good people need REAL assistance.! Sorry for the rambling. I'm done now.
That was well said. Thank you
Love to you and yours always.
I enjoyed your rambling, very much
Tht is the best raamble i haave read in a very long time on here, thank you
Ramble anytime! I'll listen!! I'm in E Kentucky now and enjoy hearing this! Thank you!
Never judge others until you’ve walked in their shoes.
There are some things you can do to help yourself such as spending a lot of money on smokes.
This stuff tugs on my heart strings.
I judge you
@@karenaguilar8116 Didn't you hear them say they roll their own? About 40 cents a pack.
🙏🏽You are right. But if these were black people they would be DRUG!!!! I tell you. We’ve come so far but oh so NOT!!
I’m 35, and I’ve been smoking for 20 years. I’ve tried numerous ties to quit. I don’t want this for my future. I’ve quit hard drugs, but cannot quit the cigarettes. This scared me. What a fantastic PSA.
Kenzie, you go girl! Excited for an update on her sometime in the future. ❤
cigarettes are really difficult to quit, for some people close to impossible. Nicotine addiction is a very small part of it, thousands of other chemicals in cigs are also addictive. Im 48, heavy smoker since 18, but quit with help of patches and vapes close to 7 months ago. You can do that too, but for me it was the hardest thing Ive had to do in my life. Just keep trying and eventually you will succeed.
I smoked 10yrs. 9/6/98 was my last one. It's up to you to pick up a cig with your hands. Not nicotine. I still want one but I choose not to pick one up. You have the control of your arm, not the cig. I hope this helps
Start vaping and get your "ejuice" fr9m a reputable dealer like Dr Vape It. I did after smoking 40 yrs. Quit over night. Dr said he's never heard my lungs soo clear. It's been 12 yrs now and I definitely 0dont m8ss the cigs
Replace the habit. Walk around the block every time you have a cigarette urge. I wish you a smoke free future. It would be the best thing you could ever do for yourself, not to mention your loved ones. Good luck! ❤️
@@joeblow8206 when your brain says smoke, fight it - don't bring them in the house, don't hang out with smokers. Imagine the money spent on the cigarettes and what goals you can reach with that money.
other than smoking near a child, I really found this interview so fascinating- it's sad but beautiful how they keep going.
I don't know how Mark could sit in that room with all that cigarette smoke. My mom was a chain smoker and I got asthma from it. She died from COPD. I've hated cigarettes my whole life.
Amanda sounds like my mom did. If she doesn't have COPD yet she will. It's a horrible disease.
Mackenzie is a sweetheart. She takes good care of her aunt. I hope and pray that she realizes young that her opportunities living in KY are as good as anywhere else. It's all about her attitude about herself. She's smart and has a good heart. She'll do well for herself in KY...or anywhere.
These ladies are survivors. They're doing the best they can with what they have. Stopping smoking would save them money.
Thanks Mark for this profile of these 4 ladies. You are so respectful and kind. You ask the hard questions but not to condemn. It gives them a chance to be transparent. Much appreciated.
That coughing is terrible! Omg 😢
Amanda sd she just got over covid. Covid cough sucks
What I love about these gals is the love and support for each other. ❤❤❤❤
Love of their family.
THEY REALLY KNOW HOW TO CON YOU LESS INTELLIGENT PEOPLE
@@ROZIEROSE-bo3fjTake your ignorance elsewhere.
@@lindamangoldbooth7789 THE ONLY IGNORANT ONE IN THE ROOM IS A NAIVE MOORON LIKE YOURSELF
I live in this county and have for almost 43 years. FYI not everyone here had a horrible childhood. I had a near perfect childhood. We was dirt poor but my daddy worked his butt off to make sure we had EVERYTHING that WE needed. I was born and raised here by both parents and love it here. Wished we had more opportunities for poor individuals like these people.
Dirt poor is no way to be in a country as rich as America. Until these people stop voting against their own interests, and demand that the government provides healthcare, housing and education, nothing will change. The republicans want you poor dumb and sick.
Thank for letting the people of the Appalachian tell there story. Your doing a wonderful thing showing people the lives that need help in our country.
These ladies are about 20 min from my home born and raised here and damn proud of it!! PEOPLE LIKE US MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH BUT WHAT WE DO HAVE WE ARE BEYOND THANKFUL FOR!!! WE CHERISH EVERY LITTLE MOMENT IN LIFE & DONT TAKE ANYTHING FOR GRANTED!! WE MAY NOT HAVE THE LUXURIES IN THE WORLD LIKE OTHERS BUT WE ARE DOING GREAT WITHOUT IT WE CANT TAKE ALL THAT WITH US WHEN WE ARE CALLED HOME SO WHY HAVE IT WE DONT MISS WHAT WE HAVE NEVER HAD!!! WE ARE CONTENT JUST PEACEFUL COUNTRY LOVIN NATURE LOVIN PEOPLE ME MYSELF AS LONG AS I HAVE MY FAMILY, MY WATER RATHER IT BE RAIN WATER OR CREEK WATER TO BATHE MYSELF EVERYDAY & FOOD FOR ENERGY & SOME BOOKS OF WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE HEY IM ALL GOOD TO GO YES & SOME TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPORT YOUR SELF BUT IM FINE WITHOUT THAT I MEAN WHAT ELSE DO I NEED IN LIFE THAT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT I CANT LIVE WITH OUT?? MUCH LOVE TO ALL OUT THERE LOVE ONE ANOTHER BE KIND PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONES FACE TODAY U COULD JUST BE SAVING A PERSONS LIFE!!!!
The rich aren't so rich as you in many ways. When you're kind and throw that out into the world--that's everything.
You ppl in Kentucky need to start voting out those politicians who have done nothing to help your lives while they're living high on the hog and only help the special interests groups.
I'm from a little town in Kentucky that didn't have 300 people in it and we burned wood and coal for heat and a fan in the window for air conditioning and we ate what we grew and had a hard dug well that we would drop a bucket down in and we hunted and fish but don't get me wrong my dad did work at a sawmill and when I was old enough I started working at the same sawmill and logging.we were dirt poor and I wouldn't change any of it
❤️🙏❤️
For real. My deep rooted Southern family had NOTHING in Western NC…late 10 kids from early 1900’s-1930’s it was rough for them. Yet they had it all in family and community 💜.
I love my people. Given the chance to be ourselves, we are capable of so much more. In another time, these ladies would be outside the cabin in cotton dresses, happily raising children and a garden in the warm mountain sunshine. Gods bless Appalachia.
No one goes outside anymore . My Granny was born and raised there and they always worked outside in the gardens . Now people rarely go outside , they don’t even mow the lawns anymore. Just get food stamps and stay in doors .
I bought an Aura frame for my elderly parents several years ago. They loooove it and it still works perfectly. I can upload photos to it from my phone whenever I want.
Mother has Alzheimer’s and I believe it helps her to see us daily as we live several hours away. 10000% recommend.
That’s very nice to say!
Our daughter bought one for us. It is amazing!!
these people have a bigger hearts than most even a little girl was so loving and kind and concerned about her family member coughing, and went to go help her and hugged her❤️🙏🏼
I love hearing people's stories. My grandmother was from Georgia, so I recognize some similarities in their regional accent. Thank you for the introduction and stories! Amanda has such a beautiful smile, Crystal has a wonderful positive outlook, and Robin's eyes are crystal blue like a lake! And the young girl has thee most amazing blonde hair! I wish you all a peaceful and loving life!
I have a brand new wheelchair that my husband who has passed away used one time. It was a twenty-five k wheelchair. I would donate. God Bless these woman.
You wouldn't say that if you knew the whole story.
@@maryvernon6411not true, you can still be kind to people who have done wrong
@Conway1848 I am kind to Robin but I haven't seen her in over 15yrs.. the way she defamed my brother and her Dad I don't care if I ever see her again, she is a drunk and a drug user.
@@maryvernon6411she admitted that she used opioids & is in recovery (thats why she is on suboxone- unfortunately that medication makes ur teeth fall out but its better than addiction) How did she lie on your family?
Bless their hearts, you can clearly see Mckenzie's mum what's a better life for her, the love and empathy is evident between them all. ❤
You show such kindness and respect for these people whose stories need to be told.
My grandpa had a cough like that. He'd been a smoker since he was 9 years old. That type of cough caused an artery to burst, blood was everywhere and he died later that night at the hospital 😢. I pray she gets the help she needs. Bless this family
She's literally dying slowly...please help her with that cough....
My grandfather passed away in 1995 at 63 who was a smoker probably about the age of your grandfather when he started smoking he smoked three packs of Benson and hedges a day I don't even think they make those anymore but anyway he died the doctor's back then called it black lung which I think today we call it copd, emphysema sorry about your grandfather
I'm sorry for your grandpa.
@@londarayray6503 I agree please help her she needs it fast
I've been smoking since I was 9. I'm 51 now. I've only made 3 attemps to quit in all these years. First 2 times about 25-30 years ago, I was only able to stop for 2 weeks until giving up. And I used chewing tobacco for the 2 weeks I wasn't smoking. But this last attempt about 2 years ago. I was able to make it for a month and 3 days before giving up. But I did it with the patch and nicotine gum instead of chew that time. But anyhow your comment about your grand dad struck a nerve with me. And I'm gonna try with gum and patch again. I'm going try to make it 2 months this time. Thanks for sharing and I'm sorry for your loss.
After watching these ppl and how their lives have been it amazes me how much ppl complain about nothing. U just don’t realize how good u have it.
This is Appalachia! This is East Kentucky! No matter how much you crush us, we will rise up and light a cigarette! (But we seriously need to stop smoking)
God bless these women. This is a story of triumph! Kenzie will do wonderful things and continue to be a blessing on her family!
thank god i dont smoke anymore, i quit 14 years ago and havent lit up a cigarette since, i exercise, drink water, watch what i eat and keep myself active, not everyone in kentucky is dumb and stupid, some people were not able to graduate high school, hell imagine having to afford college? you cant do that with being poor. but it's random for everyone. kentucky gets a bad rap about everything, but the entire world has good and bad things in it.
Had to tap out that gurgle cough was turning my stomach 🤢
Praying for these ladies and especially the little girl ❤
If injuries incest or drinking doesn’t get the Appalachian community the smoking will
🤣🤣🤣@@arielhague-balfour1907
I live in southwest Virginia right on the VA/KY line and the amount of poverty is East Kentucky is astounding! It is sad.
These ladies issues seem to be from trama, poverty, health and generational curses. The love they have helps get them through life. May God bless them all.
Love your curiosity & freedom Mark, how you feel free to interview whoever you want to, no matter what people think. And you always do it with great respect and benevolence.
Well said!
Bless these ladies. I can't take the coughing anymore, I'm out.
Mark: "Amanda so you avoided all this tragety"
Amanda: Yes, I was only stabbed 16 times
Yeah I caught that like wth 👀
Yep
100% there’s so much more going on here.
Sweet Jesus.
Hmmm.. I'm from Detroit, saying hmmm...
Crystal- I hope you get the chance to read this. I just wanted you to know that I am so proud of you. Despite the tragedies and trauma youve experienced, you have evolved and changed for the better. This is a damn near impossible thing to do for most ppl in your situation. Im a recovering addict , too, and was on Saboxonne for over 3 years. Im a miracle just lije you andyour mom are. Your resilience, humility, honesty and love for your daughter is inspiring. I wanted you to know that you have inspired me. I pray you are able to stay clean… but ALWAYS re,ember that if you pick up at any point, you can always stop again. I relapsed sooo many times while trying to get clean. I necer believed i could live a life without drugs and alcohol. But next week, i will be 9 years lean and sober. Ive been in jails, hospitals, rehabs…. It took me 15 years before I could celebrate one year clean. Take it ne day at a time, and if you mess up, start over. You can do it. I can tell …. You area bad ass woman. Despite all you’ve been through, you keep your faith and take care of the people around you. Dont punish yourself for the past… keep looking forward. McKenzie is a beautiful smart young lady. I think shes going to go places.
I despise Mitch McConnelfor not takingcare of his constituents in KY. You lovely people deserve better. My family is from Paducah..l but we are in San Diego, CA now. But KY is where our generational soul will always be.
God bless you, Amanda, McKenzie and your sweet mother.
These are some strong ladies. They remind me of my Granny. They keep on keepin on despite their circumstances.
I enjoy your interviews from the Appalachians! I live in a small county in southwest Virginia that borders Ky. I work for the county sheriff's office. I see a lot of people here I think you would enjoy interviewing. You are an awesome human being, thank you for your kindness.
These ladies are survivers . They need help in the area of health and maybe nutrition. Smoking is really bad and they need to go outside for that if they won't quit. That's a lot of money and I wonder how they can afford it .I hope there is an agency that checks on there welfare and helps them in healthy living. They sure seem like kind folks and need kind people to help them.
I felt so sorry for Amanda and her cough. I remember having bad bronchitis in college and I had coughing fits like that. And I wasn't a smoker. Bless her heart.
I had a lot of bronchitis in college cuz I smoked.
Serious cough more like COPD smoking doesn’t help hope she stops sending healing prayers🙏❤️🙏❤️
I have had a really difficult life as an adult, but nothing what these ladies are going through on a daily basis. But with that said they seem to be fairly happy. I applaud their openness and honesty. May God Bless them and keep them safe and prayers that their lives come better and easier.
These ladies are so sweet and kind. I think it’s awesome how they stick together, you can tell they’re very close. May God bless them and protect all of them🙏🏻💕🩷
Thanks to this family for allowing us into their personal lives. I really hope Mackinzie does well in life.
One can see this family has had a rough life. Hopefully in time their lives get better. I hope and pray that Kenzie's dream comes true. Great Interview, Mark!
Kenzie can go go to Berea College with no tuition. My dad went there. We had an income during the depression.
I didn't ever go hungry. Then I married well, a man who worked. Now I'm a widow, and I don't lament.
They may be poor and not living in the best conditions but i can feel the love they have for each other bless them
Very hard to watch. I feel so sheltered from a lot of the stuff you post. Very humbling and I’m thankful for the life I have.
Mark, I loved the way you carried that sponsorship out for the photo product. I'd buy it for sure.❤ And Thank you for humanistically and compassionately framing another family in America worthy of being heard.❤
I grew up around smoke lots, my dad smoked 3 pcks a day Exporta. My brother's & I are still alive & doing great. This little girl is amazing. Love is the thing that makes us great & thrive. The saying is don't judge . These ladies would give the shirts off there backs for someone in need. Be very proud of yourself, love yourself & the people around you. God Bless these 3 ladies & that precious little girl. It was do nice to hear mom say she is so proud of her baby girl. May your son RIP. He is an angel watching over his mother sister grandmother & aunt ❤❤❤❤❤❤
This is the best comment on this video. Never have I read more judgmental comments. These are survivors. They could be doing a lot worse than this - like many people do - in front of a child.
Thank you. Well said!
I didn’t get that impression about them giving a shirt off their back. They know exactly how much their rent is. They chain smoke all day every day and pay for it on the 1st of the month.
Not that they need to help anyone other than themselves anyway.
But I guess good for you to have such naive faith in people.
I was born and raised in the hollers of West Virginia. I left and moved to Hollywood at 17 with my old green Samsonite suitcase, polyester blouse, and big hair....That was over 50 years ago. I keep my holler roots. As they say you can take the girl out of the holler but you can't take the holler out of the girl. I loved this interview. They remind me so much of the family I grew up with. Thank you for your wonderful interviews.
Oh my goodness, this is so sad, I'm stressed just watching and listening to this. Someone please take Amanda to the doctor, she is not well and not recovering, this is stressful on her heart. The smoking and the tragedy in their lives, I can't imagine.
I think she has a very serious problem with her thyroid doesn't have to be a doctor to see that. Amanda May you have hypothyroid?
Cycle of poverty and trauma. Smoking (children breathing it in), Mountain Dew, lack of education, substance use, foster care, and other constant calamities. Hoping Kinzie is able to break from the cycle.
And meth. Can't leave that out. When they stopped the mining, people lost good paying jobs. Now they just collect government checks and stay high.
SHE WILL NOT SHE WILL BE PREGNANT BEFORE SHE IS 16
... and yet things could be much worse than drinking a mountain dew and being around smoke, believe it or not
Mt Dew contributes to cardiac heart issues in all socio-economic levels. Definitely the devil in soda bottle.
Man....I have 2 masters degrees and I love mountain dew...lol. I didn't realize it was considered white trash until I was like 25 and worked at Applebee's. Haha
Ladies I enjoyed meeting each of you and hearing your stories. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with the rest of the world ❤
These videos show the reality of how generational cycles and traumas impact the next generation. Great video. Looking forward to watching more of this family.
How sad and tragic all of this. All these women have done is suffer. I think they all smoke because of pure stress and depression. I really do. Could be wrong but that's what I think some coping mechanism. Mark, this is really an interesting family with an interesting story to tell. Thank you.
I agree, they've had terrible lives for the most part.
I lived a similar life of childhood abuse and rape. I knew exactly what I wanted in life and that was not live the hell I lived as a small child. As soon as I turned 18 I joined the military and never returned home. 🏠 I’ll keep Makenzie in my prayers that she too is able to make a good life for herself.
God bless this family.
And God bless you too!
I came from a home of child abuse also. No rape though. So sad for your pain. I went in the Navy after high school. I knew that was the only way to get a education, get away from home and have a roof over my head and Travel. Never regretted it. As you, I never went back "home" to live. Became a RN and retired from VA hospital after 31 years.
@@carolynBulldog5 congratulations on all of your accomplishments and success. Thank you for your service.
Thank you for showing us the diversity (and inequality) in our country. Makes me realize how blessed I am and how my troubles pale in comparison. I wish better for these people.
I agree. I hope you have a beautiful day sweetheart
I feel so extremely fortunate , all of my family is in Appalachia. Every time I go back to visit my heart bleeds for them. They are stuck. Pls pls pls get that lady to a Dr
Bless these ladies hearts. It’s sad but there are so many people, more than you could ever imagine that have and had hard lives like these.
I totally understand the struggle of getting off SSI because once u start working all the
assistance u were getting such as medical, food, energy etc. comes to an end and in the
long run u dont have enough money to pay for all that. It sucks that the assistance cant help for
at least a year to help get a person back on their feet. Hope to see an update on this family!
Nobody can live off one job when it's min wage. So they get a couple of jobs (sometimes more). It is a sad state of affairs in this country that it's so hard to just get by. The rich get richer. But also, that youngest woman is 40 years old and has spent her whole like on welfare. Too many people like that, draining the system. She's able bodied but chose drugs. That's where her "assistance" was going. And apparently still is (hence the sunglasses).
@@tangie06_33 she said she used to work so, nice assumption there and sunglasses don't mean that you're on drugs, again nice assumption..people like you are part of the problem in society, always give people the benefit of the doubt until they give you a reason not to..only god can judge people and you're not god so stop trying to judge others
Mark, bless you for telling these folks’ stories. You have an incredibly big heart.
This is one of the best interviews ive seen mark do. I was engrossed. I fo love the people like rebecca it bitter sweet tragic and funny.
It is nice to have reminders of the starkness of life.
Taking note of what we have in common us and not what separates us. Thanks to all of you ladies for sharing your lives w us all. As always, thanks to Mark. Mark has great compassion🙏
Well said
Thank you Mark for doing the interview but thank you so much ladies for sharing your life stories with us, I am praying and rooting for each of you! Much much love and many blessings
Matter what happens in life. Be positive because it could always be worse.
I know that’s right! 👏👏👏
Crystal I am so incredibly proud of you for trying to give your little girl a better life and for getting yourself better. God bless you.
Just felt like crying all through this interview. I wish these sweet ladies well. I know something about abuse as a child and spouse.
I had to rewind the video several times to see who was whom, who was the youngest, and was the mother of whom. You feel for them and want McKenzie to succeed. Wonderful video. More please. Love Robin!
Me too
This makes me think about how the life expectancy is so low in Appalachia. Amanda needs a doctor yesterday, but there might not be a doctor anywhere close, or they might not have insurance. Life can be cruel man.
There is Appalachian Regional Hospital and for trauma cases and things the regional hospital can't handle they airlift to Lexington KY to UK
If they are on SSI, they qualify for and likely have Medicaid. But they have a hard time getting to a medical facility. Hospitals are far away, doctors are far away. And in some states the government has turned down Medicaid expansion which has led to closures of hospitals and medical facilities. The Republicans, the party of life.
Doctors are crooks in Kentucky. They pass out 'scripts for pain meds, then the pills re sold, people are addicted, and so on, and so on. If a good doctor knows and does nothing, he or she is a guilty party and needs to straighten up and fly right.
@@jenniferloftus2363They have medical care in their county. No place for politics here.
@fiddycent6307
I agree, but it is a true statement
And well done for changing your life, Generally Speaking. You deserve a medal for coping with abuse and still retain your dignity and humanity.
We need more people like you.
Am in the UK, so a long way away, but I wish you all the best.
I listen to these while I'm working. When I heard "He shot my mom" my head snapped up so fast. Poor mom.
Mark thank you for showing us the true resilience of this family. They have endured so much, things that many of us can’t imagine. God bless them.
Mark, you have the best interviews than anyone…you ask the right questions that people want to know, thank you
Did a 2.5 year missions trip to SE Kentucky (Leslie County) 💜 can't wait to go back and visit! Love love love Appalachia! Appreciate the respect shown to these strong women. These people suffer things MOST people but even MOST Americans wouldn't even consider to still be possible here and they do so without complaint. I wish I could just hug them so tight.