The authors write, "there was a significant decrease in depression and increase in family functioning scores from before to after the intervention” (Thastum, Mikael, et al 1). “Pilgrims” is a great example of the negative consequences when children are left to wonder and deal with the emotions related to their sick parent on their own.
In “Pilgrims” when the children are left to fend for themselves and navigate their emotions and fears on their own, their negative emotions take a dark turn. In “Pilgrims” the author gives evidence of both physical and emotional neglect by using repeated references to the children being skinny and dirty. The children come time after time seeking an emotional connection with their parents, but the parents appear to be so caught up in their own tragedy they have forgotten that the children are going through misery of their own. No one seeks out the children to ask how they are feeling or what can be done to help them have less grief and worry. The children handle their neglect and bottled up emotions by comforting or hurting each other. Authors Kathleen, McCue and