Oh, Maureen, I am so touched that you enjoyed this. I’m glad to find a kindred spirit. Sometimes a little Solstice magic comes my way. Happy holidays. ❤️
Maureen, you are so right. Things happen. It can take years to get past the shame and self-blame and to stop being cruel to ourselves. We try so hard. My wish for the New Year is that we all start loving ourselves and become vulnerable again. ❤️
Oh yes, the blame and shame is a hurdle for sure. One day at a time. Sometimes one breath at a time! Becoming vulnerable is a lovely intention to sprinkle into the world, Mary. I’ll write about that today in my drafts. 😉
My kids are the best. I have to say, though, that I thought hard before hitting “publish” about adding a trigger warning for *socks* as well as *Barbicide*. Oh well, ‘tis the season of trauma. Happy New Year to you!
The suicidal angel. Socks and alcohol. So many gems tucked in these branches. I never guessed where you were taking me, a beautifully surprising destination.
Oh, thank you, Rona. The journey surprised me as well. What a year of discovery it’s been. Among other places, I found Substack! And so very glad I found your site.
The never ending to do list blended with the pain and memories is so relatable. I never did an MFA, but I did do a specialized creative writing program at an arts high school. Then life happened for me too. I’m glad I found you here
What a beautiful, courageous story, Mary! The ending shows the glimpses of light in the darkness.
Thank you, Ann! It’s been quite a year. I know my husband is thrilled that I killed that guy off. And vacuumed the house.
Beautful, brave, writing; hard to keep reading, impossible not to.
Yes, I agree! Thanks, Jeffrey for sharing this lovely, heartbreakingly tender essay.
Oh, Maureen, I am so touched that you enjoyed this. I’m glad to find a kindred spirit. Sometimes a little Solstice magic comes my way. Happy holidays. ❤️
Same to you. I love how the power of words binds our hearts. ❤️
Thank you, Jeffrey! I’m so pleased you enjoyed this. Happy New Year!
Mary, this is so good. Please don't stop writing. Happy holidays! ✨
Thank you, Lisa, for your kind words. Happy to be writing again. My best wishes for the holidays, and always.❤️
Wow, wow, wow. Hi Mary, what an essay. So many gems here—polished and uncut.
We could trade notes on the draft posts! Hah! I keep writing, thinking, there’s no way I’m posting this, and the drafts continue to pile up.
So many interruptions in life for me. This life will surely break all of our hearts, it doesn’t even require much effort. ❤️
Maureen, you are so right. Things happen. It can take years to get past the shame and self-blame and to stop being cruel to ourselves. We try so hard. My wish for the New Year is that we all start loving ourselves and become vulnerable again. ❤️
Oh yes, the blame and shame is a hurdle for sure. One day at a time. Sometimes one breath at a time! Becoming vulnerable is a lovely intention to sprinkle into the world, Mary. I’ll write about that today in my drafts. 😉
Theodore Roethke wrote, “Love is not love until love’s vulnerable.” Words to live by. Hope to see those drafts posted!❤️
Socks and alcohol? Your children are so lucky. I’m glad you keep writing, Mary. Happy New Year (prematurely) to you!
My kids are the best. I have to say, though, that I thought hard before hitting “publish” about adding a trigger warning for *socks* as well as *Barbicide*. Oh well, ‘tis the season of trauma. Happy New Year to you!
The suicidal angel. Socks and alcohol. So many gems tucked in these branches. I never guessed where you were taking me, a beautifully surprising destination.
Oh, thank you, Rona. The journey surprised me as well. What a year of discovery it’s been. Among other places, I found Substack! And so very glad I found your site.
We will stay in touch. No two ways about it.
So creative. Love that ending.
Thank you, Kay. He was a good man, and we had a good life. I don’t want to live with an angry ghost.
That makes sense, indeed. ❤️
The never ending to do list blended with the pain and memories is so relatable. I never did an MFA, but I did do a specialized creative writing program at an arts high school. Then life happened for me too. I’m glad I found you here
I’m glad you’re here, Noha. Welcome.