This story moved me so much I could feel it in my chest. Thank you for laying bare such a profound family dynamic. Father’s Day has so many layers to it for many of us. So happy to be in touch with your writing again, Jonathan.
That's so kind of you to say, Holly. I did struggle with this one. It took years to realize that the story was not just about abuse but also about redemption. I guess that comes with age.
Your stories move me - they always do - this one particularly. I admire your courage in writing the unvarnished truth, then putting it all out there for the world to see.
There are so many stories - people’s histories - that begin with an unwelcome or unwanted pregnancy. Those effects ripple down the line from generation to generation until the reason gets lost and we’re left trying to figure out just where it all went so wrong.
Thank you, Lori. Such a relief to hear that you like it. It’s harrowing putting such personal stuff out, not knowing how it’s going to land. You are so thoughtful about letting me know!
Thanks, Mary Lois. I loved your comment about this saying something to women. I was very conscious of this being exclusive and wondered if there were parallels for women. I'd love to hear the script flipped, gender-wise, and told by a woman.
Whether listening to your stories or reading them, I always feel such soul bearing. You write the truth that is often so harsh it makes one wonder about the veracity of those relationships. Your often hard memories become such intimate tellings.
Thank you, Joan, for saying that. For years, I tried to put a positive spin on our family dnynamics until I had to choose between denial and sobriety. The strange thing is that by staring directly into the darkness, you find the light.
This story moved me so much I could feel it in my chest. Thank you for laying bare such a profound family dynamic. Father’s Day has so many layers to it for many of us. So happy to be in touch with your writing again, Jonathan.
That's so kind of you to say, Holly. I did struggle with this one. It took years to realize that the story was not just about abuse but also about redemption. I guess that comes with age.
Such a bitter-sweet, thought-provoking reflection.
Thank you, Carla. That means a lot.
A wonderful and thoughtful understanding of how complex these family of origin relationships can be. Thank you!
Thanks, Kelli. Yep, they are fascinating things if you can pull yourself far enough away (emotionally) to observe them.
We also have an added layer with adoption as part of our family.
Oh Jon, such beautiful heartbreaking, heartwarming truth.
Thank you Kevin.
Your stories move me - they always do - this one particularly. I admire your courage in writing the unvarnished truth, then putting it all out there for the world to see.
There are so many stories - people’s histories - that begin with an unwelcome or unwanted pregnancy. Those effects ripple down the line from generation to generation until the reason gets lost and we’re left trying to figure out just where it all went so wrong.
Thank you for today’s share.
Thank you, Lori. Such a relief to hear that you like it. It’s harrowing putting such personal stuff out, not knowing how it’s going to land. You are so thoughtful about letting me know!
So hard to hear--I know how much all this means to you. Thank you for sharing. This has much to say, to women as well as men!
Thanks, Mary Lois. I loved your comment about this saying something to women. I was very conscious of this being exclusive and wondered if there were parallels for women. I'd love to hear the script flipped, gender-wise, and told by a woman.
You're going to read my Father's Day post on Tuesday. It's completely different--but then we did have different fathers!
I'll look forward to it. You always take things to places I wasn't expecting.
Whether listening to your stories or reading them, I always feel such soul bearing. You write the truth that is often so harsh it makes one wonder about the veracity of those relationships. Your often hard memories become such intimate tellings.
Thank you, Joan, for saying that. For years, I tried to put a positive spin on our family dnynamics until I had to choose between denial and sobriety. The strange thing is that by staring directly into the darkness, you find the light.