We have had such a similar life experience...it’s uncanny. Like, I could almost have written this exactly myself. It’s so hard to know that you should have been given that approval, that unconditional love, but you have to learn how to do that for yourself.
Oh my goodness, so much grief. And even a bittersweet feeling, as I imagine how different my children will feel than I did. I’m so happy for that, and so sad for the part of me that needed that, too.
A. I relate to this too. I was the "good" one of the four children. My two older brothers are my half brothers from my dad's previous marriage. The oldest brother died when I was 21, from his dangerous lifestyle. Which had a major impact on our family, but quickly hidden away. Yes, I never really got the approval I wanted, for it was never honestly given, for I was never really seen. And the grief as you responded to Aleesha about, is very real, palpable and challenging. I still deal with all of this today, even though I see it quicker and know how to deal with it better. It is a constant companion. I am learning to make it my friend, to learn from it rather than fight it.
It is so wondeful to read your writing today, and see this lovely poem again. I expect so many of us of varying ages have experiencved elements of what you write of, and like myself, still struggle to let go and celebrate the who I am and am becoming.
You do not need any of our approval. You are loved from the beginning in a way that as humans it can be hard to comprehend. I will say that my experience of youy in this virtual realm has been delightful, inspiring and lifting. I look forward to your writing, and the glimpses of the remarkable and beloved person that you are. Thank you from the deepest well of gratitude for sharing pieces of your kind and gracious heart. You have made my days brighter and lighter.
We have had such a similar life experience...it’s uncanny. Like, I could almost have written this exactly myself. It’s so hard to know that you should have been given that approval, that unconditional love, but you have to learn how to do that for yourself.
There's a whole bundle of unique grief that comes along with that recognition, isn't there?
Oh my goodness, so much grief. And even a bittersweet feeling, as I imagine how different my children will feel than I did. I’m so happy for that, and so sad for the part of me that needed that, too.
Yes! There are so many feelings tangled up in it.
A. I relate to this too. I was the "good" one of the four children. My two older brothers are my half brothers from my dad's previous marriage. The oldest brother died when I was 21, from his dangerous lifestyle. Which had a major impact on our family, but quickly hidden away. Yes, I never really got the approval I wanted, for it was never honestly given, for I was never really seen. And the grief as you responded to Aleesha about, is very real, palpable and challenging. I still deal with all of this today, even though I see it quicker and know how to deal with it better. It is a constant companion. I am learning to make it my friend, to learn from it rather than fight it.
Thank you so much for sharing that, Julie. I think I am learning to become more comfortable with that grief as well.
It is so wondeful to read your writing today, and see this lovely poem again. I expect so many of us of varying ages have experiencved elements of what you write of, and like myself, still struggle to let go and celebrate the who I am and am becoming.
You do not need any of our approval. You are loved from the beginning in a way that as humans it can be hard to comprehend. I will say that my experience of youy in this virtual realm has been delightful, inspiring and lifting. I look forward to your writing, and the glimpses of the remarkable and beloved person that you are. Thank you from the deepest well of gratitude for sharing pieces of your kind and gracious heart. You have made my days brighter and lighter.
You always hold my words with such care, Larry. Thank you.
You are welcome A. You bring light to the shadows.