"a chance to still do some good, kind, interesting things" - that's what we all want, too. Hugo, I love reading what you write, but I've realized there's an element to it beyond interest and enjoyment. Just as I studied up on vampires when I was a child just in case they turned out to be real - there's a part of me that's terrified at everything that happened to you, and feels a most anxious need to take notes just in case my life is devastated too. Because this will happen at some point (unlike those vampires). It won't be the same things and the harm I cause and the suffering I will have to endure won't be the same either - but the horror of contemplating how much pain and chaos I could cause? It feels so real. And the wistful hope that I could survive and ever, sort of, fix things? I really need to see that this can happen. Not sure why I have such a powerful reaction to your life experiences (I think it's because your transparency and earnest kindness make you very accessible) but it has been so immensely helpful to me to have had the chance to read your columns. It's good to know - I don't think I've ever seen elsewhere precisely this message of hope and encouragement - that really truly one can fix things - not to the same place but yes, still a chance to do good, kind and interesting things. Thank you.
Another excellent piece. This one made me think about where we allow redemptive work to be done and by whom - only in prisons, or fellowship rooms? Some of us poor souls have to DIY-it from cubicles or studio apartments. None of us can walk that path for another person, but we can light the way, as your stories do.
I am literally in tears. It was so hard to read this as I have been finding out what this experience of hurt, disappointment, and shame is all about.
I have admired you from the first day in your Early European History class when you pointedly looked at me taking notes and asked me and the class to please stop so we could better hear the stories behind the history, and they were good stories. You are still the person I think of when someone asks who my favorite teacher was.
I have watched your story of self reflection, perseverance, and resilience, and I agree that you made the right choice to stay/survive in this world. I hope "Eric" comes to a similar revelation as you did. Just for today I will do the next right thing.
It's great that you can be a mentor to these folks going through this. It's just another way for the teacher in you to come out!
"a chance to still do some good, kind, interesting things" - that's what we all want, too. Hugo, I love reading what you write, but I've realized there's an element to it beyond interest and enjoyment. Just as I studied up on vampires when I was a child just in case they turned out to be real - there's a part of me that's terrified at everything that happened to you, and feels a most anxious need to take notes just in case my life is devastated too. Because this will happen at some point (unlike those vampires). It won't be the same things and the harm I cause and the suffering I will have to endure won't be the same either - but the horror of contemplating how much pain and chaos I could cause? It feels so real. And the wistful hope that I could survive and ever, sort of, fix things? I really need to see that this can happen. Not sure why I have such a powerful reaction to your life experiences (I think it's because your transparency and earnest kindness make you very accessible) but it has been so immensely helpful to me to have had the chance to read your columns. It's good to know - I don't think I've ever seen elsewhere precisely this message of hope and encouragement - that really truly one can fix things - not to the same place but yes, still a chance to do good, kind and interesting things. Thank you.
I'm so glad, Betsy. Thank you for this affirmation!
I felt every word in this piece. Good for you to be present for him.
Another excellent piece. This one made me think about where we allow redemptive work to be done and by whom - only in prisons, or fellowship rooms? Some of us poor souls have to DIY-it from cubicles or studio apartments. None of us can walk that path for another person, but we can light the way, as your stories do.
I am literally in tears. It was so hard to read this as I have been finding out what this experience of hurt, disappointment, and shame is all about.
I have admired you from the first day in your Early European History class when you pointedly looked at me taking notes and asked me and the class to please stop so we could better hear the stories behind the history, and they were good stories. You are still the person I think of when someone asks who my favorite teacher was.
I have watched your story of self reflection, perseverance, and resilience, and I agree that you made the right choice to stay/survive in this world. I hope "Eric" comes to a similar revelation as you did. Just for today I will do the next right thing.
That is my recovery as well.
Much love.