Just watched you reading this live. I can relate to your grief. Having overcome mine only recently. Wishing you strength and courage with your adolescent girls.
As for Katie... I've observed that few people have consistent memories of small childhood. They often get back to age 8 - 10. It's difficult not to know what she has become. You gave her your best, so that period of safety and innocent happiness are the basis for her further life. Because even if she may not remember, your share is there, deep inside her.
Aww, thank you, Ciska. That's beautifully stated. She may not remember me, or my daughters, but I'd like to think we helped provide foundational support when we needed it most. XOXOXO
I’m sorry for your loss friend. I’m sorry he couldn’t see how much love you had for them both and let you into their world. Katy will remember your support. I wouldn’t be surprised if she shows up on your doorstep one day to thank you.
You did a beautiful job reading it. I have a hard time during Mother's Day. Two things make it difficult for me. 1. I am a single parent who raised 4 daughters. (Their mother wanted out of the marriage. We agreed to keep the girls together, and I was better situated to raise them.) 2. My mother died of colon cancer a little over 20 years ago. She was helping me with my daughters until I had to help her instead. Father's day is easier. My daughters want to watch movies and relax (even though they are in their late 20's & early 30's now). Mother's day is a day I think of Mom, send a dm to my ex, and focus on what I have. It's easy to focus on loss and pain. Years of taking my daughters to therapists have taught me that. But focusing on what we have and can have in the future is a better way to celebrate. Sorry that I went on a bit of a rant. I will try to do better when commenting, next time. Great reading of a powerful article. Thanks.
I could feel your ache. All I can say is that your story has affected all who read it, and obviously you as well.
Thank you so much, Ed. 💜
Just watched you reading this live. I can relate to your grief. Having overcome mine only recently. Wishing you strength and courage with your adolescent girls.
As for Katie... I've observed that few people have consistent memories of small childhood. They often get back to age 8 - 10. It's difficult not to know what she has become. You gave her your best, so that period of safety and innocent happiness are the basis for her further life. Because even if she may not remember, your share is there, deep inside her.
Aww, thank you, Ciska. That's beautifully stated. She may not remember me, or my daughters, but I'd like to think we helped provide foundational support when we needed it most. XOXOXO
You did. The first years of a child are primordial for it's further development.
I’m sorry for your loss friend. I’m sorry he couldn’t see how much love you had for them both and let you into their world. Katy will remember your support. I wouldn’t be surprised if she shows up on your doorstep one day to thank you.
Thanks TheLeetta--I've wondered this myself, and especially since publishing this story.
Thank you, Dana …
Thank you for reading!
You did a beautiful job reading it. I have a hard time during Mother's Day. Two things make it difficult for me. 1. I am a single parent who raised 4 daughters. (Their mother wanted out of the marriage. We agreed to keep the girls together, and I was better situated to raise them.) 2. My mother died of colon cancer a little over 20 years ago. She was helping me with my daughters until I had to help her instead. Father's day is easier. My daughters want to watch movies and relax (even though they are in their late 20's & early 30's now). Mother's day is a day I think of Mom, send a dm to my ex, and focus on what I have. It's easy to focus on loss and pain. Years of taking my daughters to therapists have taught me that. But focusing on what we have and can have in the future is a better way to celebrate. Sorry that I went on a bit of a rant. I will try to do better when commenting, next time. Great reading of a powerful article. Thanks.