Thank you. I’m sure I still have plenty of work to do on this front but at least for today I’m going to try to just have the kind of day he wishes for me. ❤️
Once again, I hit "Like" but that is so inadequate a response to this. For me, seeing the photograph of you and Henry is the redeeming moment. There is all of that, the cycle of violence, the tangle of guilt, blame and forgiveness, all the whole mess of love....everything, for me, is re solved in that photograph. You and Henry, seems to me, are deeply blessed.
You make me cry. I’m so sorry you suffered so much as a precious child. I’ve loved your writing since I read your column in “The Dallas Morning News” years ago.
I too grew up in a Catholic home with many siblings. My mom introduced me to a love of arts and crafts. My dad was very emotionally distant. The priests were very loving and walked around barefoot in Wisconsin! The nuns were progressive and had a rally to vote for Hubert Humphrey in 1968.
Even though I had love and support as a child, I still messed up so much and feel so much guilt for perceived failures.
I’m praying we both can see how much we are loved by Jesus (yes I had to tell you about Him). My favorite scripture is God reminding us that He will redeem the years that the locusts ate up.
Hi Amy! Great to hear from you. Wow—since the DMN days! I so enjoyed that time. I’m endlessly grateful for the passion for crafting my mother instilled. And when I am crafting, it’s a way to feel connected with her, even if real life connection feels so challenging.
All these words…..I so understand. I feel it. Indeed, you and I: we have NOT done everything wrong. “NOT done everything wrong” is a new mantra for me. 🥰
Oh, Spike! This hits my heart so hard! You and I and our friend Katie had those babies around the same time, and I for one keep up a litany in my head of what I did wrong, despite my only child, like yours, insisting it is her business to process her life. Katie and I were just talking about the lives we had when we were in our 20s and were sure that it would be better for everyone if we could make marriage to cheating narcissists work.
Hi Tracy! It’s such a challenge. I know my constant guilt is an overcorrection, me trying to compensate for not being heard and believed. But I really am trying to hear and understand Henry’s perspective. Oh the cheating narcissists….what unwanted teachers they were.
Thank you for so eloquently describing mother's guilt. I'm happy that you and Henry have found peace with the past.
Thank you. I’m sure I still have plenty of work to do on this front but at least for today I’m going to try to just have the kind of day he wishes for me. ❤️
Once again, I hit "Like" but that is so inadequate a response to this. For me, seeing the photograph of you and Henry is the redeeming moment. There is all of that, the cycle of violence, the tangle of guilt, blame and forgiveness, all the whole mess of love....everything, for me, is re solved in that photograph. You and Henry, seems to me, are deeply blessed.
Thank you so much, Bonnie. I’m looking forward to reading your latest installment—just got it!
Oh dear Spike!
You make me cry. I’m so sorry you suffered so much as a precious child. I’ve loved your writing since I read your column in “The Dallas Morning News” years ago.
I too grew up in a Catholic home with many siblings. My mom introduced me to a love of arts and crafts. My dad was very emotionally distant. The priests were very loving and walked around barefoot in Wisconsin! The nuns were progressive and had a rally to vote for Hubert Humphrey in 1968.
Even though I had love and support as a child, I still messed up so much and feel so much guilt for perceived failures.
I’m praying we both can see how much we are loved by Jesus (yes I had to tell you about Him). My favorite scripture is God reminding us that He will redeem the years that the locusts ate up.
Sending love, peace, comfort and joy.
You are an amazing mom too.
Hi Amy! Great to hear from you. Wow—since the DMN days! I so enjoyed that time. I’m endlessly grateful for the passion for crafting my mother instilled. And when I am crafting, it’s a way to feel connected with her, even if real life connection feels so challenging.
That is such an odd and terrifying experience. I’m thankful your son is okay.
Thank you. Me, too. It was crazy and weird and so unsettling.
All these words…..I so understand. I feel it. Indeed, you and I: we have NOT done everything wrong. “NOT done everything wrong” is a new mantra for me. 🥰
Hi Emily. Thank you. Let’s keep practicing the mantra. ❤️
Oh, Spike! This hits my heart so hard! You and I and our friend Katie had those babies around the same time, and I for one keep up a litany in my head of what I did wrong, despite my only child, like yours, insisting it is her business to process her life. Katie and I were just talking about the lives we had when we were in our 20s and were sure that it would be better for everyone if we could make marriage to cheating narcissists work.
Hi Tracy! It’s such a challenge. I know my constant guilt is an overcorrection, me trying to compensate for not being heard and believed. But I really am trying to hear and understand Henry’s perspective. Oh the cheating narcissists….what unwanted teachers they were.