From across the street came a frantic buzz. Bodies in automobiles rushed from office buildings to fill unsatiated bellies and clogged office air lungs. The lunch rush delicately rattles the splitting window panes. It was loud enough to notice but not enough to congest my mind with distraction. I watched the street turn into a streak of white and silver with an irregular break of red and black.
A ticker tape parade is right! Beautiful metaphor Rick.
Haley, I read this three times and the reason why is that I know you chose each word, each sentence with intention - to match your feeling and insights. And I wanted to “get inside your world” as best I could to appreciate the terrain you’ve covered.
I was so happy for you when I read this (all three times):
“What I did not expect is that forgiveness would be gifted as well. I forgave myself for fabricating truths to protect myself and I forgave others who imposed exacting expectations and conditional acceptance.”
Forgiveness restores appreciation. And appreciation enables connectedness with ourselves, and others.
You’re an astonishing person. Stay true to yourself and be who YOU are.
Thank you so much James. You are so right that forgiveness restores appreciation and even more so, the gratitude I have been missing. Thank you for reading all three times haha.
Holy gheez Haley, this is stunning. I am deeply moved by this poetic and vulnerable public reclamation of Self. It makes me want to throw a ticker-tape parade to celebrate your arrival back to you, though of course that's a never-ending process. Thank you for sharing this.
Wow, a heartfelt essay baring it all about lies and trust...can I trust what I am reading? Makes feel like an ouroboros consumed with self-doubt myself - a totally riveting piece!
...i wasn't sure which line wowed me the most...so much stellar...but wowowow "Like that last ember oscillating between orange luminescence and charred gray before a bucket of water muffles me forever"...wonderful read...
A ticker tape parade is right! Beautiful metaphor Rick.
Haley, I read this three times and the reason why is that I know you chose each word, each sentence with intention - to match your feeling and insights. And I wanted to “get inside your world” as best I could to appreciate the terrain you’ve covered.
I was so happy for you when I read this (all three times):
“What I did not expect is that forgiveness would be gifted as well. I forgave myself for fabricating truths to protect myself and I forgave others who imposed exacting expectations and conditional acceptance.”
Forgiveness restores appreciation. And appreciation enables connectedness with ourselves, and others.
You’re an astonishing person. Stay true to yourself and be who YOU are.
Thank you so much James. You are so right that forgiveness restores appreciation and even more so, the gratitude I have been missing. Thank you for reading all three times haha.
Holy gheez Haley, this is stunning. I am deeply moved by this poetic and vulnerable public reclamation of Self. It makes me want to throw a ticker-tape parade to celebrate your arrival back to you, though of course that's a never-ending process. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for your support, Rick and your comments that always bring a smile to my face!
Wow, a heartfelt essay baring it all about lies and trust...can I trust what I am reading? Makes feel like an ouroboros consumed with self-doubt myself - a totally riveting piece!
Thank you so much Chao, and yes, rest assured, you can trust this one wholeheartedly.
Beautiful, Haley.
...i wasn't sure which line wowed me the most...so much stellar...but wowowow "Like that last ember oscillating between orange luminescence and charred gray before a bucket of water muffles me forever"...wonderful read...