I’m about halfway through your gripping story, I stayed up way to late last night turning pages! Your memoir of discovery, navigating shame, grief and uncertainty are undoubtedly paralleling my own and I just wanted to pop in over here and applaud your deeply vulnerable, redemptive journey. ❤️
Thank you so much, Kimberly. I’m sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I’ve been leading a civil rights tour, which has been quite consuming. I’m so glad to hear from you. Can I ask how you found my story?
I met you at Troy Ford's gathering. :) I knew I'd be interested to learn more after he mentioned that your memoir, like my own, involves family secrets. I also was happy to hear that you live in Traverse City! My husband and I visit the area every year—my newly discovered family all live in that area and we gather on Crystal Lake every summer.
Oh, of course. I knew that! Duh! Thank you for your feedback! It means a lot. I would sure appreciate it if you’d write a review when you finish it. That would be exceptionally helpful.
Just to clarify, I used to live in Traverse City but don’t anymore. I’m in Richmond, VA now. I still love it there though.
Thanks again. I promise to get caught up on your Substack, so I can get to know you better. Are you writing your story?
Of course! I finished it last week and will make a note to write a review asap.:) It was such a powerful story, I especially fell hard into the last half—the gutted emotional honesty, coming to terms with the truth (and the lies that kept it hidden.) You must breathe more deeply today than ever before feeling how you’ve claimed truth as your birthright.
My memoir is done! I shared it weekly over 56 months or so.
Thank you so much for your kind review (if you’re willing to post your review on Goodreads and/or Amazon, I’d appreciate that too, but no worries if you’re not so inclined). You captured exactly what I hoped people would get from it. And yes, I feel freer than I ever have. Thank you!
I’m looking forward to reading your memoir. Are you/have you published it in print/ebook too? If not, are you considering doing that?
Dad was absolutely Catholic—even spent some time in seminary. You have very accurate descriptions of both my parents, which is impressive after half a century! Thanks for reading, Jerry. It means a lot to me!
Well done, Annette. I never knew...! If I may ask, was your dad catholic? FWIW: I saw your mom as a very dignified, somewhat formal/reserved, but welcoming lady and your dad as an affable, kind man. One time, when he drove me home from playing with Jarrett, he gave me a heddon fishing lure. I was thrilled, and I have never forgotten that small act of giving. I thought very highly of both of your parents.
Uncle Dad - love how this starts, Annette - I have to wonder if there was some part of you that was a little surprised, despite your confusion, because we usually remember the things that give us a little poke best...
A tenderly written story that invites us in.
Thank you.
Thank you, Teyani. I appreciate your comments.
I’m about halfway through your gripping story, I stayed up way to late last night turning pages! Your memoir of discovery, navigating shame, grief and uncertainty are undoubtedly paralleling my own and I just wanted to pop in over here and applaud your deeply vulnerable, redemptive journey. ❤️
Thank you so much, Kimberly. I’m sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I’ve been leading a civil rights tour, which has been quite consuming. I’m so glad to hear from you. Can I ask how you found my story?
I met you at Troy Ford's gathering. :) I knew I'd be interested to learn more after he mentioned that your memoir, like my own, involves family secrets. I also was happy to hear that you live in Traverse City! My husband and I visit the area every year—my newly discovered family all live in that area and we gather on Crystal Lake every summer.
Oh, of course. I knew that! Duh! Thank you for your feedback! It means a lot. I would sure appreciate it if you’d write a review when you finish it. That would be exceptionally helpful.
Just to clarify, I used to live in Traverse City but don’t anymore. I’m in Richmond, VA now. I still love it there though.
Thanks again. I promise to get caught up on your Substack, so I can get to know you better. Are you writing your story?
…here is a good place to begin and learn more about all I share over here:
https://unfixed.substack.com/p/where-do-i-begin
Of course! I finished it last week and will make a note to write a review asap.:) It was such a powerful story, I especially fell hard into the last half—the gutted emotional honesty, coming to terms with the truth (and the lies that kept it hidden.) You must breathe more deeply today than ever before feeling how you’ve claimed truth as your birthright.
My memoir is done! I shared it weekly over 56 months or so.
Thank you so much for your kind review (if you’re willing to post your review on Goodreads and/or Amazon, I’d appreciate that too, but no worries if you’re not so inclined). You captured exactly what I hoped people would get from it. And yes, I feel freer than I ever have. Thank you!
I’m looking forward to reading your memoir. Are you/have you published it in print/ebook too? If not, are you considering doing that?
Thanks again. I so appreciate your support.
I already did last night.:)
Dad was absolutely Catholic—even spent some time in seminary. You have very accurate descriptions of both my parents, which is impressive after half a century! Thanks for reading, Jerry. It means a lot to me!
Well done, Annette. I never knew...! If I may ask, was your dad catholic? FWIW: I saw your mom as a very dignified, somewhat formal/reserved, but welcoming lady and your dad as an affable, kind man. One time, when he drove me home from playing with Jarrett, he gave me a heddon fishing lure. I was thrilled, and I have never forgotten that small act of giving. I thought very highly of both of your parents.
Uncle Dad - love how this starts, Annette - I have to wonder if there was some part of you that was a little surprised, despite your confusion, because we usually remember the things that give us a little poke best...
I think you’re right, Troy. I was surprised, confused, and happy all at the same time. Thanks for reading!
I can’t wait to hear the next phase of your story! Keep writing❤️
Thanks so much, Gloria! Chapters 2 and 3 are out now too, so you should have them in your email.
I'm anticipating what happens next, which is a credit to your writing and story telling talent.
That's great, Roxanne. I love that! Thanks.
I love this, Annette. Keep writing! I need more. ❤️
Thanks, Julie. Will do!