14 Comments
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Sara Knight Bidlack's avatar

Hi, Parker. Thank you for writing this. You are brave for choosing estrangement, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your story of your father's rage and threats of violence had my heart pounding because I remembered my own childhood with my father chasing me around the house with the same kind of anger and violence, my enabling mother following behind. I am 39 and I haven't completely blocked him out of my life because of guilt/shame, but I have quiet quit. Slowly. Low contact. Reading your story makes me know I can get there.

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Parker Jin's avatar

This is such a sweet comment. Thank you for your encouraging words. You're brave and courageous and you're giving yourself what you need. That's so powerful 🩷🩷

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Kris K's avatar

Adult children voluntarily estranged from their family is such a taboo topic in our society, most of the time I feel like I'm living in the closet about it. I so rarely hear or read about it. Your story makes me feel less alone, and I look forward to reading your book.

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Parker Jin's avatar

Kris, thank you so much for your kind and vulnerable comment. Estrangement is such a lonely process, but know you're not alone. Thinking of you

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Leslie Senevey's avatar

What a beautifully rendered account of such a hideous experience. I'm so sorry you had to endure this and still live with the after effects. But you are spinning gold out of the garbage.

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Parker Jin's avatar

wow, "spinning gold out of the garbage" - that made me think of "golden" by Huntrix (lol). what a beautiful comment, thank you so so much!

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Lila's avatar
5dEdited

Wow, what a powerful story. Thank you for sharing. I could tell a similar tale. The pain stays with you for many years.

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Parker Jin's avatar

Thanks so much for reading, the pain stays but being able to write is such a blessing. Wishing you so much love 🩷🩷

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Chan Wang's avatar

Parker, thanks for shining a light on such a hidden endemic, esp in the AAPI community <3

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Parker Jin's avatar

Tysm! This comment means so much to me! Made me tear up 🩷🩷😭😭

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August McLaughlin's avatar

Such a moving piece. Thank you for sharing your story, Parker.

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Parker Jin's avatar

Thanks so much for taking your time to read my story! 🩷🩷

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StephanieH's avatar

Wow. This account is incredibly vivid. We not only feel for you every step of the way, we understand your decision at the end. Thank you for being so brave!

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Parker Jin's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind feedback and taking time to read my essay <3

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