This is part of my story I haven’t shared much. Shame has a way of convincing me to hide pieces of myself. But when I started writing and really digging in, I realized there’s beauty to be found in all my experiences.
Thank you, @Rachel Kramer Bussel and @Open Secrets Magazine for sharing part of mine.
The women who mothered us back to life when our families couldn't... yup, same here. My junior high cross country coach and my favorite writing teacher did that for me. They taught me I had value at a time when my family treated me like a burden. I couldn't really understand what they gave me until decades later. Essays like this help me name it.
This is incredible, thank you for sharing this story and how how people, especially women, can build community even in what seems at first to be the most impossible of places. I'm so glad you reached back out to Alex, it was so special learning about the bond you shared. This is what women supporting women should look like 🥹
Thank you for sharing your story Michele. I'm glad you found a way to move past the feeling of shame, which was never yours to carry. And thank goodness you reached out to Alex again! My heart fell when I read the part about losing touch with her. She sounds like an amazing person.
All I can say is Wow Michele! What a powerful story told so beautifully. You've had quite the journey, and I loved hearing how all of your experiences shaped who you are today.
Brilliant story. I found myself emotionally invested and was so relieved to find out that you and Alex reconnected at the end. What a icon. Sisterhood is strength, no matter where it springs from, and survival never goes out of style.
This is part of my story I haven’t shared much. Shame has a way of convincing me to hide pieces of myself. But when I started writing and really digging in, I realized there’s beauty to be found in all my experiences.
Thank you, @Rachel Kramer Bussel and @Open Secrets Magazine for sharing part of mine.
We’re honored to publish your story, Michele!
As I learned in ACOA and ALANON, we are only as sick as our secrets. Keep speaking your truth.
Love ♥️ for Alex and all the women like her ♥️
Women are powerful. Collectively? Unstoppable! Thank you for reading.
Michele, you inspire me! Shame has stolen women’s voices for centuries. I’m glad you found your way.
We women have such powerful stories to tell, the real shame is in hiding them. I appreciate you, Charrise.
Beautiful. Powerful. Solid. Round. A combination of goosebumps and light tears in deep recognition.
Thank you.
Thank you, Denise.
The women who mothered us back to life when our families couldn't... yup, same here. My junior high cross country coach and my favorite writing teacher did that for me. They taught me I had value at a time when my family treated me like a burden. I couldn't really understand what they gave me until decades later. Essays like this help me name it.
I am so glad it resonated, Jamie. It is always my hope that my words will help me, and others, feel more connected. Less alone. Sending peace.
This is incredible, thank you for sharing this story and how how people, especially women, can build community even in what seems at first to be the most impossible of places. I'm so glad you reached back out to Alex, it was so special learning about the bond you shared. This is what women supporting women should look like 🥹
Thank you so much for reading it. Women are so powerful, especially when they hold each other up. ♥
So much power in this story!
Thank you for reading, Alicia.
I could have used you and your chainsaw skills.
It saddens me that you felt shame for survival ingenuity. You are tough and brilliant. Thank you for sharing your world that built that brilliance.
Thank you, friend.
God Bless you Michele! What an amazing story! God loves you!
beautiful! so inspirational. thank you for sharing your story, your secrets, your humanity and reminding us that forgiveness is always an option.
Thank you so much, Julie.
Thank you for sharing your story Michele. I'm glad you found a way to move past the feeling of shame, which was never yours to carry. And thank goodness you reached out to Alex again! My heart fell when I read the part about losing touch with her. She sounds like an amazing person.
An amazing, strong woman, indeed.
Thank you for reading and commenting. It means a lot.
Michelle - this essay gripped me. I look forward to reading your memoir when it becomes available.
“Acceptance was a ghost I’d spent my life chasing, and with them I found a sense of belonging.”
If only we all had an Alex in the formative years. 🫶
Thank you! 🥹
Thank you for sharing this powerful story Michele!
I appreciate you taking precious time to read it. ♥
All I can say is Wow Michele! What a powerful story told so beautifully. You've had quite the journey, and I loved hearing how all of your experiences shaped who you are today.
Thank you so much, Melanie.
Brilliant story. I found myself emotionally invested and was so relieved to find out that you and Alex reconnected at the end. What a icon. Sisterhood is strength, no matter where it springs from, and survival never goes out of style.
Amen to that, Laura. Thank you for reading.
Great story. I love reading stories of women championing other women.
Thank you so much for reading. We are so powerful when we lift each other up.