I did not feel guilty when it occurred to me that I was the most likely conduit for some of the obsessive and rigid behaviors that had landed Noah in the hospital.
Your reflections have triggered so many insights and memories, some I’ve only picked up fairly recently.
We all own traits, strengths, weaknesses and “green growing edges” we’ll not easily discover without serious, sometimes very painful experiences and subsequent reflections. But reflection, like grief itself, can lead to recovery of sorts,and positive discoveries. As George Eliot said, “It’s never too late to be who we might have been.” Well considered reflections can lead to forgiveness, or at least greater peace of mind. The transformation between who we each were then, vs now, can also be quite remarkable - something to be grateful for. Thank you Debby for illuminating a difficult journey - I wish you, your family, your son, blessings where they will do most good for each, now and always.
Oh, Linda. Thank you for taking the time to read my work, and to let me know what you think about these chapters. I came to Substack to share stories in hopes that I'd find readers like you. I am so grateful.
Neither guilt nor shame can turn the key to this kind of personal discovery and newfound self-awareness. Finding part of yourself in the observed behaviors of both your father and your son may have been what unlocked this new growth.
Your reflections have triggered so many insights and memories, some I’ve only picked up fairly recently.
We all own traits, strengths, weaknesses and “green growing edges” we’ll not easily discover without serious, sometimes very painful experiences and subsequent reflections. But reflection, like grief itself, can lead to recovery of sorts,and positive discoveries. As George Eliot said, “It’s never too late to be who we might have been.” Well considered reflections can lead to forgiveness, or at least greater peace of mind. The transformation between who we each were then, vs now, can also be quite remarkable - something to be grateful for. Thank you Debby for illuminating a difficult journey - I wish you, your family, your son, blessings where they will do most good for each, now and always.
Oh, Linda. Thank you for taking the time to read my work, and to let me know what you think about these chapters. I came to Substack to share stories in hopes that I'd find readers like you. I am so grateful.
Neither guilt nor shame can turn the key to this kind of personal discovery and newfound self-awareness. Finding part of yourself in the observed behaviors of both your father and your son may have been what unlocked this new growth.
You are so right, Jill. Thank you.