This was so beautifully and carefully written. I'll probably spend the day thinking about it before offering more commentary because, as you so eloquently stated, it doesn't deserve quick replies. Though, it does remind me of a conversation with my line sister some years ago. When we met, she stated, "I always thought you were weird, waving to me on campus, like who is this girl." And, it was always just regard. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for this letter. It gave me goosebumps by the second paragraph and soon I couldn’t hold back the tears…tears of everything. Frustration and fear, certainly, but also Hope and strength because these “simple” actions are so profound and POSSIBLE. Regard! Let us see each other and not flinch away. Redemption! To sit together with the hurt and work to find a way through…
Also, I felt recognition - although we perhaps don’t share any “identity labels” besides “humans” - because here, in words for the first time, are some of the deepest, animating values of my core. It’s more important than ever to live them and bring them into our little pockets of the world. But it’s also scarier; your letter urges me to meet this moment with the courage humanity deserves.
As Ruth Jean-Marie commented, I too will long sit with these words… Again, thank you.
This was so beautifully and carefully written. I'll probably spend the day thinking about it before offering more commentary because, as you so eloquently stated, it doesn't deserve quick replies. Though, it does remind me of a conversation with my line sister some years ago. When we met, she stated, "I always thought you were weird, waving to me on campus, like who is this girl." And, it was always just regard. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you spec! As always I deeply value your voice and thoughts. Love you deep ❤️
Thank you for this letter. It gave me goosebumps by the second paragraph and soon I couldn’t hold back the tears…tears of everything. Frustration and fear, certainly, but also Hope and strength because these “simple” actions are so profound and POSSIBLE. Regard! Let us see each other and not flinch away. Redemption! To sit together with the hurt and work to find a way through…
Also, I felt recognition - although we perhaps don’t share any “identity labels” besides “humans” - because here, in words for the first time, are some of the deepest, animating values of my core. It’s more important than ever to live them and bring them into our little pockets of the world. But it’s also scarier; your letter urges me to meet this moment with the courage humanity deserves.
As Ruth Jean-Marie commented, I too will long sit with these words… Again, thank you.