“When I began this memoir, I thought my writing might in some way disappear D.” What a powerful reflection, now in hindsight, seeing that in a way, it did disappear him… or at least the “him” he was, while the D he went out to find, emerged more fully upon his return. And by fully, I mean, the man in 9C who could finally see his beloved, wholly and truly for who she is. I think the greatest gift of our wholeness is that we are then able to see another clearly, not a projected version, or a version that fills this or that part, but someone who can appreciate another human life for its own unique radiance and rejoice.
I'm in awe of your ability to create such a beautifully shaped memoir about life as it happens, Mary. This chapter is so rich in detail and so moving in its flow towards happiness. Just beautiful.
I'm new Mary so maybe this is a foolish question, but why not paywall previous chapters? That's my plan for fiction, or make the first couple free, then the rest subscriber-only.
It's only been the past few weeks that I began to sense this, for me, quite unanticipated (not-quite-yet) ending, the surprise ending of the [choose your time frame]. Thus my unsettled feelings weeks back, when I had to grab hold of my head and cock it in a new direction. What Paris can do for a couple! ;) Of course, the hidden story all this while until these recent weeks has been D.'s story. I'll look forward to the epilogue to tuck me in and send me off with a contented smile.
What a wonderful ending to your story! It does read like a movie. Teddy Thompson's version of Tonight Will Be Fine is one of my very favorite songs, and I had it playing in my head as I finished your post, so clever to include a soundtrack!
Dear Mary, your story is a romcom! This is the most beautiful ending anyone could wish for. Your memoir should be turned into a movie, with all the other romcoms making their guest appearances. Wonderful. I shall join the applause (leaving the lead to D.) 💖🙏
I feel like my team just won the World Series, that's how happy I am with the way this chapter ended. I know there's an epilogue to come. But for the moment I'm in the "now" of this chapter and so happy for you and D.
The only other comment I have for the moment is to say thank you for the K.D. Lang version of my favorite Neil Young song. My favorite version had always been the one in the Last Waltz with Joni singing background. But this one's a great contender.
‘Found’ is the big word in this chapter. Love was hiding in those memories all along. ❤️
“When I began this memoir, I thought my writing might in some way disappear D.” What a powerful reflection, now in hindsight, seeing that in a way, it did disappear him… or at least the “him” he was, while the D he went out to find, emerged more fully upon his return. And by fully, I mean, the man in 9C who could finally see his beloved, wholly and truly for who she is. I think the greatest gift of our wholeness is that we are then able to see another clearly, not a projected version, or a version that fills this or that part, but someone who can appreciate another human life for its own unique radiance and rejoice.
I join D in the applause. 💛
I'm in awe of your ability to create such a beautifully shaped memoir about life as it happens, Mary. This chapter is so rich in detail and so moving in its flow towards happiness. Just beautiful.
I'm new Mary so maybe this is a foolish question, but why not paywall previous chapters? That's my plan for fiction, or make the first couple free, then the rest subscriber-only.
The title will pull 'em in : )
are sex and love the same thing?
It's only been the past few weeks that I began to sense this, for me, quite unanticipated (not-quite-yet) ending, the surprise ending of the [choose your time frame]. Thus my unsettled feelings weeks back, when I had to grab hold of my head and cock it in a new direction. What Paris can do for a couple! ;) Of course, the hidden story all this while until these recent weeks has been D.'s story. I'll look forward to the epilogue to tuck me in and send me off with a contented smile.
So I’m sitting here thinking ‘what a peach of an opening sentence’ but that’s because I haven’t yet read the closing one.
"I do not know how to fly, but I have in my heart the lightness of a bird." Wonderful image. Thanks for posting your stories.
Gorgeous post. Can't wait for more.
What a wonderful ending to your story! It does read like a movie. Teddy Thompson's version of Tonight Will Be Fine is one of my very favorite songs, and I had it playing in my head as I finished your post, so clever to include a soundtrack!
Dear Mary, your story is a romcom! This is the most beautiful ending anyone could wish for. Your memoir should be turned into a movie, with all the other romcoms making their guest appearances. Wonderful. I shall join the applause (leaving the lead to D.) 💖🙏
Mary,
I feel like my team just won the World Series, that's how happy I am with the way this chapter ended. I know there's an epilogue to come. But for the moment I'm in the "now" of this chapter and so happy for you and D.
The only other comment I have for the moment is to say thank you for the K.D. Lang version of my favorite Neil Young song. My favorite version had always been the one in the Last Waltz with Joni singing background. But this one's a great contender.
What glorious details, Mary! Great story! ✍️