Apr 30, 2023Liked by Alice Goldbloom, Virginia Fisher Yaffe
Such a beautiful, poignant story. It sounds like your mother had PTSD, and why wouldn't she? What a horrific childhood. It could be she wasn't even aware of those truth spurts that seemingly came out of nowhere but had been hidden for so long. The brain finds remarkable ways to protect us when we've been through hell and back.
What a tribute to her ability to mother, that you've found such a loving way to look at her now.
So true, Joe Neuhaus. My maternal grandparents were Greek Orthodox religious refugees from Turkey to Ellis Island, NY, USA in 1921. Their stories about fleeing from the Ottoman Turks still haunt my interior life.
Apr 30, 2023Liked by Alice Goldbloom, Virginia Fisher Yaffe
Secrets can save a life, even a soul. They may also have the opposite effect. Eventually they unravel and we have to deal with the fallout. Why burden the young with the personal horrors endured by the parents?
I found this account moving. Thanks for taking us into your life.
Apr 30, 2023Liked by Alice Goldbloom, Virginia Fisher Yaffe
Such a wonderful, sensitive, and compassionate story! ( I liked the trees reference. Very interesting! ( as safe spaces, as friends, as …? Here as an aside, yet her mother knew them all, and shared their names ..).
You have survived beautifully, Virginia. Writing is one of the best places to share secrets and I always enjoy every word you put out there. Thank you.
I imagine many, many people suffered terrible scars of war and how it affects families. And still do today. It's heartbreaking to know these tragedies exist. Thanks for shining a light.
Wonderful read and a hard life. Our family had secrets too…maybe not to the same extent but secrets nonetheless. My generation is trying to acknowledge the secrets. It’s hard work. Hang in there. We all do the best we can with what we have.
I really enjoyed reading this. It explained your mom in a beautiful way.
Such a beautiful, poignant story. It sounds like your mother had PTSD, and why wouldn't she? What a horrific childhood. It could be she wasn't even aware of those truth spurts that seemingly came out of nowhere but had been hidden for so long. The brain finds remarkable ways to protect us when we've been through hell and back.
What a tribute to her ability to mother, that you've found such a loving way to look at her now.
I had no idea of your mother’s story Gin.Very interesting!
Many families share this dynamic, especially immigrants fleeing poverty or violence. It's survival of the soul.
So true, Joe Neuhaus. My maternal grandparents were Greek Orthodox religious refugees from Turkey to Ellis Island, NY, USA in 1921. Their stories about fleeing from the Ottoman Turks still haunt my interior life.
Secrets can save a life, even a soul. They may also have the opposite effect. Eventually they unravel and we have to deal with the fallout. Why burden the young with the personal horrors endured by the parents?
I found this account moving. Thanks for taking us into your life.
I have a mother who keeps secrets. And your story is precisely same behaviour. It was so helpful to read this.
Such a wonderful, sensitive, and compassionate story! ( I liked the trees reference. Very interesting! ( as safe spaces, as friends, as …? Here as an aside, yet her mother knew them all, and shared their names ..).
Beautifully written. Thank you.
Wow Ginny. So wonderfully insightful and beautifully written. xo
You have survived beautifully, Virginia. Writing is one of the best places to share secrets and I always enjoy every word you put out there. Thank you.
I imagine many, many people suffered terrible scars of war and how it affects families. And still do today. It's heartbreaking to know these tragedies exist. Thanks for shining a light.
Wonderful read and a hard life. Our family had secrets too…maybe not to the same extent but secrets nonetheless. My generation is trying to acknowledge the secrets. It’s hard work. Hang in there. We all do the best we can with what we have.