13 Comments

Wonderful piece, Sarah. It brings us back to when, as growing children, we began to study our parents with a growing curiosity as to who exactly they were. And how as adults we might have gone from our earlier judgements to a greater understanding and even forgiveness.

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How lovely.

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It’s an enchanting mix of how our parents fit. Thank you for in-depth perception.

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Always wonderfully written with a message of purpose. I think a lot of people can relate- about their parents and themselves. Are the memories better than the reality?

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Beautiful piece Sarah. I recall a similar separateness between my parents as I grew up and questioning their relationship occasionally. They weathered their storms. Your piece was certainly evocative . Thanks.

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Thank you for this! It brought up a memory of MY dad, sitting at our kitchen table, reading. Mostly reading history … WWI and WWI, the Civil War, Ancient Egypt and Stonehenge! I see him at the old, green kitchen table, that probably went the way of all old furniture at least 60 years ago. Thank you again for that memory!

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Haunting. You tell such a big story with so few words, Sarah. A scattering of images tells us everything.

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Wow! Books and words used as a distraction from having to share words and a bed. I love how, as a child, you reflect on wanting to understand those books - a metaphor for understanding your parents and longing for their happiness. Beautifully written and very moving.

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Reading between the lines - gorgeous.

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Beautifully written. Thank you.

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Sarah, I felt I was in your house. Lovely piece.

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Beautifully written. Your words reminded me of my own curiosity about my parents’ secret life… and whether they were happy.

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Beautifully composed and so relatable. I love this piece.

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