Don, this is so powerful, and so relevant to my family right now! I recently lost a great-nephew, but his father lost an only son; therefore, his pain far outweighs mine! He was a beautiful 21-year old who attended college and played basketball. His father's words, "He was a joy to parent." My niece told me that he cried off and on for three solid hours. I am glad that she was there to comfort him since I could not be there to offer him the solace that he needed. Your description of Lydia's pain reminded me of what I went through so many years ago when I lost my only daughter. The loss of one's child is always heartbreaking and does throw one into the abyss of depression. You were able to write it about it slowly. There is no way that you can write about this type of pain quickly because it's just too draining!
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. It is difficult for a writer to reach deep inside for their truth. First, they have to have some idea for what they are searching. Second, they need to be able to confront that truth and absorb/survive the emotions it churns up. Then the story can have an autheticity that will take the reader to a new level of understanding. Readers have commented that my work is not easy to read. While not my goal, I think it identifies the nature of the feelings churned up by the work.
You are quite welcome!
Don, this is so powerful, and so relevant to my family right now! I recently lost a great-nephew, but his father lost an only son; therefore, his pain far outweighs mine! He was a beautiful 21-year old who attended college and played basketball. His father's words, "He was a joy to parent." My niece told me that he cried off and on for three solid hours. I am glad that she was there to comfort him since I could not be there to offer him the solace that he needed. Your description of Lydia's pain reminded me of what I went through so many years ago when I lost my only daughter. The loss of one's child is always heartbreaking and does throw one into the abyss of depression. You were able to write it about it slowly. There is no way that you can write about this type of pain quickly because it's just too draining!
Hi Joan,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. It is difficult for a writer to reach deep inside for their truth. First, they have to have some idea for what they are searching. Second, they need to be able to confront that truth and absorb/survive the emotions it churns up. Then the story can have an autheticity that will take the reader to a new level of understanding. Readers have commented that my work is not easy to read. While not my goal, I think it identifies the nature of the feelings churned up by the work.