Feeling the itch of nerves being the first commenter on this tremendously beautiful piece, Melissa… What can I really actually say without jumping the shark here??
It’s one thing to notice these disparate yet connected things, appreciate and value them, but another thing entirely to then synthesize them with words and share with others.
I’ve noticed, appreciate and deeply value this piece, and as all beautiful writing encourages, am inspired. Thank you. 🙏🏻 ✨
Thank you so, so much Bree! I really appreciate this amazing compliment and your restack. Thank you for reading, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the piece. 💕
There is so much here, where do I begin to comment on this wonderful piece of writing. I especially relate to your story about your grandfather driving. I had older parents and my Dad loved to drive, and I admit imi would often be embarrassed by him picking us up at events, etc. I’m not sure why that was, but I’m certain I hurt his feelings at times. Then he had his license taken from him when he was in his late 80’s. I realized then how much his independence meant to him and his car was connected to that sovereignty. And I felt so guilty.
I can imagine how your dad must've felt after losing his license—it's a terrible thing to see.
I've become a lot closer to my grandfather since writing this, and he's told me that all he wants to do is steal a car and drive it without ever stopping.
Life's a strange thing. Thanks so much, Charlotte 💕
Some really beautiful and philosophical observations Melissa.
I have found that, the more people you love, the more tragedy is going to visit your life. It's just the way it goes, people will die, they will get sick or hurt or suffer their own losses that you empathize with. But then there's all the joy of those close relationships that you get to experience when times are good. As you said, light and dark yin and yang, all you can do is hope to find a balance.
Well said. It's a scary thing to think about, and it's easy to forget (especially during the bad times). "Hope to find a balance" is a good rule of thumb for most things in life.
I knew it was Jordan Pond right when I set eyes on it. Love Acadia. My favorite family picture (when I was still married, but hey it’s still my favorite) was a picture we took on Jordan Pond. Maybe I’ll post in notes later today. Now I want to eat popovers, ha! I was going to have that picture framed one day and hang in our living room but we separated 18 months later. We also saw the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.
It's an experience we will all remember. It was a road trip from Chicago area. We made stops in Boston, Rhode Island, Vermont and finally Bar Harbor. We were married 15 years, it was a good run. That picture came up in my photo memories recently and I asked my ex if she remembered my favorite family pic and she immediately said Jordan Pond. It was a little foggy when we went up Cadillac for the sunrise but we could see it clear as day because we were above the fog. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in North America where the sunrise is viewed. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Feeling the itch of nerves being the first commenter on this tremendously beautiful piece, Melissa… What can I really actually say without jumping the shark here??
It’s one thing to notice these disparate yet connected things, appreciate and value them, but another thing entirely to then synthesize them with words and share with others.
I’ve noticed, appreciate and deeply value this piece, and as all beautiful writing encourages, am inspired. Thank you. 🙏🏻 ✨
Thank you so, so much Bree! I really appreciate this amazing compliment and your restack. Thank you for reading, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the piece. 💕
The pleasure’s mine completely 💗
There is so much here, where do I begin to comment on this wonderful piece of writing. I especially relate to your story about your grandfather driving. I had older parents and my Dad loved to drive, and I admit imi would often be embarrassed by him picking us up at events, etc. I’m not sure why that was, but I’m certain I hurt his feelings at times. Then he had his license taken from him when he was in his late 80’s. I realized then how much his independence meant to him and his car was connected to that sovereignty. And I felt so guilty.
Great writing Melissa, thank you! ✨💜✨
Strange what kids will be embarrassed of, right?
I can imagine how your dad must've felt after losing his license—it's a terrible thing to see.
I've become a lot closer to my grandfather since writing this, and he's told me that all he wants to do is steal a car and drive it without ever stopping.
Life's a strange thing. Thanks so much, Charlotte 💕
Some really beautiful and philosophical observations Melissa.
I have found that, the more people you love, the more tragedy is going to visit your life. It's just the way it goes, people will die, they will get sick or hurt or suffer their own losses that you empathize with. But then there's all the joy of those close relationships that you get to experience when times are good. As you said, light and dark yin and yang, all you can do is hope to find a balance.
Well said. It's a scary thing to think about, and it's easy to forget (especially during the bad times). "Hope to find a balance" is a good rule of thumb for most things in life.
Thanks for reading!
I knew it was Jordan Pond right when I set eyes on it. Love Acadia. My favorite family picture (when I was still married, but hey it’s still my favorite) was a picture we took on Jordan Pond. Maybe I’ll post in notes later today. Now I want to eat popovers, ha! I was going to have that picture framed one day and hang in our living room but we separated 18 months later. We also saw the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.
Acadia is amazing—I’m glad you had the experience, even if the relationship didn’t work out.
If I remember correctly, it was cloudy when we went up Cadillac mountain. The sunrise must’ve been incredible. & those popovers were off the hook!
It's an experience we will all remember. It was a road trip from Chicago area. We made stops in Boston, Rhode Island, Vermont and finally Bar Harbor. We were married 15 years, it was a good run. That picture came up in my photo memories recently and I asked my ex if she remembered my favorite family pic and she immediately said Jordan Pond. It was a little foggy when we went up Cadillac for the sunrise but we could see it clear as day because we were above the fog. Cadillac Mountain is the first place in North America where the sunrise is viewed. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing this beautiful essay.