Such a poignant and tenderly told story; I'm sure there are many of us (myself included) who carry those poorly managed choices / unkind decisions with us for ever, mostly forgotten but every now and then they'll surface as a scolding - a reminder to be kinder!
Really enjoyed this.It took me back to my youth and those few moments with dear ladies who shared with me tenderness and kindness and now remain fond memories I am forever grateful for.And yeah there are a few regrets where I too could have things handled differently but I have grown because of those experiences.Great writing by the way.
Was there anyone who wasn't a complete clod in their youthful years? Well, sure. I knew a few, one who lost a long fight against cancer this year. I couldn't help thinking that she deserved to live longer. Special memories here, Don, and tenderly shared. I'm sure somehow your earnest apology will find the right landing spot.
A difficult story to tell, and I suspect, a difficult memory to walk with.
Just my thoughts as I read this, and I’d like to share. Do with this what you will. And please Feel free to ignore. Although it feels impossible to forgive myself ourselves for old choices, it is best that we do. Balancing forgiving others for their old choices feels a bit easier when we offer the same to ourselves.
There is so much to react to in this beautiful story.
I found your reflection on the swimming quarry to be particularly insightful.
It's not just about revisiting a place from your past, but also about recognizing how you've changed and grown.
You see the quarry through a new lens, appreciating the beauty and wonder you may have missed as a younger self. Life constantly evolves, and we should embrace the opportunity to discover new perspectives on the world around us.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on my essay, Alexander. I really appreciate your support, and I’m so grateful that you keep reading and commenting!
When we are young we can be and act in a stupid way, it is what it is and cannot be changed but acknowledging our pass and owning it helps make us better people
“Wet swimsuits and glistening skin”—KRYPTONITE, MAN. SERIOUS KRYPTONITE! Especially at an age when, as it has been biologically proven, a man’s brain moves for a short period of time, from the skull area to the genitals. Been there. I’ve had my Kryptonite too.
The reminiscences on Dee are poignant. “The one that maybe we let slip away….” Been there too.
Going further might have had the Substack admin slap an R-rating on your post! LOL!!!
But, like those by-gone eras of yore, leaving more to the imagination, and less on the page or screen, makes the work more intimate.
Your piece caused me to think of a couple of my past experiences with friends in general, but then a couple of girls who, like you, will remain forever in my heart.
Thanks,Kert. A couple of readers have said this; that it’s reminding them of experiences of their own. That’s a thrill for me, especially as I had no idea how this one would be received, being outside of my usual “mindfulness“ theme. 🙂
Thank you, Colleen. I can’t imagine she’ll see it, but one never knows, and that actually caused me pause. I think I’m more comfortable just releasing into the universe! 🙏💚
What a sweet memory and such a good way to reflect on past behavior you wondered about. I think writing letters to others (or ourself) even though never sent have real meaning. Thanks for a neat trip down your memory lane, Don.
Such a poignant and tenderly told story; I'm sure there are many of us (myself included) who carry those poorly managed choices / unkind decisions with us for ever, mostly forgotten but every now and then they'll surface as a scolding - a reminder to be kinder!
Thank you so much, Liz! 🙏💚
Really enjoyed this.It took me back to my youth and those few moments with dear ladies who shared with me tenderness and kindness and now remain fond memories I am forever grateful for.And yeah there are a few regrets where I too could have things handled differently but I have grown because of those experiences.Great writing by the way.
Thank you, Nick! 🙏💚
Bittersweet memories…. They all make us the person we are. Have a wonderful festive season. 🤗
Thank you, Beth! 🙏💚
They seem to be like a rite of passage or similar.
I love this Don! You really brought those images to life.
Thank you so much, Noreen! 🙏🩷
Was there anyone who wasn't a complete clod in their youthful years? Well, sure. I knew a few, one who lost a long fight against cancer this year. I couldn't help thinking that she deserved to live longer. Special memories here, Don, and tenderly shared. I'm sure somehow your earnest apology will find the right landing spot.
Thank you, Elizabeth. You’re a very understanding and accepting person. 🙏💚
A difficult story to tell, and I suspect, a difficult memory to walk with.
Just my thoughts as I read this, and I’d like to share. Do with this what you will. And please Feel free to ignore. Although it feels impossible to forgive myself ourselves for old choices, it is best that we do. Balancing forgiving others for their old choices feels a bit easier when we offer the same to ourselves.
Good advice, thanks, Teyani. And thank you so much for being here! 🙏💚
There is so much to react to in this beautiful story.
I found your reflection on the swimming quarry to be particularly insightful.
It's not just about revisiting a place from your past, but also about recognizing how you've changed and grown.
You see the quarry through a new lens, appreciating the beauty and wonder you may have missed as a younger self. Life constantly evolves, and we should embrace the opportunity to discover new perspectives on the world around us.
Thank you for sharing. 🩵
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on my essay, Alexander. I really appreciate your support, and I’m so grateful that you keep reading and commenting!
Tugging at my heartstrings always & forever! Your writing could be a movie. I can see it in my mind's eye already!
That’s such a compliment, Mohika, thank you!
Such a lovely story. It captures that period of life so beautifully—so bittersweet
Thank you so much, LeeAnn! 🙏💚
Great piece. I think we all have regrets when we were are younger selves. I sure do. Thanks Don.
Thank you, Nancy. 🙏💚
When we are young we can be and act in a stupid way, it is what it is and cannot be changed but acknowledging our pass and owning it helps make us better people
“It is what it is and cannot be changed” is a wise acknowledgement and acceptance. Thanks, Jo! 🙏💚
This makes me wonder, are there boys out there who are apologizing to me in their heads for how they treated me when we were too young to know better?
Let’s just say they are! 😊
“Wet swimsuits and glistening skin”—KRYPTONITE, MAN. SERIOUS KRYPTONITE! Especially at an age when, as it has been biologically proven, a man’s brain moves for a short period of time, from the skull area to the genitals. Been there. I’ve had my Kryptonite too.
The reminiscences on Dee are poignant. “The one that maybe we let slip away….” Been there too.
Thanks, Kert. I figured those were the only few words I needed to explain that particular move lol! 😆
Going further might have had the Substack admin slap an R-rating on your post! LOL!!!
But, like those by-gone eras of yore, leaving more to the imagination, and less on the page or screen, makes the work more intimate.
Your piece caused me to think of a couple of my past experiences with friends in general, but then a couple of girls who, like you, will remain forever in my heart.
Thanks,Kert. A couple of readers have said this; that it’s reminding them of experiences of their own. That’s a thrill for me, especially as I had no idea how this one would be received, being outside of my usual “mindfulness“ theme. 🙂
What a beautiful apology. Maybe she'll see it but even if she doesn't, releasing it into the universe is a grand offering of forgiveness.
Thank you, Colleen. I can’t imagine she’ll see it, but one never knows, and that actually caused me pause. I think I’m more comfortable just releasing into the universe! 🙏💚
What a sweet memory and such a good way to reflect on past behavior you wondered about. I think writing letters to others (or ourself) even though never sent have real meaning. Thanks for a neat trip down your memory lane, Don.
Thanks Jeanine. I’m so glad you liked it. That’s a great point about writing unsent letters. I can think of a few more people I should write to! 😊
I haven’t done one lately— but yeah, they’re helpful. Another way of coping for me at least.
Heartfelt post. It brought up long ago memories for me. Sign of an excellent writer - that would be you.
Aw, I’m touched, Monica, thank you so much! 🙏💚