He was a very sick man and a master manipulator. That's what sociopaths do. They turn everything you say toward themselves. They make everything you say about them. I'm glad you were finally able to extract yourself from a toxic relationship.
this is breathtaking writing, Tonya. how many of us can take a hard honest look at ourselves and go deep to the shadows where unspoken truths lie? but, it is only the best of writers who can put those hidden truths into words, describing the seen and unseen so beautifully for others to read, and to make their own judgement. powerful stuff. thank you.
I'm so grateful to have you as a reader, Tabby. It's much easier to put this kind of deeply personal writing out into the world knowing I have good friends who will receive it and connect with it.
Such an exquisite, haunting & self-aware piece, Tonya. Your open heart may have given you challenges, but it is your total salvation. You are also the high priestess of the telling detail: "The coral shade in the bedroom looked more like orange sherbet" is more than strictly descriptive...it conjures up a whole poignant world. ❤️
Such a powerful and courageous piece of writing. I'm wondering if, by writing this, you lived more of the pain or instead delivered a type of personal therapy to your soul? I'm hoping it was/is the latter. And I couldn't agree more with Ellen's comments below, but I'm not at her or your level of wordsmithing.
I live in moab. I knew Stiles. I don’t blame you. Your writing, insight and willingness to delve so deeply into yourself is very powerful. I admire your strength.
All that you have written on this subject has been so powerful and profound, and has affected me deeply. You are an excellent writer, Ms. Morton. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
It seems in retrospect like oblivion is calling certain people and they grab onto beings that they think will slow or stop the descent...of course this is retroactive life teaches us to see the signs in others and ourselves..maybe make art out of them .m
There's much to say about this and I'm not sure what to say to you----but I'll be letting you know in the future but after thinking more, and not here. I'm hoping that overall this is ending up helping you, as I also knew the way he was. More later
I have never used the word "gripping" in my life but here I am. I was holding my breath reading this. You articulated the complexity of your heart and the situation so beautifully. I will be thinking of this for a long time. Thank you so much for writing it. Complexity isn't a good enough word. What about bothiness? No? Ambivalence blah. You capture the messiness of the heart very clearly. Not an easy thing. Bravo.
Such deep truth and poignant honesty is stunning to read - and I can’t imagine the work and pain it takes for you to put to pen your feelings and speak your truth to a world that might not welcome your truth. Please accept my deepest appreciation for your painful efforts to purge your body and soul of the truth of your refelctions
He was a very sick man and a master manipulator. That's what sociopaths do. They turn everything you say toward themselves. They make everything you say about them. I'm glad you were finally able to extract yourself from a toxic relationship.
Thanks, Tonya. You make this kind of writing look easy. It’s not.
this is breathtaking writing, Tonya. how many of us can take a hard honest look at ourselves and go deep to the shadows where unspoken truths lie? but, it is only the best of writers who can put those hidden truths into words, describing the seen and unseen so beautifully for others to read, and to make their own judgement. powerful stuff. thank you.
I'm so grateful to have you as a reader, Tabby. It's much easier to put this kind of deeply personal writing out into the world knowing I have good friends who will receive it and connect with it.
Such an exquisite, haunting & self-aware piece, Tonya. Your open heart may have given you challenges, but it is your total salvation. You are also the high priestess of the telling detail: "The coral shade in the bedroom looked more like orange sherbet" is more than strictly descriptive...it conjures up a whole poignant world. ❤️
Thank you so much, Ellen. I always love to see which details you pick out of the pieces. You have one of my favorite readerly eyes <3
Such a powerful and courageous piece of writing. I'm wondering if, by writing this, you lived more of the pain or instead delivered a type of personal therapy to your soul? I'm hoping it was/is the latter. And I couldn't agree more with Ellen's comments below, but I'm not at her or your level of wordsmithing.
I think (hope) the latter. I think it's a kind of therapy to just say things, or write them, out loud. I'm so glad you appreciated the piece, Lewis.
I live in moab. I knew Stiles. I don’t blame you. Your writing, insight and willingness to delve so deeply into yourself is very powerful. I admire your strength.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words, Jeannine. Wishing you a warm, happy holiday. Thank you.
All that you have written on this subject has been so powerful and profound, and has affected me deeply. You are an excellent writer, Ms. Morton. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Thank you so much for the kind words, John. I'm grateful to have you as a reader.
It seems in retrospect like oblivion is calling certain people and they grab onto beings that they think will slow or stop the descent...of course this is retroactive life teaches us to see the signs in others and ourselves..maybe make art out of them .m
That's the answer I keep coming back to as well: make art out of it. That's all you can do.
There's much to say about this and I'm not sure what to say to you----but I'll be letting you know in the future but after thinking more, and not here. I'm hoping that overall this is ending up helping you, as I also knew the way he was. More later
I have never used the word "gripping" in my life but here I am. I was holding my breath reading this. You articulated the complexity of your heart and the situation so beautifully. I will be thinking of this for a long time. Thank you so much for writing it. Complexity isn't a good enough word. What about bothiness? No? Ambivalence blah. You capture the messiness of the heart very clearly. Not an easy thing. Bravo.
I absolutely love the phrase "the messiness of the heart" and that is exactly what I was hoping to convey. I'm so glad it resonated with you, Jodie.
Such deep truth and poignant honesty is stunning to read - and I can’t imagine the work and pain it takes for you to put to pen your feelings and speak your truth to a world that might not welcome your truth. Please accept my deepest appreciation for your painful efforts to purge your body and soul of the truth of your refelctions
Thank you so much for your kind words, Dennis.