This may not mean much coming from a stranger on the Internet, but I am so incredibly proud of you. Your story is both traumatic and uplifting, your writing is incredibly moving and all you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish should be revered.
Wow Virginia, I had no idea of your story. Beautifully written. My mom had a traumatic brain injury when I was 4 (freak accident) and I relate strongly to never knowing your real mom, and having to mother your mother. I’m so glad you had a fierce advocate like your grandmother.
It is an honor to share the planet with you, Virginia. Your bravery, your sacrificial love for your mom, your perseverance in the face of adversity - all that and so much more is an incredible inspiration to the mere mortals you share the planet with.
I have read your Substack posts and your book, so it's clear that your grandmother's fierceness courses through you. I am particularly struck with that moment when she summoned an unbelievable amount of courage and pretended not to be terrified when you told her of the face in the window. She refused to let that demon of a father take your life, too. What an incredible person, and you are her living legacy.
Your sacrificial life of caring for your mother is beautiful, Virginia. Thank you for being a beacon of goodness in a weary world. May our good God bless you and keep you ❤️.
Lastly, I hope you are considering writing a screenplay about your story. You clearly have the writing ability, and your story is gripping. And you have the grit and street smarts to get it produced. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Thank you for this post. It is an honor to be a subscriber ❤️.
I’m so sorry that you had to, and still have to, walk through the mess he made. And sad for you for all he took from you. You are incredible, in spite of it all. Stay strong.
What a truly terrible thing for a child to experience, I am so sorry. Congratulations for becoming the strong and accomplished person you are today, and for thriving when those who were supposed to protect you let you down.
The language your father used in his messages — the fantasizing and love bombing — is similar to missives I’ve received from men I met on dating apps. Met and rejected. That’s extremely disturbing.
It must have been incredibly difficult to face your father for the first time that way, but kudos to you for telling your story and making a difference. You are powerful and inspiring.
Everything about this brings up so many feelings about my own dad. He was never physically violent like yours, but the end result still feels the same. I feel a lot of grief for us both. I am sending you so much love.
This may not mean much coming from a stranger on the Internet, but I am so incredibly proud of you. Your story is both traumatic and uplifting, your writing is incredibly moving and all you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish should be revered.
Wow Virginia, I had no idea of your story. Beautifully written. My mom had a traumatic brain injury when I was 4 (freak accident) and I relate strongly to never knowing your real mom, and having to mother your mother. I’m so glad you had a fierce advocate like your grandmother.
Yours is a story of grit, courage and love. The song’s music was written by a dear friend and neighbor of my family.
It is an honor to share the planet with you, Virginia. Your bravery, your sacrificial love for your mom, your perseverance in the face of adversity - all that and so much more is an incredible inspiration to the mere mortals you share the planet with.
I have read your Substack posts and your book, so it's clear that your grandmother's fierceness courses through you. I am particularly struck with that moment when she summoned an unbelievable amount of courage and pretended not to be terrified when you told her of the face in the window. She refused to let that demon of a father take your life, too. What an incredible person, and you are her living legacy.
Your sacrificial life of caring for your mother is beautiful, Virginia. Thank you for being a beacon of goodness in a weary world. May our good God bless you and keep you ❤️.
Lastly, I hope you are considering writing a screenplay about your story. You clearly have the writing ability, and your story is gripping. And you have the grit and street smarts to get it produced. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Thank you for this post. It is an honor to be a subscriber ❤️.
Your inspirational story is the embodiment of one of my favorite quotes, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
I’m so sorry that you had to, and still have to, walk through the mess he made. And sad for you for all he took from you. You are incredible, in spite of it all. Stay strong.
Gawds, Virginia, this just wrecked me. Sending you big hugs, my friend.💕🥰
What a truly terrible thing for a child to experience, I am so sorry. Congratulations for becoming the strong and accomplished person you are today, and for thriving when those who were supposed to protect you let you down.
The language your father used in his messages — the fantasizing and love bombing — is similar to missives I’ve received from men I met on dating apps. Met and rejected. That’s extremely disturbing.
I’m glad he will probably die in prison.
It must have been incredibly difficult to face your father for the first time that way, but kudos to you for telling your story and making a difference. You are powerful and inspiring.
Beautifully written, as always
I am just blown away by your bravery and strength. Thank you for your words and openness here. I am moved.
Your resilience is moving. ♥️
Everything about this brings up so many feelings about my own dad. He was never physically violent like yours, but the end result still feels the same. I feel a lot of grief for us both. I am sending you so much love.
🫂🫂
Very compelling story. You should take pride in who you grew up to be.
Your grandmother was a hero!