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Aug 2, 2023Liked by Caroline J. Williams

A beautiful article!! I can say that I have never felt the things that you feel so deeply. I would almost say that I want to take that from you, but then, you wouldn't be the you that I love so much. I still say that you are able to write the things you do because you are able to go inside yourself and correctly identify what you are feeling. God is using you in a wonderful way to help and encourage others who do feel the pain that you feel. It takes a big heart to lay yourself bare before the world. Keep it up, my sweet! Nani

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Thank you, Nani! You're the best. Love ya! xoxo

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Aug 3, 2023Liked by Caroline J. Williams

Thank you for sharing this. It's easy to look at someone and imagine their life has been simple and easy. I think it's valuable to us all to debunk that illusion. I've had had plenty of my own sagas of pain and loss: mental health issues in which, yes--the brain "feels like an enemy," the loss of my 1st husband of 17 yrs. to suicide when I was 39 yr old, and, yes, spiritual abuse from the religious sect I spent most of my life afflicted with. Layer upon layer of difficult things (and that's not a complete list). Life isn't simple. Thank you for giving us this glimpse of your pain and your hope. Thanks for being brave enough to do it.

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Ellen, thank you for sharing this! My heart hurts for you and I agree, life is not simple and we would do so much better to break down the illusion that we’re all fine--and instead share the hope we’re learning in our pain with each other. I wonder if we would feel less lonely in our pain. Much love to you!

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Aug 1, 2023Liked by Caroline J. Williams

Soooo beautiful. Thank you for your transparency. I read “A Grief Observed” last year too, and loved it. I can relate to so much of what you write about here.

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Wow, do we have the same reading list? Thank you so much. I am so glad we're not alone in our experiences.

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As the character on Downton Abbey says, “Brava!”

Thank you for your vulnerability in this beautifully written pouring-out of your soul. Gosh, I had a flashback to when we connected peak COVID in 2020. So glad we connected- you were a shining moment for me in what was a tough season for you. My, how God works! Beauty for ashes.

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Thank you! And cue the tears, Rendy! You were such a light at a low point when God knew I desperately needed it, and your friendship is such a gift. You're right, beauty for ashes.

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