Wow, Sarah. Such a powerful article. I’m so moved by your story and your grandmother’s prompt and the connection with the Lions Way bringing you back to heal.
Thank you for reading, and for the support, Blair. The Lion's Way was so meaningful to me that I reached out to the author, Lewis Orde, via email to share the essay with him, and he responded! It's amazing how much power a book has to connect people over the course of time.
That is incredible. I bet your essay will have a similar effect on those impacted by Tay-Sachs and also those who have lost a sibling when they were young and never got to digest the loss.
I love that idea, Blair. I think that the biggest blessing of contributing to this book has been finding this incredible community of authors who also not only lost their siblings, but weren't able to find resources like this anthology. Together we created the book we needed then, so I hope it finds its way into the hands of the people who need it now.
This is so beautifully written. I am filled with many emotions after reading it. Your relationship with Mindy and your Grandmother were so deep and meaningful. Thank you for sharing this touching, profound story.
This is so powerful and brave. In the history of my family, my mother believed that a cousin had died of Tay-Sachs. That would have been in the early 20th Century and of course not talked about. That aunt, my great aunt Anne, suffered clinical depression most of her life. My daughter is named after her.
Hi Kresha, thank you for taking the time to not only read the piece, but to share this family history as well. Tay-Sachs is a horrid, debilitating disease, and I've read about others who have suffered from the adult version of it as well. I'm grateful that we live in a time where everyone who would like to find out if they are a carrier of reproductive diseases can be tested with a simple saliva screening. It's come a long way from when I was screened in 2002, by a blood test for a panel of 16 diseases. Now the screening can detect over 200.
Thank you for these early-morning tears, Sarah. Like your sister's short but impactful life that has made the happiness you’ve experienced that much "more pronounced alongside its contrast," my cry this morning, while reading such a tender portrayal of your sister's life and death, made my coffee taste all the sweeter.
Sarah this was a very moving essay, and genetic screening is so important to talk about. I love the braiding of your life with Mindy's and your grandmother. How vividly you portray how your life was altered through your love and connection with them! Brava!
Sarah, I am just so glad you shared this beautiful piece. I can appreciate your vulnerability and this story of your amazing sister Mindy. I love that you through this book and had the opportunity to once again connect to your grandmother. You have such a talent and I look forward to reading more. Xoxo
Thank you for sharing this powerful and painful story. It was beautifully written.
Wow, Sarah. Such a powerful article. I’m so moved by your story and your grandmother’s prompt and the connection with the Lions Way bringing you back to heal.
Thank you for reading, and for the support, Blair. The Lion's Way was so meaningful to me that I reached out to the author, Lewis Orde, via email to share the essay with him, and he responded! It's amazing how much power a book has to connect people over the course of time.
That is incredible. I bet your essay will have a similar effect on those impacted by Tay-Sachs and also those who have lost a sibling when they were young and never got to digest the loss.
I love that idea, Blair. I think that the biggest blessing of contributing to this book has been finding this incredible community of authors who also not only lost their siblings, but weren't able to find resources like this anthology. Together we created the book we needed then, so I hope it finds its way into the hands of the people who need it now.
That was wonderful. You expressed so well the pain of childhood shame. Your grandmother and mother helped you.
Thank you, Hannah. I was blessed to have them guiding me.
What a lovely and loving tribute to both Mindy and your grandmother. So honored to meet them through your beautiful words.
Thank you Diane! I loved them both so much, and I'm grateful that comes through.
This is so beautifully written. I am filled with many emotions after reading it. Your relationship with Mindy and your Grandmother were so deep and meaningful. Thank you for sharing this touching, profound story.
Thank you, Ana, for reading- and for the sweet, supportive comments.
Sarah,
This is so powerful and brave. In the history of my family, my mother believed that a cousin had died of Tay-Sachs. That would have been in the early 20th Century and of course not talked about. That aunt, my great aunt Anne, suffered clinical depression most of her life. My daughter is named after her.
Hi Kresha, thank you for taking the time to not only read the piece, but to share this family history as well. Tay-Sachs is a horrid, debilitating disease, and I've read about others who have suffered from the adult version of it as well. I'm grateful that we live in a time where everyone who would like to find out if they are a carrier of reproductive diseases can be tested with a simple saliva screening. It's come a long way from when I was screened in 2002, by a blood test for a panel of 16 diseases. Now the screening can detect over 200.
Thank you for these early-morning tears, Sarah. Like your sister's short but impactful life that has made the happiness you’ve experienced that much "more pronounced alongside its contrast," my cry this morning, while reading such a tender portrayal of your sister's life and death, made my coffee taste all the sweeter.
Thank you Melissa. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you reading this piece and your supportive friendship.
Sarah, Thank you for sharing how you made your way through this.
Thank you for reading it, Rosa- I appreciate it.
Sarah this was a very moving essay, and genetic screening is so important to talk about. I love the braiding of your life with Mindy's and your grandmother. How vividly you portray how your life was altered through your love and connection with them! Brava!
Thank you dear friend! I appreciate you reading it and your sweet supportive comments. My life is markedly better for knowing and loving them both.
Sarah, I am just so glad you shared this beautiful piece. I can appreciate your vulnerability and this story of your amazing sister Mindy. I love that you through this book and had the opportunity to once again connect to your grandmother. You have such a talent and I look forward to reading more. Xoxo
Jamee, thank you so much for your kind comments and support- I can't tell you how much appreciate it!