25 Comments
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sallie reynolds's avatar

I say the same of your "Dogstar," which I have reread many times, with joy and sorrow.

Heidi Selig's avatar

Great writing. You put me there. Fleshed out character of the mother without judgement. Not an extraneous word. YOU rock.

sallie reynolds's avatar

Didn't know that, But MM I aint!

WORTH CONNECTIONS's avatar

Thank you. What a frightening “Marylin Monroe like” moment. Her mother suffered from mental illness and substance abuse too.

According to Mimi's avatar

Just. Damn.

Ben Fuentes's avatar

You captured what it feels like to be a prisoner of someone you fear but need to love. Riding with your mom knowing she could hardly take care of herself, much less you, is a terrifying experience. Then being forced to face the owner of the flattened chicken takes the whole thing further. To a place where love, hate, and fear converge.

Carolyn Clark's avatar

Wow, what an emotive recollection. Really powerful, and so tragic 🙏❤️

JoAnn Elizabeth Stevelos's avatar

Beautifully written!

Michele Peters's avatar

Breathless. I'm breathless.

Susan Kacvinsky's avatar

Wow. I’m stunned by two things: the beautiful writing and the horror of that day, the ripples in the pond of that childhood. Well done.

sallie reynolds's avatar

Thank you for your response.

Elizabeth Yoffe's avatar

I’m stunned. Not only by your painful story, but by your powerful ability to express yourself and bring the reader in. Fantastic. 🩷

sallie reynolds's avatar

Your response is all I could ask for. Thanks.

Elizabeth Yoffe's avatar

My great pleasure!

Sarah Hauser's avatar

Wow. I feel like I am sitting right next to you in that car and I feel tears welling up. I am so sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing this powerful story ❤️

sallie reynolds's avatar

What doesn't kill you, they say, makes you strong.

Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm speechless. I'm sorry. I'm happy to find you. Your writing is exquisite and beautifully raw. xo

sallie reynolds's avatar

Thank you. Your response means so much to me.

Nan Tepper's avatar

It's my pleasure to give you that feedback. It's great work. xo

Laura St J's avatar

Mom, your stories aren't always easy to read, but they're powerful, and they really stick with you. It's been exciting to watch your work find new audiences and the recognition it deserves. Congratulations on another publication - I couldn't be happier for you ❤️

sallie reynolds's avatar

Thank you, my darling daughter!

Elizabeth Stone's avatar

Sallie, you're a conjuror, summoning worlds into being, and you've done it again. I've read and love this and all the others, too.

sallie reynolds's avatar

Blessings on you, Elizabeth. Your attention to my work has made it better.

Char Breshgold Words/Pictures's avatar

Heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing this powerful work.