Merrilee, As a lifelong Texan (grew up in Amarillo, college in Austin, now in Houston), I felt like I knew your parents—or good church people like them, people whose hearts are steeped in God’s love and thus spread a distinct peace and richness. I’ve also know the yearning to please ultra-conservative family members because you love them deeply and you know they deeply love you. The result is a rich and complex tension built of love that is difficult to navigate, comprehend, and delineate, but congrats! You’ve nailed it.
Merrilee, As a lifelong Texan (grew up in Amarillo, college in Austin, now in Houston), I felt like I knew your parents—or good church people like them, people whose hearts are steeped in God’s love and thus spread a distinct peace and richness. I’ve also know the yearning to please ultra-conservative family members because you love them deeply and you know they deeply love you. The result is a rich and complex tension built of love that is difficult to navigate, comprehend, and delineate, but congrats! You’ve nailed it.
Thank you for seeing this story so fully!
My heart is full after reading this! I loved your parents, and I especially love you, ML!!!
Thank you, Craig! The feeling is mutual.
Tears rolled into my smile..,
I love that line.
Beautifully written - I loved the detail and imagery felt I was in the room with you and your dad - hope to read more someday
Painted dad perfectly. 💚
Such an eloquently written story!! I can easily imagine your sweet mom at the table listening while your wonderful dad shared his love.
Looking forward to reading more stories!!
Such a hopeful, honest story. Thank you. The image of a tree dying from the inside is apt.
I worried about where this was going, but thank you. It is a dear story.
Such a touching story, Merrilee, you and Jill together are the bomb! ❤️