Just yesterday after a seven or so year plummeting relationship with my very conservative brother, I sent him a kind, loving letter that he had sent to my wife and I as newlyweds four decades ago. As you so well captured, sometimes the only voice we may be willing to learn from, is our own.
Thank you so much, Jim. A lot of stories get buried in the archives. Every now and then I think I’m going to pull one out to let it see the light of day again!
As you should! I'm sure a lot of your newer subscribers have never seen this and most will not go very deeply into the archives. Very poignant piece, Justin.
I thought I had officially lost my mind, then saw your note that this piece was from the archives. I think that says a lot about the impact this story has on me: I remembered it a year ++later. 🥹
Aww, thank you so much, Amie. That really means a lot to me. Originally I included a note before the story stating it’s from the vault, but then I decided to drop it at the end. I’m sorry for doing that to you. 🤣 But I’m very thankful for your kind words. 😊
Thank you so much, Meg! It’s fun to dig through the vault from time to time. I would love to pump out a new story every week, but it’s not always possible. Rather than trying to push through, I may start giving myself a break when needed and share an archived story. We shall see!
Thanks so much for reading, Alixandra. Most of my stories are jumbled bits of memories/experiences as well as characteristics of individuals I’ve met. Sometimes there are grains of truth embedded in the details. I honestly don’t remember the original inspiration behind this one!
Thank you for bringing this story back. I missed it first time round. It is beautiful, Justin. I would say, definitely, it is not too late for Ray to make his mother proud. It is never too late to live a life of service, giving inspiration and a leg up to floundering kids.
Agreed, Sharron. It’s never too late. I’m hopeful that Ray will continue to turn his life around and make positive, healthy choices. Thank you for reading! 🙏
Hi Rich. Great question. I wanted readers to feel like they were present and in the moment with the MC as he was experiencing it. Also, the first sentence sounded a lot better to me written in present vs past tense. 🤣
So happy to hear that, 3M! I can’t remember the original inspiration for writing this story, but “time capsules” are fun ways to preserve memories/objects from childhood. Thank you so much for reading!
Just yesterday after a seven or so year plummeting relationship with my very conservative brother, I sent him a kind, loving letter that he had sent to my wife and I as newlyweds four decades ago. As you so well captured, sometimes the only voice we may be willing to learn from, is our own.
And sometimes we need someone else’s help to right our course or remind us. I hope things improve for you and your brother. 🙏
Thanks Justin
I thought I remembered it but it was worth another read! Love it!
Thank you so much, Kim! And thank you for your service.
I remember this one, Justin! It was powerful last year and it is this year. Thank you for reposting it!
Thank you for reading, Jenise! 🙏😊
So glad you re-posted this Justin. I wasn't here the first time around. A very touching story, well told.
Thank you so much, Jim. A lot of stories get buried in the archives. Every now and then I think I’m going to pull one out to let it see the light of day again!
As you should! I'm sure a lot of your newer subscribers have never seen this and most will not go very deeply into the archives. Very poignant piece, Justin.
I thought I had officially lost my mind, then saw your note that this piece was from the archives. I think that says a lot about the impact this story has on me: I remembered it a year ++later. 🥹
Aww, thank you so much, Amie. That really means a lot to me. Originally I included a note before the story stating it’s from the vault, but then I decided to drop it at the end. I’m sorry for doing that to you. 🤣 But I’m very thankful for your kind words. 😊
You've got a lot of good stuff in your vault, Justin. Keep bringing 'em back. For us and for you!
Thank you so much, Meg! It’s fun to dig through the vault from time to time. I would love to pump out a new story every week, but it’s not always possible. Rather than trying to push through, I may start giving myself a break when needed and share an archived story. We shall see!
They'll be new for so many people. And for the rest they'll be like a song they heard once and remember fondly. It's all good!
Well! Once again you got it!
And got a tear from me
For moments, I forgot I was reading.
i was living it as if I was beside Raymond living
it all with him
Thank you Jason!
i felt this reflects pieces of your days...
Thanks so much for reading, Alixandra. Most of my stories are jumbled bits of memories/experiences as well as characteristics of individuals I’ve met. Sometimes there are grains of truth embedded in the details. I honestly don’t remember the original inspiration behind this one!
Thank you for bringing this story back. I missed it first time round. It is beautiful, Justin. I would say, definitely, it is not too late for Ray to make his mother proud. It is never too late to live a life of service, giving inspiration and a leg up to floundering kids.
Agreed, Sharron. It’s never too late. I’m hopeful that Ray will continue to turn his life around and make positive, healthy choices. Thank you for reading! 🙏
Very, very cool story, Justin. Well done!
Thank you so much, James! I appreciate you reading it!
This hit the right buttons for me.
We are all individuals, even nameless people on the streets. Well of course they have names, we just don't necessarily know them.
And, if we don't have hope, we need to find some. Not always easy, but a successful future is built on a foundation of hope and determination.
I completely agree. A better way forward begins with hope - the simple belief that it is possible.
Thank you for the thoughtful note!
Love this story !! Thanks for sharing it again !!
Thanks for reading it again! 😊
What made you tell this story in the present tense? Just curious.
Hi Rich. Great question. I wanted readers to feel like they were present and in the moment with the MC as he was experiencing it. Also, the first sentence sounded a lot better to me written in present vs past tense. 🤣
Thank you very much for reading my story!
I love thought of having childhood “aspirations” recorded in some way. “It is in our nature to forget.”
Thanks! You’ve gifted me an idea to put into my next project!
So happy to hear that, 3M! I can’t remember the original inspiration for writing this story, but “time capsules” are fun ways to preserve memories/objects from childhood. Thank you so much for reading!
It’s never too late to change your life (self.) Good one, Justin.
Thank you, Mark. I agree that it’s never too late!
This is such a beautifully unfolded tale. Very moving.
Really appreciate the kind words and note, Barrie. Thank you so much!