This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing. Hoarding is an all too common condition, many of our loved ones are affected and it is very difficult for the children of hoarders to process. There is always the trauma at its heart, and I commend the heart you have brought to this piece. Thank you.
So boldly and honestly written Drew. Brought tears to my eyes which blurred the words but I could not cease reading alongside the flow of what you’ve expressed here. Every time I read something of yours about your life, it’s so palpably and incredibly apparent the insights you’ve gained and the power over language and structure that you have. I am eternally sad for your mothers passing, yet eternally respectful of how honestly and fully you have handled this tragedy and how you’ve been able to transport so much the pain into these creative and expressive outlets, continuing to share not only her possessions, but your words on everything. Sifting through the contents from someone so deeply close to you who had the illness of hoarding is devastating and debilitating, as well as having had to live alongside. Describing the magnitude and the mystique of her belongings gives such a texture to anyone who wouldn’t have known you personally, and adds such a poignant context to what I already knew. And then expressing so clearly the deep plummeting fears of being unwanted and let go of.. tremendously done. I’ve always been in awe of your bravery, since far before your mothers passing, and you express vulnerability in such a relatable and strong way. Thank you for sharing this and all you share ❤️
i like this but it reads disordered or unfocused. could use a re-edit, maybe one that goes in chronological order or uses a narrative structure that puts a greater upfront emphasis on your mother (or your thoughts on her) since that seems to be the emotional core of the piece, ie. since the ending focuses on how you found love and companionship that your mother was never able to, the beginning should start with a contrast that she struggled with self-isolation and mental illness, that she hoarded and you made a lengthy process of alleviating yourself of her things.
i also think that maybe we get too into detail here and there over the things you were selling. after two or three item descriptions my eyes start to gloss over and skip around. i am glad to see you found a peace and place in life that your mother wasn't able to, and i am sorry for your loss.
This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing. Hoarding is an all too common condition, many of our loved ones are affected and it is very difficult for the children of hoarders to process. There is always the trauma at its heart, and I commend the heart you have brought to this piece. Thank you.
So boldly and honestly written Drew. Brought tears to my eyes which blurred the words but I could not cease reading alongside the flow of what you’ve expressed here. Every time I read something of yours about your life, it’s so palpably and incredibly apparent the insights you’ve gained and the power over language and structure that you have. I am eternally sad for your mothers passing, yet eternally respectful of how honestly and fully you have handled this tragedy and how you’ve been able to transport so much the pain into these creative and expressive outlets, continuing to share not only her possessions, but your words on everything. Sifting through the contents from someone so deeply close to you who had the illness of hoarding is devastating and debilitating, as well as having had to live alongside. Describing the magnitude and the mystique of her belongings gives such a texture to anyone who wouldn’t have known you personally, and adds such a poignant context to what I already knew. And then expressing so clearly the deep plummeting fears of being unwanted and let go of.. tremendously done. I’ve always been in awe of your bravery, since far before your mothers passing, and you express vulnerability in such a relatable and strong way. Thank you for sharing this and all you share ❤️
Man these are all so great
This is so good. Thanks for writing it.
i like this but it reads disordered or unfocused. could use a re-edit, maybe one that goes in chronological order or uses a narrative structure that puts a greater upfront emphasis on your mother (or your thoughts on her) since that seems to be the emotional core of the piece, ie. since the ending focuses on how you found love and companionship that your mother was never able to, the beginning should start with a contrast that she struggled with self-isolation and mental illness, that she hoarded and you made a lengthy process of alleviating yourself of her things.
i also think that maybe we get too into detail here and there over the things you were selling. after two or three item descriptions my eyes start to gloss over and skip around. i am glad to see you found a peace and place in life that your mother wasn't able to, and i am sorry for your loss.