Wow this is a powerful family drama — Dani Shapiro’s Family Secrets Podcast worthy. Since my former mother-in-law lives on Avenue Y, and since I’m also the granddaughter of a Holocaust escapee, and since your telling is so visual, I really experienced this story vividly.
Wow. So evocative. I did find photos of Apt 5-J online, and can now imagine what the building was like in its early years. I would miss "my" apartment, even having moved on.
I got a lot of good out of reading this. It did wonders for my mind and soul. Reminds me of some issues that my parents and grandparents endured. Life is not a breeze as some people think, but is worth the effort as we plod along day by day.
The unprocessed grief of the Holocaust leading to perfectionism (mom) and rage (dad)... Which was carried down into my body til I dealt with it. Thank you for this. Seems obvious now, that you’ve taken the time to sort and write and share, but I swear I couldn’t see it til you said it.
Wow! Having lived in Germany in the late 1960’s and in Greenpoint in a railroad apartment in the early 1980’s ( for $375 a month) that we gave up because I suddenly had a baby, I understand this story. It’s also beautifully written.
Wow this is a powerful family drama — Dani Shapiro’s Family Secrets Podcast worthy. Since my former mother-in-law lives on Avenue Y, and since I’m also the granddaughter of a Holocaust escapee, and since your telling is so visual, I really experienced this story vividly.
Just wow!
Wow. So evocative. I did find photos of Apt 5-J online, and can now imagine what the building was like in its early years. I would miss "my" apartment, even having moved on.
What we spin of our lives--sometimes it's gold. Thank you for writing and sharing this, and my all time favorite Mary Oliver poem, to boot.
I got a lot of good out of reading this. It did wonders for my mind and soul. Reminds me of some issues that my parents and grandparents endured. Life is not a breeze as some people think, but is worth the effort as we plod along day by day.
Love this…
What a lot of living you did to be able to write this. Well done
Loved this. Thank you. Amazing, E.
This piece is one of the most vivid and affecting pieces of your writing I have read to date. Thank you for finding the courage to be so honest.
I can still hear that knocking at 3 in the morning, terrifying. What a stimulating read, my goodness. Thank you. 🙏🏻
The unprocessed grief of the Holocaust leading to perfectionism (mom) and rage (dad)... Which was carried down into my body til I dealt with it. Thank you for this. Seems obvious now, that you’ve taken the time to sort and write and share, but I swear I couldn’t see it til you said it.
Gorgeous. Just that.
Oh this is so poignant, beautiful and gut wrenching. Home is such a sacred, burdened topic. I think the letter reappeared now for a reason though.
Yowza. I could not stop reading that.
Beautifully written - thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you opened the envelope! And the date book!
Wow! Having lived in Germany in the late 1960’s and in Greenpoint in a railroad apartment in the early 1980’s ( for $375 a month) that we gave up because I suddenly had a baby, I understand this story. It’s also beautifully written.