30 Comments
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Michelle Levy's avatar

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.

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Melissa Walker's avatar

Just wow!

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Bette's avatar

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.

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Shelly Shepherd's avatar

I listened to part of this story in your new book Permission as I drove across the desert on Friday. I was reminded here again this morning as I read your words that the strands and the fabric of our lives, of our stories, connect our human spirits. A connection made possible when we piece the words together and place them on the page…

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Myra Slotnick's avatar

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.

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Roberta J Sulkowski's avatar

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.

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Claudia's avatar

Love this…

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Monica Barron's avatar

What a lot of living you did to be able to write this. Well done

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Denise Vivaldo's avatar

Loved this. Thank you. Amazing, E.

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Jane's avatar

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.

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Bee Lilyjones's avatar

I can still hear that knocking at 3 in the morning, terrifying. What a stimulating read, my goodness. Thank you. 🙏🏻

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Elena Brower's avatar

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.

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Sara's avatar

Gorgeous. Just that.

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Susie Middleton's avatar

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.

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B.A. Lampman's avatar

Yowza. I could not stop reading that.

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Lindsey Melden's avatar

Beautifully written - thank you for sharing. I’m so glad you opened the envelope! And the date book!

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