Sylvie, this is stunning in the way it lets the comic bath scene become the key to the whole childhood: the professor, the elephant, the foam, the hose, the laugh, and the small triumph of becoming useful through ridiculousness. The line between Garfield and Odie, cleverness and comedy, hardness and performance carries so much emotional force because it shows how siblings can survive the same house by becoming different kinds of armor. I was deeply moved by the longing for your sister to say, “Yes, you were there,” because that is the ache beneath so much of the piece: the desire to be witnessed by the only person who could fully know the world you both endured. The Christmas tree memory is especially powerful because it refuses easy sorting; the good memories and the frightening ones sit side by side, neither able to erase the other. Grateful for the beauty and courage here, especially in the final movement from waiting at the bank toward teaching your own feet to fly.
Deeply personal, and beautifully written, Sylvie. I feel like a guest invited into a very private place, and unsure if I should be there.
I could wish that your childhood was easier, and your Mother happier. I could wish that your Sister sits with you to share memories and love and grief. My wishes, however, would change nothing.
You are finding your own way forward, instead, through the clarity and honesty of your writing - as sad and beautiful as the song you reference.
Thank you so much for reading, I have wished before that it was easier, but now I think I have come on a long road to understand that it was just that. A long road to gifts and knowing I couldn't have come by any other way.
I could not fully express here in words - that wouldn’t fill a book- how very much your story mirrors my own, my sisters, my mom, the precious good memories that cannot be drowned out no matter how the bad shook our world and took us precariously over the eggshells at times. This is raw and oh so cathartic as you become seen and wrapped in the arms of those who can relate and long for the conversations that make all we were and are valid and honoured. Write on dear Sylvie.
So much goes on behind all our closed doors doesn't it, kindness and love is everything. That's why I love peeking through all these little windows on Substack. I am so happy that you understand and for your reading. Sending so much love 💙
Thank you 💓 Beautiful beautiful beautiful.
Thank you so much 💙
Sylvie, this is stunning in the way it lets the comic bath scene become the key to the whole childhood: the professor, the elephant, the foam, the hose, the laugh, and the small triumph of becoming useful through ridiculousness. The line between Garfield and Odie, cleverness and comedy, hardness and performance carries so much emotional force because it shows how siblings can survive the same house by becoming different kinds of armor. I was deeply moved by the longing for your sister to say, “Yes, you were there,” because that is the ache beneath so much of the piece: the desire to be witnessed by the only person who could fully know the world you both endured. The Christmas tree memory is especially powerful because it refuses easy sorting; the good memories and the frightening ones sit side by side, neither able to erase the other. Grateful for the beauty and courage here, especially in the final movement from waiting at the bank toward teaching your own feet to fly.
This is so gorgeous. Thank you.
Thanks for reading Tom :)
I am blown away after reading this, I don't know how to compliment something so deeply personal and poignant but also such a talent for writing 🤍
Thank you, you being here is more than enough compliment 💙
Deeply personal, and beautifully written, Sylvie. I feel like a guest invited into a very private place, and unsure if I should be there.
I could wish that your childhood was easier, and your Mother happier. I could wish that your Sister sits with you to share memories and love and grief. My wishes, however, would change nothing.
You are finding your own way forward, instead, through the clarity and honesty of your writing - as sad and beautiful as the song you reference.
Best Wishes - Dave
Thank you so much for reading, I have wished before that it was easier, but now I think I have come on a long road to understand that it was just that. A long road to gifts and knowing I couldn't have come by any other way.
What a wonderful reading to end my day, thanks for sharing all these emotions
Thank you for being here x
I could not fully express here in words - that wouldn’t fill a book- how very much your story mirrors my own, my sisters, my mom, the precious good memories that cannot be drowned out no matter how the bad shook our world and took us precariously over the eggshells at times. This is raw and oh so cathartic as you become seen and wrapped in the arms of those who can relate and long for the conversations that make all we were and are valid and honoured. Write on dear Sylvie.
So much goes on behind all our closed doors doesn't it, kindness and love is everything. That's why I love peeking through all these little windows on Substack. I am so happy that you understand and for your reading. Sending so much love 💙
Thank you so much. Letting go is hard so I think the only way is to do it with love for yourself and for the other person too.