I love the way you take your sweet time to build the disrupted world of your childhood with words before planting Brian in the center of it. Because you introduce your unhappy and yearning self without Brian, his loss hits all the harder at the end. What a rare spirit he was. My heart goes out to him and to you.
Marya, your beautiful question gave me pause, and I really asked myself: how *do* people with big hearts survive this world, this time, this?? I can't help but think it's a paradox, that in a world that wants to snuff your big heart out, the only way through is not to shrink... but to open even further... thank you for you! <3
Another vote for "wow I love this" - gripping, deep, and in my internet scavenging pressured read time it flows like a smoothie on a hot day - what a deep dive into such a fraught complex constellation of your emotional journey - haunting - meaningful. I love this guy, this family, this writer. (is it part of a book?)
Wow! I love this -- the ache and longing and love, the sense of place, the encounters, the way the lyrics weave through story. It's strong and delicate at the same time, such tenderness without sentimentality -- the clarity does that. I love the pictures and the last line is superb. I'm about to go to a family funeral in week's time and hope the elegy there will have these qualities. But it's the act of a maven to make the elegy for a person, a childhood, an era all at once.
Oh, Marya, I've missed reading your brilliant words these past few weeks. Always, for me, a masterclass in writing with craft and heart. Thank you for lifting the curtain and allowing us a glimpse into your life.
I will sit in every single word sandbox you're playing in, Marya, just to watch you make things beautiful.
Kendall 🙏🏻 making things beautiful feels like a really worthy task to me right now - thank you
It's the most worthy task.
That's a truly beautiful way of putting it, Kendall. ❤️
Well said❣️
Now you’ve gone and done it…
Kelly 🤣❤️❤️❤️
I love the way you take your sweet time to build the disrupted world of your childhood with words before planting Brian in the center of it. Because you introduce your unhappy and yearning self without Brian, his loss hits all the harder at the end. What a rare spirit he was. My heart goes out to him and to you.
Rona!! So happy to hear from you - it’s been awhile! I’m honored by your words, as always. Thank you.
You are a master, Marya.
I'm so sorry you lost Brian. Friends like that are a treasure.
~J
You’re a treasure yourself, Janice, and I’m so lucky to know you ♥️
I think this has to be one of my favourite things you’ve written. I love the pictures of young Marya.
Thank you so much, Kip 🥰
Inhale. The fastest memoir I ever read, and wonderful.
Maybe sometimes quick is better. 😏 I really appreciate this. 🙏🏻
Oh, Marya, this is beyond beautiful. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you, Maya!! 😊
Just so much love. A flood of tears. And so very much love. Thank you, Marya, from my whole crushed up, joyful, grateful heart.
Allison, how does a wonder like you survive this world? Your heart is just so huge. Thank you for sharing it with us. ♥️
Marya, your beautiful question gave me pause, and I really asked myself: how *do* people with big hearts survive this world, this time, this?? I can't help but think it's a paradox, that in a world that wants to snuff your big heart out, the only way through is not to shrink... but to open even further... thank you for you! <3
Thank you for you, too, Allison ♥️
Allison, now I want to know you and your story. Sounds like you have a heart full of love. ❤️
<3
I think this is my favorite thing you’ve written, Marya. Just stunning.
You’d have loved Brian, Matt, and he’d have loved you. Thank you.
Another vote for "wow I love this" - gripping, deep, and in my internet scavenging pressured read time it flows like a smoothie on a hot day - what a deep dive into such a fraught complex constellation of your emotional journey - haunting - meaningful. I love this guy, this family, this writer. (is it part of a book?)
I so appreciate this, Jerry! It’s not part of a book, no - at least not yet! It just wandered in, so I wrote it down. I’m happy it connected with you!
Wow! I love this -- the ache and longing and love, the sense of place, the encounters, the way the lyrics weave through story. It's strong and delicate at the same time, such tenderness without sentimentality -- the clarity does that. I love the pictures and the last line is superb. I'm about to go to a family funeral in week's time and hope the elegy there will have these qualities. But it's the act of a maven to make the elegy for a person, a childhood, an era all at once.
Jan, seeing you the other day made the whole world feel a little more magical. I’m so happy you & your words are here doing just that. 🌱♥️
Thank you so much, Marya. xx
Damn, making me cry on the fourth of July...now there's a lyric.
Beautiful. Thank you.
That IS a good lyric 🥰 grateful for your comment, thank you
Boy this one hits hard - thank you
Thank you, my dear 🙏🏻❤️
Here's to making it home, Brian-style.
Marya, the pictures of you are priceless!
I’m so glad you caught this one, Elizabeth - and thank you!!♥️
To always watching Brian for as long as it takes.
Gorgeous imagery, my friend.
thank you, holly - means the world, especially coming from you.
🥰
Oh, Marya, I've missed reading your brilliant words these past few weeks. Always, for me, a masterclass in writing with craft and heart. Thank you for lifting the curtain and allowing us a glimpse into your life.
Paulette!! So kind of you to say - and so happy to see you again!!