“Hard years hang on a person, like tattoos only visible to others with the same ink.”
Jimmy, I wish I had the words to articulate how deeply this resonated with me. How fucking proud of you I am for finding the strength and courage to get help. I’m so glad you’re still here, and I’m so glad I get to glimpse into your life like this — especially since you’re such a damn good storyteller.
You’re a gift. Your writing is a gift. I think I saw that you’re writing a novel? And I sure hope you are, because I need to read it.
Thank you so much Eli! Part of the reason the community we have here means so much to me is that I see all the work others are putting in and it’s super motivating for me to keep the ball rolling with the rest of you lovelies.
And I am working on a novel! Almost done with my first draft but it’s been a slog lately. I’ll get there!
Holy shit. This piece made me laugh, sob, and smile all at once. The whole rollercoaster ride of emotions you’ve evoked to a tee. Why is that we think of climbing the walls or scaling down the fence post instead of just checking out? The rehab karaoke: yep. I know there’s quite a lot of people who hit step 2 like a brick wall and say nope. But luckily there’s a lot of us who feel similarly alienated by steps, who still find a way to connect and stay alive. Survivor instincts. And I appreciate the somber ode to all of the moms who remember the cigarettes. I’m in admiration of the searing accuracy of your writing. And I value your honesty in opening up about an extremely painful, shame ridden, stigmatizing experience that many people keep like cards close to their chest. Seriously not kidding, you’re helping to save people’s lives. I’m grateful you wrote this hell of a piece, a bad-singing symphony composed with of a curious mix of sadness and love. I’m glad you’re here.
Wow, Jessica. I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. And thank you for sharing your own experiences. I agree about the steps and really think there should be more talk when it comes to other programs and paths to sobriety. Addicts generally have a lot of trauma associated with trauma and I’ve seen countless times that trauma having at least some roots in religion. I’m so glad you found your path. Thank you so much for reading and again for the kind words. It really means a lot.
Thanks for reading, man! And thank you for the respect. You’re definitely right about the things that don’t kill us. I really appreciate your kind words.
This is so good for so many reasons. Loved it all. Very interesting first someone who’s never been in such a place as a “camper”, but has been many times as a visitor to a “camper”. Much different perspective. As always, the descriptions are emotion grabbers. I love your mom.
Thank you for the kind words, man. And definitely! That was one of the most powerful things about rehab for me. Addiction is so isolating. It makes you feel like a leper. Connecting with others lifts a huge weight. It’s one of the reasons I’m keeping this series going. Just kind of casting a line out there for anyone who might be feeling the same way. Thank you for reading!
Wow this was so great I shouldn't have read it at work. I'm crying a little. So many great lines & love your character descriptions. Thank you for writing & sharing this.
so many amazing lines in this. wish i could highlight them for you. you’re a true storyteller, jimmy!
Thank you for reading and the kind words!
“Hard years hang on a person, like tattoos only visible to others with the same ink.”
Jimmy, I wish I had the words to articulate how deeply this resonated with me. How fucking proud of you I am for finding the strength and courage to get help. I’m so glad you’re still here, and I’m so glad I get to glimpse into your life like this — especially since you’re such a damn good storyteller.
You’re a gift. Your writing is a gift. I think I saw that you’re writing a novel? And I sure hope you are, because I need to read it.
Thank you so much Eli! Part of the reason the community we have here means so much to me is that I see all the work others are putting in and it’s super motivating for me to keep the ball rolling with the rest of you lovelies.
And I am working on a novel! Almost done with my first draft but it’s been a slog lately. I’ll get there!
I think we can finally apply for your mother’s sainthood status on account of those hidden blue boxes 🖤
Absolutely. The queen saint almighty 😇
Holy shit. This piece made me laugh, sob, and smile all at once. The whole rollercoaster ride of emotions you’ve evoked to a tee. Why is that we think of climbing the walls or scaling down the fence post instead of just checking out? The rehab karaoke: yep. I know there’s quite a lot of people who hit step 2 like a brick wall and say nope. But luckily there’s a lot of us who feel similarly alienated by steps, who still find a way to connect and stay alive. Survivor instincts. And I appreciate the somber ode to all of the moms who remember the cigarettes. I’m in admiration of the searing accuracy of your writing. And I value your honesty in opening up about an extremely painful, shame ridden, stigmatizing experience that many people keep like cards close to their chest. Seriously not kidding, you’re helping to save people’s lives. I’m grateful you wrote this hell of a piece, a bad-singing symphony composed with of a curious mix of sadness and love. I’m glad you’re here.
Wow, Jessica. I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. And thank you for sharing your own experiences. I agree about the steps and really think there should be more talk when it comes to other programs and paths to sobriety. Addicts generally have a lot of trauma associated with trauma and I’ve seen countless times that trauma having at least some roots in religion. I’m so glad you found your path. Thank you so much for reading and again for the kind words. It really means a lot.
Fuck yeah, Caleb.
Damn, dude. So real. I couldn't stop reading. So well written - way too many great lines to call out here, and so much respect for your journey.
What doesn't kill us...
Thanks for reading, man! And thank you for the respect. You’re definitely right about the things that don’t kill us. I really appreciate your kind words.
This is so good for so many reasons. Loved it all. Very interesting first someone who’s never been in such a place as a “camper”, but has been many times as a visitor to a “camper”. Much different perspective. As always, the descriptions are emotion grabbers. I love your mom.
Thank you for reading, Auntie. I love my mom too. I told her she’s the most popular character in this story for good reason. Love you ❤️
This kind of writing takes the balls of steel.
The tech that helped you, was the switch that flipped, when you realized he was a recovering addict. At least in the story.
I feel like you found out you weren’t alone.
I don’t know man, regardless, story was awesome. Thanks for sharing a piece of yourself.
Thank you for the kind words, man. And definitely! That was one of the most powerful things about rehab for me. Addiction is so isolating. It makes you feel like a leper. Connecting with others lifts a huge weight. It’s one of the reasons I’m keeping this series going. Just kind of casting a line out there for anyone who might be feeling the same way. Thank you for reading!
I could feel my heart the whole time I was reading and listening to this. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much Amber ❤️
I have nothing profound to comment but 1- not mf’ing Posty, that song is a banger 2- grateful you found the strength to get help, friend
Thank you for reading! That performance definitely made me a fan of Posty. Haha
Wow this was so great I shouldn't have read it at work. I'm crying a little. So many great lines & love your character descriptions. Thank you for writing & sharing this.
Thank you for reading, Rebecca. Your words mean a lot ❤️
❤️