30 Comments
User's avatar
Teronda Seymore's avatar

Oh my God, Lani!

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Hugs, Teronda.

Expand full comment
Rebecca Moon Ruark's avatar

Man, Lani. Heartbreaking. I am sorry. And I'm grateful to you for sharing your story with all of us!

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Rebecca. Thanks for making the time to read my story, xo

Expand full comment
Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

So many layers of trauma here that tear at the heart. I was especially moved by how kind your dad was at the school, understanding how frightened you were. Like everyone commenting here, I found this chapter powerful and raw. Again, so sorry for your loss, Lani.

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Sue. You always notice more and go beyond ~ it must be all those excellent librarian skills you possess. ✨✨✨

Expand full comment
Victoria's avatar

Hugs, Lani. Sitting alongside you for a while.

I felt the grief, shock and awkward unknowing within and between the lines. Heart squeezing for you.

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Victoria. xo

Expand full comment
Simone Senisin's avatar

Courageous and beautiful writing — heart wrenching.💜

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thank you, Simone. xo

Expand full comment
Sarah Best's avatar

Beautiful words but heartbreaking, Lani x

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Sarah, xo

Expand full comment
Bespoke Traveler's avatar

The title and theme of the story really sat with me throughout this piece. On a lighter note: good old bucket 🪣 baths 🧼! I remember those!

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

From bucket baths to jet setting around Europe! Now, there’s a story I want to hear, A. 😘 xo

Expand full comment
Bespoke Traveler's avatar

Haha…you make it sound like I’ve done it all! XOXO

Expand full comment
Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Gut wrenching, Lani. This must have been so difficult to write! My heart goes out to you.

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thank you for that. Yes, It’s gone through many edits, and up to the last minute, another change. You want to be able to convey so much with what you’ve got.

Expand full comment
Yi Xue's avatar

It's heartbreaking, Lani! 🥹

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Yes, it’s been tough, but it’s been many years. Thanks, Yi. xo

Expand full comment
Moorea Maguire's avatar

Cool to hear your lovely voice!

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thank you for listening!

Expand full comment
Veronika Bond's avatar

like Maureen and Claudia said. Heartbreaking! The fatal ending, next to the memory of 'I never wanted to let go', separated only by the brief speculative 'Maybe he knew. Maybe we all did.' and the final 'But we weren’t ready.'

Oof! This is exquisite storytelling cutting right to the core of the soul.

💗🙏 🕯️

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Veronika. As you can imagine, this has been a challenging chapter to write.

Expand full comment
Veronika Bond's avatar

oh yes! It bleeds and blisters through the silences between the lines 🔥 ❤️‍🔥

you are a brave and beautiful father's brave and beautiful daughter. You are finally ready to write the story.

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Heather's avatar

Beautiful. I'm sorry :(

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Heather.

Expand full comment
Claudia Kollschen's avatar

Oh, Lani, this is heartbraking! I'm so sorry for you! 😥

Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, it was a long time ago, but the effects are still felt today. xo

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Feb 6
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Lani V. Cox's avatar

Thanks, Maureen. Much love back!

Expand full comment