Thank you for sharing this story! I can only imagine how that was for your younger Caroline. This story reminds me that no matter how intentional and supportive and loving I am as a parent, my kids may still be impacted deeply by my choices and the things that go on around them.
“A scene of a young girl, an older sister like me, being told that the new family dog wasn't for her but for her ill brother.” That image really got me, Caroline. 😭 All of this was so tender and beautifully expressed.
This was so beautiful and so heartbreaking. For you, for Drew, for your parents. The pain you all felt, everyone scrambling to find their own way. No wonder you’re such a brilliant sage in so many ways. I’m squeezing little Caroline so tight. I love hearing it all. Your triumphs, your dreams, collective regrets, and unspoken pains.
The incredible part of growing up before your time is that some of us have been able to grab hold of that childlike wonder and never let it go. A superpower aiding us in life, fueling our curiosity that allows us to be lifelong adventurers. How incredible is that?! And as broken and busted as our hearts may be from an unfortunate past, the promise of a new day with new possibilities has always propelled us forward into the unknown with that unrelenting hope of the little girl within. ❤️🔥
I’m squeezing little Jenovia so tight!!! It’s such a testament to you that both Joe and I read that quote and thought of you — of how you worship the child in all of us. And I know that reverence was forged from your wounds and that makes me sad…but also so damn proud. Of you, of me, of everything 💗🥹💗
I feel so honored little Caroline shared that story, that experience in words with you to then share with us. Sometimes being witnessed, just as something was, is, as you say, essential ❤️
❤️🩹🥺 This made me cry Caroline. My heart truly breaks for that sweet little innocent girl whose world was turned upside down and needed to be held and seen. I’m grateful you made it through and that you’re reclaiming your childhood now. You deserve it. 🤍❤️
Kindness as kindness to the child within ourselves. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this story that brought tears to my eyes more than once. It’s a beautiful reminder of the complexities in family systems and perspectives and, of course, of self-love.
Caroline, this is so lovely. You always show such grace regardless of the topic, but your eloquence shines so much in this one. You know I can relate and it’s so healing to hear other accounts of childhood and the deep grooves that shape people into adulthood.
Plus, Milton in the subheading? Guns blazing, baby. 😘
I hope you see why I was so blown away by your piece! Different times, different stories and yet so much the same…I think there’s comfort in that. At least in my end ❤️🫂
I was so excited to have some time to catch up on my reading today and your page is the first place I came. This story is crushingly beautiful, and deeply resonant. While I'm not entirely sure what prompted me to grow up before my time, I relate with so much of what you shared. It's wild to feel the ripples of an early adulthood expanding through time.
I keep rereading Jenovia's comment about the ability to grab hold of childlike wonder. It definitely is a superpower, and I think the most potent lesson, like you mentioned, is allowing that wonder and playfulness to finally shine through and become beacons of joyful growth.
Aww thank you so much! My heart is full! I can’t wait for things to settle down so I can give your newest my full attention.
I also don’t think there has to be any kind of event…maybe we just pick up on societies want for us to grow up and be self-sufficient…but Jenovia is a guiding light!!
I interpreted the glass child as one whose life and security were shattered into shards that continued to cut through your entire life. I’m sending that child a hug and you for your courage.
I have a glass child. I wrote about it not too long ago. And all the guilt I feel that I was so consumed with his sisters’ special needs, that he was always just sort of in the background. I’m so sorry you felt that way too. It’s one of those things don’t wish on any child. And I’m ashamed and embarrassed that I did it to my own.
Courtney, I’m so moved by this comment. Thank you for sharing in the vulnerabilities and muck with me. I have such compassion for my parents now that I have an adult perspective…and now that we’ve given each other the space to process those times. Sending hugs 🫂
Thank you so much!! The threads of childhood are alive and well but so is a new perspective!! I really appreciate your support. So good to have you here! 🤍
Thank you for sharing this story! I can only imagine how that was for your younger Caroline. This story reminds me that no matter how intentional and supportive and loving I am as a parent, my kids may still be impacted deeply by my choices and the things that go on around them.
Thank you so much, Lindsey. The long tail of the experience…and that’s just life. 💗💗💗
“A scene of a young girl, an older sister like me, being told that the new family dog wasn't for her but for her ill brother.” That image really got me, Caroline. 😭 All of this was so tender and beautifully expressed.
Awww Maddie! I was an emotional wreck and ready to get puppies for all children. Thank you so much for being here 🙏
This was so beautiful and so heartbreaking. For you, for Drew, for your parents. The pain you all felt, everyone scrambling to find their own way. No wonder you’re such a brilliant sage in so many ways. I’m squeezing little Caroline so tight. I love hearing it all. Your triumphs, your dreams, collective regrets, and unspoken pains.
The incredible part of growing up before your time is that some of us have been able to grab hold of that childlike wonder and never let it go. A superpower aiding us in life, fueling our curiosity that allows us to be lifelong adventurers. How incredible is that?! And as broken and busted as our hearts may be from an unfortunate past, the promise of a new day with new possibilities has always propelled us forward into the unknown with that unrelenting hope of the little girl within. ❤️🔥
I’m squeezing little Jenovia so tight!!! It’s such a testament to you that both Joe and I read that quote and thought of you — of how you worship the child in all of us. And I know that reverence was forged from your wounds and that makes me sad…but also so damn proud. Of you, of me, of everything 💗🥹💗
Bittersweet. 🥹 I love you, and us, and yes! So damn proud! It’s been a journey! 😭😂🫂
You’re the GREATEST!!!
I feel so honored little Caroline shared that story, that experience in words with you to then share with us. Sometimes being witnessed, just as something was, is, as you say, essential ❤️
Also, I have a friend I believe this essay will mean a lot to and she may see herself in your words. I will be passing this along to her. 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for seeing me, Kaitlyn! I’m so honored that this made you think of your friend ❤️
❤️🩹🥺 This made me cry Caroline. My heart truly breaks for that sweet little innocent girl whose world was turned upside down and needed to be held and seen. I’m grateful you made it through and that you’re reclaiming your childhood now. You deserve it. 🤍❤️
Arty, thank you so much!! I always feel so loved and supported by your presence. I means everything 🫂
Kindness as kindness to the child within ourselves. Brilliant! Thank you for sharing this story that brought tears to my eyes more than once. It’s a beautiful reminder of the complexities in family systems and perspectives and, of course, of self-love.
Holly, I’m so moved! Thank you for being here and bearing witness to all the complications and love that made me 😊
Caroline, this is so lovely. You always show such grace regardless of the topic, but your eloquence shines so much in this one. You know I can relate and it’s so healing to hear other accounts of childhood and the deep grooves that shape people into adulthood.
Plus, Milton in the subheading? Guns blazing, baby. 😘
I hope you see why I was so blown away by your piece! Different times, different stories and yet so much the same…I think there’s comfort in that. At least in my end ❤️🫂
Me too ❤️
I was so moved by your words…I totally forgot to mention that bob!!! The bow!!! 😍😍😍 in love 🥹
Haha a perfect southern lady!!!
I was so excited to have some time to catch up on my reading today and your page is the first place I came. This story is crushingly beautiful, and deeply resonant. While I'm not entirely sure what prompted me to grow up before my time, I relate with so much of what you shared. It's wild to feel the ripples of an early adulthood expanding through time.
I keep rereading Jenovia's comment about the ability to grab hold of childlike wonder. It definitely is a superpower, and I think the most potent lesson, like you mentioned, is allowing that wonder and playfulness to finally shine through and become beacons of joyful growth.
Aww thank you so much! My heart is full! I can’t wait for things to settle down so I can give your newest my full attention.
I also don’t think there has to be any kind of event…maybe we just pick up on societies want for us to grow up and be self-sufficient…but Jenovia is a guiding light!!
I interpreted the glass child as one whose life and security were shattered into shards that continued to cut through your entire life. I’m sending that child a hug and you for your courage.
Sending hugs right back! Thank you for being here 🫂
This is a banger. Vulnerable and genuine ❤️
Beautiful. Thank you ❤️
THANK YOU!
I have a glass child. I wrote about it not too long ago. And all the guilt I feel that I was so consumed with his sisters’ special needs, that he was always just sort of in the background. I’m so sorry you felt that way too. It’s one of those things don’t wish on any child. And I’m ashamed and embarrassed that I did it to my own.
Courtney, I’m so moved by this comment. Thank you for sharing in the vulnerabilities and muck with me. I have such compassion for my parents now that I have an adult perspective…and now that we’ve given each other the space to process those times. Sending hugs 🫂
Heartbreaking and such an honest beautifully written recollection, not easy I’m sure. God bless
Thank you, Alexander!!
A Beautiful read. Thank you for sharing, I couldn't agree more--we need to be kind to our inner child, they always deserve love and understanding. 🙏❤
Thank you so much! I completely agree ☺️
Aw Girl… You got a Grown Man choked up over here 👈🏽 with how relatable Your story is.
Absolutely immaculately & so beautifully written
Family are still people & people do all kind of Inappropriate things… Including Inserting themselves where don’t belong.
We won’t focus on Them though… We gonna focus on this amazing story & writing❗️
👊🏽
Thank you so much!! The threads of childhood are alive and well but so is a new perspective!! I really appreciate your support. So good to have you here! 🤍