Damn. I opened this on my way out the door just to see what it was about and was left standing in the hallway reading it through because I just couldn’t stop. This was so so beautiful. My favourite one you’ve written.
Tommy, you took us on a journey that is sort of indescribable, because the descriptive words I am trying to come up with would lessen your piece. Every sentence mattered, and contributed to the majesty (maybe that word comes close) of this reflection. The depth of your love, and writing, is remarkable.
Thank you James (: seriously - I was scared to publish this one but knowing I have people like you and Rick and others from write of passage who are supportive always helps me find courage - I pretend I’m just sending it to you guys
I’ve journaled and written and thought about this incessantly for the past 7 months so there was a lot to pull from
Trying to find words to comment something additive here but as James so accurately said, every sentence mattered in this piece. Being close to you as I am, this piece made me swell up with tears in a bitter but beautiful way. So proud of you for having the courage to write this and put it out there. I don’t think I could have written something this deep and sentimental and meaningful… I would’ve broken down in tears before I got through the first sentence. Thanks for sharing something so genuine and authentic to yourself, and changing how I think about myself.
Thanks Jack (: I’ve journaled on a lot and the actual body of this essay was written in a stream of semi-conscious quite unfiltered state on an airplane
Definitely wince reading parts but just trying to touch lightly on it
Thanks for your kind words, Tommy. It's all requited. :) I'm not in Milano these days, but it's been rainy as far as I know. Other than that, it's lovely as always! :)
Your ability to sculpt raw emotions into smooth, unique, familiar-yet-fresh images is unmatched, Tommy. I feel as though you gave words to grief that has waited in my heart for a way to declare itself. Thank you.
Thank you so much Miche (: that’s an incredibly kind compliment
I had a prior (high school) relationship that ended without closure or a lot of empathy for the other and it was a regret I carried for a while - it is a strange balance of still loving someone while no longer being in love with them
Reminds me of a Ted Lasso quote that gives me comfort in similar situations:
"It's funny to think about the things in your life... that can make you cry just knowing that they existed, can then become the same thing that make you cry knowing that they're now gone. I think those things come into our lives... to help us get from one place to a better one"
"Each time I open a blank word doc or turn a new page in my journal, it’s the sinkhole my words circle." Such good writing and storytelling. Thanks for sharing.
Definitely scary to publish & grimaced at the thought of it being out there - but as i think you wrote, something about sharing publicly really helps with letting go
Haha thanks so much Charlie. I love how you added “indie” in there. I like to think even sad stories have a happy ending - you just can’t see it fully yet
Appreciate you reading - your one of my favourite writers on here & it’s special to know you’ve read my work
Bro, put a f*cking disclaimer on this one, people shouldn't be caught off guard by this.
I played an entire movie in my head while reading your story, love this. The next book you work on, please make sure it's yours!
And always be brave! 💪🖊️❤️
Haha this brought a big smile to my face. Thank you, Danny (: Sorry I didn’t put a disclaimer.
This was definitely a tough one to publish but pieces that require bravery always seem to resonate with people the most.
A book has been on my bucket list! But maybe sooner rather than later. Thanks again & hope you’re having an awesome weekend
Yes, I agree with Danny! - "The next book you work on, please make sure it's yours!"
Hahaha thank you Rick. One day, I hope.
Damn. I opened this on my way out the door just to see what it was about and was left standing in the hallway reading it through because I just couldn’t stop. This was so so beautiful. My favourite one you’ve written.
Thank you Carina (: this brought a big smile to my face because I know the exact feeling (with a bunch of your essays!)
Appreciate you reading & the sweet words - means a lot
Tommy, you took us on a journey that is sort of indescribable, because the descriptive words I am trying to come up with would lessen your piece. Every sentence mattered, and contributed to the majesty (maybe that word comes close) of this reflection. The depth of your love, and writing, is remarkable.
Thank you James (: seriously - I was scared to publish this one but knowing I have people like you and Rick and others from write of passage who are supportive always helps me find courage - I pretend I’m just sending it to you guys
I’ve journaled and written and thought about this incessantly for the past 7 months so there was a lot to pull from
Appreciate your support & being a friend
Trying to find words to comment something additive here but as James so accurately said, every sentence mattered in this piece. Being close to you as I am, this piece made me swell up with tears in a bitter but beautiful way. So proud of you for having the courage to write this and put it out there. I don’t think I could have written something this deep and sentimental and meaningful… I would’ve broken down in tears before I got through the first sentence. Thanks for sharing something so genuine and authentic to yourself, and changing how I think about myself.
Thanks Jack (: I’ve journaled on a lot and the actual body of this essay was written in a stream of semi-conscious quite unfiltered state on an airplane
Definitely wince reading parts but just trying to touch lightly on it
That stream of semi-consciousness quite unfiltered might also be called….
Wait for it…
Your heart. ❤️
Which is how I felt reading it, like I was one with, and inside your heart. It brought me to tears, still does, and was SO awesome.
James - perfectly said! and your last line brought me to tears (again).
gosh darn tommy i just woke up, man
thank you Kora - you’ve written really beautifully about relationships and I thought about our convo when I was writing this
Appreciate you reading pal & the note (:
“You never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” It’s all in there. Nothing to add. Beautiful piece, Tommy.
Thank you Silvio - you’re one of my favourite writers on here & it’s always special to see your name and know you took the time to read my work.
Hope Milano is lovely (:
Thanks for your kind words, Tommy. It's all requited. :) I'm not in Milano these days, but it's been rainy as far as I know. Other than that, it's lovely as always! :)
Just gorgeous writing. I read this the way I listen to a slow, sad song
Thanks so much Noha (: means a lot coming from you
I listen to a lot of slow, sad music - so maybe there’s some carry over
Appreciate you reading & the note. Hope Ottawa isn’t too cold 🥶
It’s only cold by this winter's standards. Otherwise it’s pretty mild 😅😅
Your ability to sculpt raw emotions into smooth, unique, familiar-yet-fresh images is unmatched, Tommy. I feel as though you gave words to grief that has waited in my heart for a way to declare itself. Thank you.
This was special to read J.T.
With my writing, especially for the last year, my highest goal has been to give people vocabulary or sentences to articulate ways they’ve felt
I often fall short but it’s very special to hear that it landed with you.
Thank you. For reading & being a friend (:
Tommy, your aspirations are why the ideas you express are resonating with so many.
Breathtaking
You’ve captured how two opposing ways of being can coexist with such heart wrenching honesty
Thank you so much Miche (: that’s an incredibly kind compliment
I had a prior (high school) relationship that ended without closure or a lot of empathy for the other and it was a regret I carried for a while - it is a strange balance of still loving someone while no longer being in love with them
Appreciate you reading & the kind note
Breathtaking is right (that word is in the vicinity re: see my comment).
I also struggled with a word. Then I thought to myself, it was so captivating and heart wrenching at times I forgot to breathe.
Miche, your word was perfect!
Reminds me of a Ted Lasso quote that gives me comfort in similar situations:
"It's funny to think about the things in your life... that can make you cry just knowing that they existed, can then become the same thing that make you cry knowing that they're now gone. I think those things come into our lives... to help us get from one place to a better one"
Ahhh that’s such a good one. Thank you for sharing Mohammad & reading my work (: means a lot
This quote got me:
"Each time I open a blank word doc or turn a new page in my journal, it’s the sinkhole my words circle." Such good writing and storytelling. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading Peter & the kind note. Means a lot (:
And happy that line resonated with you - came out of nowhere when writing but definitely one I was happy to leave in the final version
Wow, Tommy. Just wow.
thanks kiera (: this was a tough one to publish but makes me happy it resonated with you - hope you’re awesome & the new job is swell
This was beautiful Tommy. Incredible.
Thanks Alex (: appreciate it my friend
Definitely scary to publish & grimaced at the thought of it being out there - but as i think you wrote, something about sharing publicly really helps with letting go
Amen! Takes courage, kudos.
This is one of the best pieces I’ve ever read. Could feel everything you were trying to convey.
Thank you so much Sakul - that’s an incredibly kind compliment
Appreciate you taking the time to read & all the support. So glad it resonated (:
Crazy how much love can affect us - this is special and I enjoy reading it
Crazy indeed Minh. Thank you for reading - I’m so glad you enjoyed it (:
Damn Tommy, I feel like I just watched one of those indie rom-coms with a sad (happy?) ending. This was awesome.
Haha thanks so much Charlie. I love how you added “indie” in there. I like to think even sad stories have a happy ending - you just can’t see it fully yet
Appreciate you reading - your one of my favourite writers on here & it’s special to know you’ve read my work
I agree about the sad stories having happy endings! You are on your way to one, no doubt about it.
And thank you so much! Such an honor to be one of your favorite writers. Your newsletter keeps getting better and better. Love to see it!
Thanks Charlie (: means a lot coming from you
...what an ode...
Thank you CansaFis - means a lot my friend
This was a toughie
...i can only imagine...you nailed it though man, such mood and emotion and honesty...gave me great reminisce....