RE: Let's start from the ending.
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I understand. One of the first books I wrote for children was entitled Exploration and Conquest, Stories of Indigenous Peoples. I've written other books that tangentially touch on the struggles of people. While I cannot experience what you know, it is something I feel deeply.
Know that I was born in difficult circumstances. Know that these circumstances tore my family apart. That they resulted in great tragedy. That they determined the arc of my life. While there was eventually the opportunity to escape (as there is not for those who live in your country), it didn't always seem that way. I'm certain this is why I relate to people who struggle.
It seems that I speak from a position of privilege. That is true now. But I do understand the darkness and it follows me. I'm quite old, but those memories intrude. They are a truth I know, that I learned very early in life.
It is essential that you tell us the truth about your experience. Writing that tells us nothing is not worth anything to me.
This is the biggest blessing I think; to be able to tell your own story. I believe that telling our stories are how we own who we are and what we have done, good or bad. This ownership is what makes identity. After all, to identify is to take action. One cannot be human and be inhuman to others.
I am always thankful for your words and your perspective. It helps me understand what I am unpacking when I write here on inkwell and that is a blessing. I appreciate you @agmoore
🌿🍀🍁🍂🍃