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Deanna Bugalski's avatar

This piece had me captivated from beginning to end. How incredible strong you must be to have let your mother back into your life and to continue to show empathy for her despite in many ways her being less than deserving. I grew up with an abusive father who I decided to cut ties with, and for me that brought peace. Thank you for sharing your story.

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

Deanna I am so sorry you had to deal with that. Happy you found peace. Thanks for reading and commenting it really does mean a lot to me 🖤

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Blake Alan's avatar

This was an incredible piece. It flowed like poetry all the way down the page. I can imagine the shock of what it must have felt like to witness your mother become someone new after a lifetime of conditioning showing her to be a particular way. Your descriptions of it all pulled me right in to feel the gravity of the difference.

Thank you for sharing this piece. It's very powerful!

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

Thanks so much ~I am a pit so that is where my heart and words land. 🖤

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May More's avatar

Beautifully written, Heather - you quite blew me away with your story <3

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

I really appreciate you reading and commenting 🖤

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Diana C.'s avatar

Heather, I'm lost for words. Your description of seeing your mom dancing, like a stranger...That image is just burned into my brain. You took all those messy, tangled feelings and just put them on the page, and it's so raw, it's almost breathtaking. And that bit about finding peace, not a happy ending, but an ending - the realest thing I've ever read.

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

Thank you so much. That means a lot🖤

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A. Njoto's avatar

It's very important. As the eldest son, I will be expected to care for my dad. And with my wounds... I just don't know how to care for him. It's very uncommon for asians to put their parents in a nursing home. The stigma is still too strong. This essay reminds me that I have to think about how to care for my dad when he reaches a certain age. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🙏

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

There are lots of options and I hope you find what works best for you and your dad🖤

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Rebecca Romanelli's avatar

So raw and exquisitely penned Heather. Like all good writing, you had my attention from beginning to end. I could feel the sensation of seeing your mother dancing and realizing you were looking at a stranger.

And lastly, the soothing sensation of peace as a well earned reward. Thank you! 🌹🌞

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brutallybeautiful's avatar

Thank you so much. 🖤

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