LJ Idol Week 4 - The Axe Forgets, The Tree Remembers

[dadi]

After nearly 30 years, I returned to my hometown to undergo rehabilitation from a longer illness.
Not out of choice, but because that was where my insurance sent me.

Comments

[bleodswean]

WHOA! This is so intense and, as per your gift, so well told. I was right there, both as a child and as an adult. I've often wondered if these tormenters do forget the tormented. One of my daughter's bullies did apologize five years after highschool but what is that worth? It's more a 12 step exercise for the tormenter. Glad you took the high road. And I'm glad you carved out the time you needed to write!

[dadi]

Thank you so much <3
This happened more than a decade ago and I am still grateful for that moment of "illumination" that allowed me to close this ugly chapter of my life. I did not know the saying about the axe and the tree - but as soon as I googled it, I knew what I would write about. But it was not easy dragging it out again - maybe catharthic though!

[jaelle_n_gilla]

I love your stories and I was about to ask if that was a rl incident or partly fiction. But since you answered that above... yes, I would have been so very tempted to just leave her there, too. Good for you to realize this was the best cause of action for you.

[drippedonpaper]

I do think it's true, that by being cruel, even if they "deserve it," we become like them

[dadi]

Thank you! Hugs right back at you!

Empathy and compassion are a bit like muscles, I have found. If you don't use these emotions, they atrophy and die.

[sunshine_two]

I moved back to my hometown and a classmate who was cruel to me in school has been nothing but, kind and friendly to me. Interesting I think.

[dadi]

There are people who actually change when they grow up!

[e_musings]

Powerful writing.

[dadi]

Thank you!

[beauty_forashes]

God bless you - WOW! What a powerful piece of writing. I have no words to even do it justice.

[dadi]

Thank you so, so much. This means a lot, coming from you <3