Tracing Your Shadow through Shifting Leaves
Seven 100-word snapshots capturing a lifetime of love, fear, and resilience in the face of a father's cancer
Hello and welcome to Notes from the Town Hermit, a haven for the overthinkers and deep-feelers who search for reasons why life should be worth living. I write so you feel seen by giving words to the unspeakable. Upgrade to gain the keys to our Fellowship and find your kindred spirits.
Dear Inklings,
Thank you,
, Luke L., , , Nichol F., Michelle T., , , , for becoming my newest patrons. And thank you, , , , and for recommending my publication to your readers. Your support gives me motivation to keep me writing.QUICK NOTE: If you’re participating in the Lord of the Rings Challenge, the first post is coming to your inbox on Sunday, September 22 (a.k.a. HOBBIT DAY)! I’ll be covering chapters 1-5 of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Today’s letter is a seven-part drabble series, written when my father was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in 2020. I reflected on our family’s long journey and how it affected me in ways both seen and unseen. Each drabble (100 words) gives a snapshot of my experience, the disjointed format a reflection of the fragmented nature of memory.
It took me a long time to deal with and face many of the lingering effects it had on my formative years. I’m still teasing apart all those knots so I can bring them to the light and examine them with more courage. This essay was one such attempt.
I wrote a much rougher version of this essay in 2020. I was able to refine and take it deeper through one of
’s writing intensives. Thank you, Jeannine.