[Stefanie DeMaria]

Julián, thank you so much for sharing this with us. You tapped into adoption trauma and wonder in such a heartfelt way. “This belly aching laugh that brings people together and provides permission to laugh, did I get that from you?” is so tender, yet so full of ache. Reading the end when you are speaking directly to her in Spanish makes me feel like I’m intruding on something so private because it is so concentrated of heart and soul. It makes the reader almost feel unworthy of witnessing such a beautiful thing.
I can’t wait to see what you submit next.