Ancestor Letter, Jennifer
this is so beautifully written. you are a relatable voice and I love that your letter feels like you are talking freely as yourself.
“And I am learning to loosen the hold that pain, and the collection of other pains and scars and tender spots haunting our family have had on my being”
I felt that in my bones!
This truly felt like a prayer, Jennifer. Touching on the rough dynamics of needing to go off on your own, despite the culture saying you need to be there for your mother. Touching on rough family dynamics of family members not speaking to each other and trying to still find connection to them.
“And I am learning to loosen the hold that pain, and the collection of other pains and scars and tender spots haunting our family have had on my being. I am learning how to recognize vergüenza’s face and refuse to confuse it for my own.” —I feel this so much. Hand on my heart, truly. I’m with you there.
I’m not going to say there’s anything more that I’d want of this piece, other than to say that you’d make a pretty bomb lyrical memoir or fictionalized piece if you ever wanted to pull from this in the future. I’d love to see it.
