This is a beautiful piece of writing. Are you sending your words out into the world in ways other than this substack? Because this work equals pieces I read in the New Yorker (and the Bitter Southerner, a whole other venue that showcases very fine writing like this, with a regional flavor). In any case, I am glad a friend introduced me to your writing here. I'm a southerner, not a midwesterner, but small-town America is small-town America. 4-H is everywhere, and county fairs with flags big as barns-- not to mention the heartbreak (and heartbroken hilarity) of tending to a loved-one disappearing into dementia (something that transcends all borders). Thank you.
Thank you so much, Beth. That is a lovely compliment. Yes, I do send some pieces out into the world in other ways. I have had some poems and essays published here and there in magazines, journals, anthologies, and the like. I'm working on a couple of books, as well. And I'm always delighted to gain more readers, wherever they come from and whatever the reason.
What an odyssey. I love the beautiful and hilarious moments. There’s nothing like laughing with your sister in a way that encompasses decades. That moment really shined with me. And yeah, that prayer. Well, the prayer and the flag. Of course. I rarely return to my small town roots. So I appreciate this update from the prairie.
Lo, this is amazing. I cried, I laughed my ass off. God, you're good - I mean, you've been a good writer since I met you decades ago, but you just keep getting better and better, as if that were possible. I cannot wait for your book. And the part about "...your husband will keep you quiet, keep you in your house" - JFC gaahhhH!!! And the painfully Jesus-larded patriotism... it's all so well written. XO
Exceptional column LaDonna! I too am from the U.S. and have lived rural, suburban, and city life. The flag thing is always a bit startling when you go back to visit.... you captured it so well! I'm sorry for the heartbreak with your Mom..... my mother-in-law is struggling with this also so it touched a nerve. You're a great writer!
My husband’s grandmother and aunt had/have Alzheimer’s…such an awful disease. So sorry to about your friend’s husband. I’m excited to finally come visit Portugal soon. I’ll be catching up/apartment sitting for a month and spend 2 more weeks there. We’d hoped to move there but not sure if that’ll happen now. We are trying to sell our small business in a slightly rural area and people seriously asked if the new potential buyers were white and some said they wouldn’t shop at the store anymore if they aren’t white “locals”. Luckily, my daughter and I also had a 2 week vacation in Norway this summer also and we both agreed that it was so nice not to hear and see TFG’s face constantly and see the obscenely large flags and banners. I can totally relate to what you said. It was hard coming home.
Ying. Yang. A strange place, this world. I was in high school in Omaha in the sixties and now live in Porto. I can relate. Strange place, this world! Love, love your way of putting it all down, and bringing it all back... Obrigado, nos!
What wonderful writing! My heart aches for S's loss. I know you will tend to her wounds. You're a great friend. You're a great daughter too - your parents are so blessed to have you and your sister looking after them. And you're a great mom, which is why Filha is such a wonderful young person. Glad you made it home safely. Rest now before you nurture any more of God's great creatures.
So very well written. We too go back to the states every year, Lake Havasu City, AZ (where you can actually see one of the original London Bridges) and have pretty much the same feelings, awe and wonder at the beauty of the Arizona desert in winter and aversion at the very ‘murica-ness of it all. Our neighbor’s flag pretty much sums it up: “God, Guns and Trump”. I am always so glad when we get back to PT
A return to from whence you came - and, at the same time - a stranger in a strange land. I get it. So much. Laugh / cry. But you got it. You captured US, in word, photograph, AV. Jesus Christ. Lord have mercy. Heaven above. (Your Moms got it right. "Keep It Quiet! Keep It Quiet!")
Jesus Christ, you made me cry again LaDonna...
This is a beautiful piece of writing. Are you sending your words out into the world in ways other than this substack? Because this work equals pieces I read in the New Yorker (and the Bitter Southerner, a whole other venue that showcases very fine writing like this, with a regional flavor). In any case, I am glad a friend introduced me to your writing here. I'm a southerner, not a midwesterner, but small-town America is small-town America. 4-H is everywhere, and county fairs with flags big as barns-- not to mention the heartbreak (and heartbroken hilarity) of tending to a loved-one disappearing into dementia (something that transcends all borders). Thank you.
Thank you so much, Beth. That is a lovely compliment. Yes, I do send some pieces out into the world in other ways. I have had some poems and essays published here and there in magazines, journals, anthologies, and the like. I'm working on a couple of books, as well. And I'm always delighted to gain more readers, wherever they come from and whatever the reason.
What an odyssey. I love the beautiful and hilarious moments. There’s nothing like laughing with your sister in a way that encompasses decades. That moment really shined with me. And yeah, that prayer. Well, the prayer and the flag. Of course. I rarely return to my small town roots. So I appreciate this update from the prairie.
From the prairie indeed.
Lo, this is amazing. I cried, I laughed my ass off. God, you're good - I mean, you've been a good writer since I met you decades ago, but you just keep getting better and better, as if that were possible. I cannot wait for your book. And the part about "...your husband will keep you quiet, keep you in your house" - JFC gaahhhH!!! And the painfully Jesus-larded patriotism... it's all so well written. XO
Jesus-larded!!!!
I love you forever.
Poignant reflection, thank you.
Exceptional column LaDonna! I too am from the U.S. and have lived rural, suburban, and city life. The flag thing is always a bit startling when you go back to visit.... you captured it so well! I'm sorry for the heartbreak with your Mom..... my mother-in-law is struggling with this also so it touched a nerve. You're a great writer!
My husband’s grandmother and aunt had/have Alzheimer’s…such an awful disease. So sorry to about your friend’s husband. I’m excited to finally come visit Portugal soon. I’ll be catching up/apartment sitting for a month and spend 2 more weeks there. We’d hoped to move there but not sure if that’ll happen now. We are trying to sell our small business in a slightly rural area and people seriously asked if the new potential buyers were white and some said they wouldn’t shop at the store anymore if they aren’t white “locals”. Luckily, my daughter and I also had a 2 week vacation in Norway this summer also and we both agreed that it was so nice not to hear and see TFG’s face constantly and see the obscenely large flags and banners. I can totally relate to what you said. It was hard coming home.
Oops… cat sitting, not catching up. Darn auto correct.
Ying. Yang. A strange place, this world. I was in high school in Omaha in the sixties and now live in Porto. I can relate. Strange place, this world! Love, love your way of putting it all down, and bringing it all back... Obrigado, nos!
Very well-written. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
Poignant, beautifully expressed and written.
You write so beautifully - thank you for sharing it!
I look forward to reading your book!
What wonderful writing! My heart aches for S's loss. I know you will tend to her wounds. You're a great friend. You're a great daughter too - your parents are so blessed to have you and your sister looking after them. And you're a great mom, which is why Filha is such a wonderful young person. Glad you made it home safely. Rest now before you nurture any more of God's great creatures.
Thanks, my friend. Love you.
So very well written. We too go back to the states every year, Lake Havasu City, AZ (where you can actually see one of the original London Bridges) and have pretty much the same feelings, awe and wonder at the beauty of the Arizona desert in winter and aversion at the very ‘murica-ness of it all. Our neighbor’s flag pretty much sums it up: “God, Guns and Trump”. I am always so glad when we get back to PT
A return to from whence you came - and, at the same time - a stranger in a strange land. I get it. So much. Laugh / cry. But you got it. You captured US, in word, photograph, AV. Jesus Christ. Lord have mercy. Heaven above. (Your Moms got it right. "Keep It Quiet! Keep It Quiet!")