I grew up feeling isolated in many ways—both in my environment and in my relationships. My childhood wasn’t lonely in the sense that I was completely alone—I had Alice and a few neighborhood kids to play with—but those friendships didn’t extend beyond our street. At school, they didn’t talk to me. It was like I existed in two separate worlds: one where I was included just enough to not feel…
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The First Time I Felt Different
One of my earliest memories is my fourth birthday on a cruise to the Bahamas. My family and extended relatives on my mom’s side were all there, celebrating. I don’t remember every detail, but I do remember the cruise staff picking me up and singing…
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The Arrival: A Letter to My Younger Self
Saturday, June 18, 1994 You’ve just made your entrance into this world, little one, with a smile that could light up the darkest room. I’d love to say you brought endless joy that day, but the truth is, it’s hard to know for sure. It’s…