Posting on behalf of loretta.kim.rosenberg@gmail.com
Years ago, a little girl I took care of after the death of her mom said something that changed how I think about hard times and bad trouble.
If the bad thing hadn’t happened, then all the good things that came after wouldn’t have either. Because it’s all connected. The bad stuff you live through and the good stuff, too.
Would you be the same person if the tragedies hadn’t happened?
If I look at my life through the rearview, I can see that I’m here now because of a series of not so wonderful events. There’s no teasing them apart.
If I hadn’t met Ben, I wouldn’t have the life I have now.
If my ex hadn’t hit me all the time, I wouldn’t have left him and met Ben.
If I hadn’t run away when I was 14, I wouldn’t have lived the life I did—the good and bad, the sweet and sour. It’s not one or the other—it’s always both.
The past we live through is all compost and poop, but without that there are no flowers.
Today I’m writing to say a big thank you to BBQ for being a forum that allows people to say their piece AND get rid of old couches, advertise local events, and sell those dishes you never really liked.
Posting on BBQ and hearing from so many people in the villages about what I’ve written has been a gift—whether you’ve liked what I’ve written or not. Some of you have been in both camps at different times. To everyone who has reached out to encourage, discourage, agree or disagree with me, I want to say thank you.
It’s been years since I published, but today a short essay I wrote is out in the world and I believe it’s because of BBQ. Posting taught me how to write again.
Yes, it gets a little hot and squirrely sometimes, but Chuck and Barbara have created a space to share our experiences, beliefs and opinions plus get rid of that old futon.
Here’s my essay!
oregonhumanities.org/rll/beyond-the-margins/sleepless-nights/
Kim Rosenberg
loretta.kim.rosenberg@gmail.com