Finding my father after 12 years

my phone rang... i looked up, startled. i wasn't expecting a call this soon. the only info i gave the P.I. was a name (was his middle name even Martin?). Last known place of residence on Wilshire Rd. that address is forever etched in my head. i had always thought that i would return there … Continue reading Finding my father after 12 years →

Arrived in Mississippi- 1990

I tasted grits when we first arrived in Mississippi. We ate at a diner where I choked on a piece of steak. Not the kind of choking where you cough a few times but where you cannot breathe. I clutched at my throat and tried to get my mother's attention. I reached down my throat … Continue reading Arrived in Mississippi- 1990 →

My 1st short story

During our time in Maine, I attended a couple of schools. For the first time, I ate peanut butter and marshmellow creme sandwiches (a northeastern thing?). It felt like we were breaking the rules. I would eat it quickly as if it would turn into bologna and cheddar any second. In art class, we were given … Continue reading My 1st short story →

Strange Valentine

I went to Sunrise Valley for one week in 1990. Some might remember me- a girl who abruptly showed up on a Monday and disappeared on a Friday. I was probably dressed in TJMax clothes to replace my hand-me-downs which were either left behind or worn too thin. Clothes that I had worn exploring the woods, watching … Continue reading Strange Valentine →

PG is optional

I was young when I was exposed to inappropriate adult content. We briefly lived with my father’s friend before we took off to Maine. Apparently, she had babysat us for years and we had developed a deep bond which I cannot recall experiencing. I found a copy of her letter amongst my father's documents: … have … Continue reading PG is optional →

The Arrest

Reading my father's account of what happened was incredibly bizarre. I have held onto, yet never read his account for almost 15 years. What the hell. Still as a statue, with a slow, hard heartbeat and a deeply flushed face, I read: On school nights, we studied and played. (Melissa is an honor student) or … Continue reading The Arrest →

So, I was kidnapped

When I was 9 years old, my mother decided to come back into our lives. I am still unsure of why but I know that it completely changed the trajectory of my life. It was not a simple situation of joint custody and sharing holidays- it was a nightmare and I wonder every day how I survived. … Continue reading So, I was kidnapped →

Oh hey, a few more memories

A few more memories broke free from the dark corners of my mind. They are memories that I remember, remembering. For some reason, I had packed them tightly away during my last brainstorming session. I think I also get confused as to when things happen but as I am laying the timeline out several things … Continue reading Oh hey, a few more memories →

Pome Book aka Poem Book

I made this sometime between 1985 - 1989, before I knew how to spell "poem" correctly. Below is a selection of some of my favorites, including a poem I apparently wrote. Again- no memory of this but it is clear that I loved poetry and writing from an early age.

It went something like this

In no particular order, here was my life in Ohio from ages 4- 9 years old. I only remember life at the homestead and with my family. I do not remember going to school or having friends. The exception being a girl scouts trip. I have a memory of a cabin and one of those … Continue reading It went something like this →