May all angry and frightened people have an experience this profound and life changing. It is very sorely needed in this space and time. Beautiful and heart wrenching story with a good and hopeful, not perfect ending. May we all know grace and love, come together as humans.
As always, Tom, compelling storytelling that rings bells and exposes humanity in even the least likable of your characters. Thanks for the read, enjoyed it thoroughly.
Beautifully expressed. I particularly love the “both things are true” component as human complexity is vast and real. I would think this story could make a difference for some people if they have an opportunity to read it. Well done!
Thank you so much for this,it means everything to hear that the "both things are true" piece resonated with you. That's exactly what I was hoping to capture: that people can be wrong and still change, can hurt us and still love us, and that grace doesn't erase the harm but holds space for both realities at once.
I think we're living in a moment where we're encouraged to flatten people into heroes or villains, good or bad, redeemable or irredeemable. But real life is messier than that. Ray was both the man who wrote that hateful letter AND the man who held his granddaughter and called her the best thing he ever got to know. Both are true. Both matter.
If this story helps even one person see that change is possible,even late, even incomplete, even imperfect,then it will have done what I hoped it would. Thank you for seeing that and for taking the time to say so. Comments like yours remind me why I write these hard stories.
I've lived by Anais Nin's words for many years. "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are."
You piece touches so deeply on human complexity, and the ability to hold the space for both realities. When we do, we are open, we see the shared humanity regardless of the deeper wounds. Your writing is brilliant, Tom. Its message, profound.
That was one of the most beautiful stories I have read here. I have been thinking a lot about that word “Grace” a whole lot lately. Thank you for such a perfect example of it.
Thank you Beth!! I am always hesitant when I write MAGA characters. I know it will kill views but I thought it would be an interesting story to tell. Thanks for reading!!!
I don't think it will kill views. We all, to a certain degree, live our lives with bias. We self justify our positions and opinions, and out of this - echo chambers are born. Where so many gravitate, because it's more comfortable (fearing philosophical attack).
We need to recognize that fear is the enemy, not our fellow humans. Redemption is only possible if we question our own bias. I love your courage in bringing this story to life so vividly. You can't change the mind with the mind, but heart can change everything. Bravo, Tom.
This is exactly what I was looking for when I joined Substack, writing that makes you think and feel. Beyond that it highlights the need for grace and highlights he magnitude of its impact to the generations after us.
A story straight out of O’Henry. Just beautiful.
Thank you!!
May all angry and frightened people have an experience this profound and life changing. It is very sorely needed in this space and time. Beautiful and heart wrenching story with a good and hopeful, not perfect ending. May we all know grace and love, come together as humans.
As always, Tom, compelling storytelling that rings bells and exposes humanity in even the least likable of your characters. Thanks for the read, enjoyed it thoroughly.
Cheers,
revel.
Thank you Revel!
This made me cry so hard; what an amazingly bittersweet story! Another incredible read, Tom!
True for me too, Libby. I've learned to keep hydration (and Kleenex) handy before opening Tom's pieces!
He has a way of touching on the tenderest region within our hearts.
Thank you Libby!!
Beautifully expressed. I particularly love the “both things are true” component as human complexity is vast and real. I would think this story could make a difference for some people if they have an opportunity to read it. Well done!
Thank you so much for this,it means everything to hear that the "both things are true" piece resonated with you. That's exactly what I was hoping to capture: that people can be wrong and still change, can hurt us and still love us, and that grace doesn't erase the harm but holds space for both realities at once.
I think we're living in a moment where we're encouraged to flatten people into heroes or villains, good or bad, redeemable or irredeemable. But real life is messier than that. Ray was both the man who wrote that hateful letter AND the man who held his granddaughter and called her the best thing he ever got to know. Both are true. Both matter.
If this story helps even one person see that change is possible,even late, even incomplete, even imperfect,then it will have done what I hoped it would. Thank you for seeing that and for taking the time to say so. Comments like yours remind me why I write these hard stories.
I've lived by Anais Nin's words for many years. "We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are."
You piece touches so deeply on human complexity, and the ability to hold the space for both realities. When we do, we are open, we see the shared humanity regardless of the deeper wounds. Your writing is brilliant, Tom. Its message, profound.
Your words are stunningly beautiful and moving. What a gift to our world you are. Thank you.
Wow Dawna, that is such a nice thing for you to say. Thank you so much!! Thank you for reading.
Amidst a busy day, your “Weight of Grace” stopped time, took my breath and made me pause. Quite an impact. Puts life in perspective.
I cried.
Thank you for writing this.
Thanks John for reading. I didn’t know how this story would go over.
Beautiful writing Tom. You keep being you as we need you more then ever these days.
Thank you my friend!!
Well. You made me cry. Dern it, Tom.
Sorry Michael 😀
No one is beyond redemption.
How timely you are with this beautiful story. Thank you.
Thank you for reading!!
That was one of the most beautiful stories I have read here. I have been thinking a lot about that word “Grace” a whole lot lately. Thank you for such a perfect example of it.
Thank you so much!!
wow... you know how to touch the soul ❤️🩹🍸
Thank you Missi!!!
That was great Tom. So true. I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you Gigi!! It’s fun writing about characters 99% of my readers would hate!!😀
I loved this, Tom. 🫶
Thank you Beth!! I am always hesitant when I write MAGA characters. I know it will kill views but I thought it would be an interesting story to tell. Thanks for reading!!!
I don't think it will kill views. We all, to a certain degree, live our lives with bias. We self justify our positions and opinions, and out of this - echo chambers are born. Where so many gravitate, because it's more comfortable (fearing philosophical attack).
We need to recognize that fear is the enemy, not our fellow humans. Redemption is only possible if we question our own bias. I love your courage in bringing this story to life so vividly. You can't change the mind with the mind, but heart can change everything. Bravo, Tom.
A tear and a smile!
This is exactly what I was looking for when I joined Substack, writing that makes you think and feel. Beyond that it highlights the need for grace and highlights he magnitude of its impact to the generations after us.
Thank you so much for reading!!