The Ripple Effect of Gloria

I've had many people visit my blog this last week to read my story of Gloria.  I have been deeply touched and humbled by their blog comments and Face Book posts.  What I hadn't counted on was the emotional chord I seemed to have touched. 

I had one reader tell me that she had not read anything for a long time that made her cry; that Gloria's story touched her.  This last week I have had people I know come and share with me their own Gloria stories.  Maybe it was a brother or sister that died, or a friend- the point is that the fact that I took a risk and shared something very personal to me opened up a dialogue for others to share.

One person told me that they had not thought about a little girl that had died when she was young, in a very long time.  Another shared very emotional details that dealt with her completely shutting down after a loved one died. 

I know that for me, Gloria's story is very personal and I put my heart and emotions on the page knowing that some people might be able to connect to it.  What I didn't realize was how the words on the page would open the past up for others.

I am honored to have been able to "bleed on the page" and share Gloria's story. 

I encourage you to share your "Gloria Story" with others.  One person said, "I can't write like you,"  I simply answered that they could talk- and that is a good place to start.  Also just jotting down feelings and thoughts in a journal or writing something down that is just for you. 

Again- I have been so moved by the responses to my blog and I treasure that dialogue. 

Thank you for sharing with me!