11 Comments
User's avatar
Ms. Maine's avatar

Reading this essay stirred something deep in me.

I see your strength. I see the heavy decisions, the weight of generational fear you had to gently leave behind.

Your honesty about your mother, about the fear she carried, and how you chose to honor her while still choosing your own freedom is powerful beyond words.

It mirrors parts of my own story, too.

There’s dysfunction where I come from, and the journey to stand tall anyway hasn’t been a pretty or easy one.

But reading this reminded me that it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being faithful to ourselves.

You didn't just file a report.

You filed a declaration that you are not small, not invisible, not silenced.

You showed all of us that standing your ground isn't rebellion, it's redemption.

Thank you for telling the truth.

Thank you for glowing without asking permission.

Girl, Why | Girl, Yes …To never letting ourselves down again.

Expand full comment
trE L. Loadholt's avatar

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 Thank you very much! I have to admit, there is a beautiful relief that comes along with the release, and I'm so appreciative.

Expand full comment
BJ Dawson's avatar

Tre, I can't stop smiling thinking about how you and your colleagues persevered and pushed forward through such a challenging event. Knowing myself, I know I most likely would've made a run for it from day one. Your strength and tenacity is to be admired. Nicely done!

Expand full comment
trE L. Loadholt's avatar

Thank you, homie. I'm still holding on, sir. I've just got to get from up under this contracted company, and I'll be breathing easier. Prayerfully, that'll happen sooner than later. Thank you for reading. 🙏🏾🩵

Expand full comment
Todd Christopher Thurman's avatar

Welcome in Tre. We once knew each other in another world. My non - A. I. face might give me away, if not my writing might do it. If not then ... I'll remind you who I am.

Expand full comment
trE L. Loadholt's avatar

Peace. I can't say that I remember you now, but I probably will later. Thanks for stopping by.

Expand full comment
Todd Christopher Thurman's avatar

it was a while back. I wrote as fox kerry on Medium

Expand full comment
trE L. Loadholt's avatar

Yes! This name I know very well! Hello, there! It's good to see you here!

Expand full comment
Todd Christopher Thurman's avatar

likewise! have always loved so much of your work!

Expand full comment
trE L. Loadholt's avatar

And I, yours! 🙏🏾🩵

Expand full comment
K E Garland's avatar

Excellent 🙌🏽

Expand full comment