Comments on Florida Girl in Sydney: Chapter Three

Rassle Dazzles- Thanks girlfriend. Marketing Mama...

2009-07-06T16:57:01.999+10:00

Rassle Dazzles- Thanks girlfriend.

Marketing Mama- Daddy drama, I guess I'm not alone huh?

What a sad story. I didn't have my dad growing...

2009-07-06T14:10:39.829+10:00

What a sad story. I didn't have my dad growing up either. Even though he's a jerk and I'd rather not have anything to do with him, at least I know how to find him if I need to. That must be so hard for you. The not knowing.

Well...um...on the bright side, now you have an am...

2009-06-18T06:31:46.324+10:00

Well...um...on the bright side, now you have an amazing story of personal strength to keep you awesome.

Silver lining? I totally found you.

JD- Yes, apparently I needed to get it all out. D...

2009-06-17T10:31:10.749+10:00

JD- Yes, apparently I needed to get it all out.

Dina- Thanks and hugs to your sisters too :).

MB- Yeah, we've all got something.

Corrina- Seriously makes you wonder how a father can leave his kids-- I'll never understand it.

Free Man- Yep, exactly.

NinaBellina- Miss you, love you.
Wanna come visit?

Gypsy- Thanks girlfriend, inspired by AAYSR advice.

Christine- Thanks.

Erin- We do everything when we're ready-- it's been twenty years since my dad left. It looks like I'm getting a cold again it started last night, but I am planning another little expat party here.. I'll be eviting you soon.

JuliRyan- Thanks so much.

Thank you for sharing something so personal. This ...

2009-06-17T07:52:57.688+10:00

Thank you for sharing something so personal. This is a beautiful and very moving post.

Oh Laura, what a moving post. You've told your...

2009-06-16T13:59:49.591+10:00

Oh Laura, what a moving post. You've told your story in a great way, with a bit pleasant nostalgia, humor and raw emotion. You know my father's story so you know I relate to the abandonment you feel, just in a different form. I admire your strength to put it out there, and I hope to draw from it someday when I put my own story in writing. Other people have said it, but you are doing a great job raising two wonderful boys, with a great man beside you. For that I'm happy for you.

You are making lemonade... and doing a damn fine job! xoxo

I'm so sorry.

2009-06-16T12:17:10.207+10:00

I'm so sorry.

That breaks my heart, Laura, but I'm proud of ...

2009-06-16T00:24:30.768+10:00

That breaks my heart, Laura, but I'm proud of you for writing it and for being strong.

oops, I was crying so much that I forgot to thank ...

2009-06-13T04:42:15.959+10:00

oops, I was crying so much that I forgot to thank you for posting one of my favorite pictures of you and Jill - You girls are seriously pretty! The picture reminds me of times spent looking at pics in the
Econlockhatchee Trail apartment -
Good times....

Hello friend - I've always admired your streng...

2009-06-13T04:36:13.943+10:00

Hello friend - I've always admired your strength, and your honesty - Both attributes have set me straight on many occasions - Today, I feel the same respect and admiration for you that I always have, but with a little extra appreciation for the way that you've risen above so much to become the amazing person that you are. I miss and love you (yes, I'm crying) Can we just do a facial mask, a bh, and some plum wine??? : ) Alway, NinaBellina

Here's the thing. Since becoming a Dad, almost...

2009-06-12T16:07:13.432+10:00

Here's the thing. Since becoming a Dad, almost any Dad story can move me to tears. As this one did. I don't really know anything about parenting and I am probably fucking it up royally. But I know one thing about being a Dad for sure - you stay. Leaving is the only unforgivable offense.

Aw, sweetie I'm sorry that your past is so pai...

2009-06-12T15:49:07.152+10:00

Aw, sweetie I'm sorry that your past is so painful. I hope posting this was a little cathartic for you, at least.

I haven't seen my biological father since I was 16 and I, like you, have no idea where he is or what his life is like now. I've accepted that some things are for the best, even when they're painful. He made his choice to walk away and I imagine that I'm a lot better off without him in my life.

You have a wonderful family and you absolutely deserve that. :-)

All my good thoughts to you and yours.

Wow. Sad story, great and brave writing. And you ...

2009-06-12T12:22:48.356+10:00

Wow. Sad story, great and brave writing. And you are right, "we've all got our own shit", some are just shittier than others I guess. What is 'they' say...that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger? You seem really strong!

That is a lot of shit for anyone to handle. I thi...

2009-06-12T11:17:37.089+10:00

That is a lot of shit for anyone to handle.

I think you're very brave for telling your story.

Hugs to you and your sister.

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. First...

2009-06-12T00:14:12.778+10:00

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. First your dad leaving, then the terrible accident, then the permanent departure from your life.

Obviously you needed to let this out (The "Jazzercise" post was not enough!) I hope it helped to talk about it a bit among friends who really care about you.

Suzer- and I would have said you definitely look y...

2009-06-11T23:27:07.209+10:00

Suzer- and I would have said you definitely look younger than me. I lived in Chicago until I was six.

Jen- Thanks for such thoughtful words, I agree.

Jenny- I know, I can't stop thinking about them either-- contrary to this sad slice on my life, I know I'm extremely lucky.

Anonymous- Thanks for peeking out from behind mystery curtain number four, I really love knowing you're there. Good luck with your big move!

Hey, I read your blog b/c I am moving to Australia...

2009-06-11T22:51:32.256+10:00

Hey, I read your blog b/c I am moving to Australia this summer with the hubs and a 2-year old. I am a lurker, but I couldn't pass this post by without saying...something. I'm sorry for your pain. I'm especially sorry b/c you've brought a lot of laughter into my life as I read along with your adventures. Take care!

Good job. Difficult subject matter, but written wi...

2009-06-11T21:06:00.253+10:00

Good job. Difficult subject matter, but written with grace. Smooch, hug to you.xx♥

This is a really poignant post. After reading it ...

2009-06-11T20:44:26.398+10:00

This is a really poignant post. After reading it I couldn't help but think about the 3 wonderful men in your life today- your husband and those two amazing little boys.

Oh my goodness. What a tragic tale. I am sorry t...

2009-06-11T18:43:38.017+10:00

Oh my goodness. What a tragic tale.

I am sorry that you have such a story to carry around in you heart, it must get heavy at times.

Good on you for creating a wonderful life and family for yourself.

I often think about how it seems like everyone has some kind of scar from their childhood, some large, some small.. no one seems to get through unscathed. Maybe that is part of the grand plan. I dont know.

Thank you for sharing, I wish you much love.

Jen
xo

That is just one you can't fix:/ As an aside,...

2009-06-11T17:14:12.377+10:00

That is just one you can't fix:/

As an aside, it sounds as though we were both born the same year, in the same city, although you don't look as old as me?

And fyi, I actually had a normal happy childhood--...

2009-06-11T16:58:50.249+10:00

And fyi, I actually had a normal happy childhood-- very. I think of it more in terms of a crazy thing that happened to my family and then changed it forever. I wasn't abused or bullied or starving-- but we've all got our own shit.

Amanda- I thought a lot about putting up such a se...

2009-06-11T16:46:27.414+10:00

Amanda- I thought a lot about putting up such a serious and disturbing (for me) post, but someone once said "At least once a month, pick something you are afraid to write about and write about it anyway". Thanks AAYSR, I actually did it.

Ana- Yeah it's sad, sad, sad. But I am aware of how lucky I am at the same time. Hey, everyone's got a story, right?

You know that I know exactly where you're comi...

2009-06-11T15:56:50.668+10:00

You know that I know exactly where you're coming from.... And I know that it doesn't make the pain or sense of loss any easier. But, you do have the support and love of an absolutely awesome mom. You've also surrounded yourself with caring friends, have a wonderful husband, and are raising two terrific kids. It really doesn't get much better than that. * Hugs *

Hey there...I hope venting made you feel at least ...

2009-06-11T15:13:31.458+10:00

Hey there...I hope venting made you feel at least a little better about everything. Wow, you've really been through a lot...I think you're incredible for keeping your sense of humour and lightness of spirit in the face of such darkness in your past.

xox