Though I’ve long been a writer, it still can be tough. I’d expect condensing a deluge of fraught, frightening, complicated events difficult for anyone.

Practiced writers sometimes use a technique of writing as quickly as possible, without self criticism, editing or filters, giving themselves permission to write “badly.” If whole sentences don’t come, there are always just words, points or clusters. Or maybe imagine you’re writing someone specific and sympathetic or you’re telling the story here or otherwise online.

Once the thoughts are on the page, they can be shaped more easily.

While I can’t imagine the pain in this process, I hope it might grant the comfort of self advocacy, separation and the beginning of distance.

My writing was the beginning of having a “voice” in the world. You have a great deal to say.