Beautiful as always, Lindsay. I can relate to much, but not all, of your essay. My parents are amazing & I love them, but our home certainly had its steep in dysfunction. And, while I too was a textbook people pleaser, I also was never afraid to confront the truth. It made me feel like an outsider.

Thus, I made sure to attend college out-of-state, and have spent time in places far away from home since my freshman year in college. I now live 1300 miles away. I have made peace with the past, and I love my family so much. I haven’t been back since last September, but am scrambling to try to find a way home next month.

All of this is to say, thanks for your eloquent vulnerability. You’ve helped me to reflect today!