Beautiful letter and tribute to young Nan. I love that your teacher gave you this name that felt like home to you. Love the tenderness and understanding you show to your younger self. Love the power you found in claiming your true name❤️
The power of naming and feeling comfortable in a name. It is interesting how important this can be, how empowering to choose. Great post, Nan. I feel like you are piecing things together as you look back. It’s wonderful to look over your shoulder.
When I read this the other day, I was reading along with grown-up resonance….reading with a “now” lens….
“Sometimes you’d latch on to people you thought were keepers, until they disappointed you.… As you got older, you started to build inner armor. You didn’t know about healthy boundaries yet, so you walled yourself in, and dug yourself a moat.”
And then you turned 15.
I’m glad you had a Mrs. Bloomrosen and, later, a moment where you were invited to claim your name.
I believe I could have done better or been more clear about the section you quoted. I was going back and forth in time a little. I don't know if that was evident enough. I've only recently (in the last 4-5 years) really learned about what healthy boundaries are, and what is entailed in having them. I'm grateful for that. When I was 15 I was still very clueless. I was an enabler and very codependent for years. BUT, when I read that application asking for the name I liked to called, I got an inkling that I could ask for what I needed. A first step toward health and good self-care.
Oh, Nan. It wasn’t a critique or a criticism - I loved those sections…. I identified with those sections, but I was overlaying them in my current (much older) world view. And then I realized you had been there and were through that leaps and bounds ahead of most (or at least the way I was reading it), and I was glad for that self-knowing for you. Your reply reshapes the timeline, a bit, and I apologize. You don’t owe readers explanations! I was just sharing a reader’s response…. And singling out some of the moments that really stood out for me.
I didn't take it as a critique or criticism. I just like being accountable. I also didn't want you to think that I was super-evolved at 15, because I REALLY wasn't! I was thoughtful and pretty introspective, though! xoxo
Ally, let's clear this up right now. It's not cheesy to reach out to someone you love, no matter how long it's been. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bloomrosen (or Millie to her friends and favorite students) is no longer with us, but I'm friends with her son, Jay. We went on one date in high school, had a great time, but realized it would never work out, because we're both GAY!! We understood when we discovered we had a love of musical theater in common. And for the record, I am in touch with Miss Seidman, my first grade teacher, Mrs. Whitehill, my 5th grade teacher (she's 94) and Mrs. Abramowitz, my junior high school art teacher. I stay connected. These women were as important to me as my parents and sometimes more so in certain ways. Oh, and by the way, I LOVE cheese, and I'm extremely sentimental and love that about myself. Hugs to you, my dear new friend!
Yeah, I just said that in case you hadn’t reached out haha. I kind of figured we were cut from the same cloth on this. I have so much love for some of the teachers along the way who really saved my life. I don’t think that’s an overstatement. And I’m such a fan of letting people know when they’ve made a difference to me. I did assume you felt the same. That is hilarious and awesome about your one date with Mrs. Bloomrosen’s son. What could be more successful than a date that ends with clarity? Hugs to you, NAN xx
You're the bomb. Yes, we are definitely cut from the same cloth, in this and other things I suspect. I love acknowledging folks for the difference they make in my life. We all need that and it's been my experience that people don't get seen and appreciated nearly enough. Enjoy the rest of your day! xoxo
Beautiful letter and tribute to young Nan. I love that your teacher gave you this name that felt like home to you. Love the tenderness and understanding you show to your younger self. Love the power you found in claiming your true name❤️
The power of naming and feeling comfortable in a name. It is interesting how important this can be, how empowering to choose. Great post, Nan. I feel like you are piecing things together as you look back. It’s wonderful to look over your shoulder.
When I read this the other day, I was reading along with grown-up resonance….reading with a “now” lens….
“Sometimes you’d latch on to people you thought were keepers, until they disappointed you.… As you got older, you started to build inner armor. You didn’t know about healthy boundaries yet, so you walled yourself in, and dug yourself a moat.”
And then you turned 15.
I’m glad you had a Mrs. Bloomrosen and, later, a moment where you were invited to claim your name.
I believe I could have done better or been more clear about the section you quoted. I was going back and forth in time a little. I don't know if that was evident enough. I've only recently (in the last 4-5 years) really learned about what healthy boundaries are, and what is entailed in having them. I'm grateful for that. When I was 15 I was still very clueless. I was an enabler and very codependent for years. BUT, when I read that application asking for the name I liked to called, I got an inkling that I could ask for what I needed. A first step toward health and good self-care.
Oh, Nan. It wasn’t a critique or a criticism - I loved those sections…. I identified with those sections, but I was overlaying them in my current (much older) world view. And then I realized you had been there and were through that leaps and bounds ahead of most (or at least the way I was reading it), and I was glad for that self-knowing for you. Your reply reshapes the timeline, a bit, and I apologize. You don’t owe readers explanations! I was just sharing a reader’s response…. And singling out some of the moments that really stood out for me.
I didn't take it as a critique or criticism. I just like being accountable. I also didn't want you to think that I was super-evolved at 15, because I REALLY wasn't! I was thoughtful and pretty introspective, though! xoxo
Your love and care for N-A-N is a beautiful and powerful thing.
Thank you Joy! xoxo
Did you ever reach out to Mrs. Bloomrosen? Just curious. That’s the cheesy kind of thing I would do, lol. I loved this 🤍
Ally, let's clear this up right now. It's not cheesy to reach out to someone you love, no matter how long it's been. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bloomrosen (or Millie to her friends and favorite students) is no longer with us, but I'm friends with her son, Jay. We went on one date in high school, had a great time, but realized it would never work out, because we're both GAY!! We understood when we discovered we had a love of musical theater in common. And for the record, I am in touch with Miss Seidman, my first grade teacher, Mrs. Whitehill, my 5th grade teacher (she's 94) and Mrs. Abramowitz, my junior high school art teacher. I stay connected. These women were as important to me as my parents and sometimes more so in certain ways. Oh, and by the way, I LOVE cheese, and I'm extremely sentimental and love that about myself. Hugs to you, my dear new friend!
Yeah, I just said that in case you hadn’t reached out haha. I kind of figured we were cut from the same cloth on this. I have so much love for some of the teachers along the way who really saved my life. I don’t think that’s an overstatement. And I’m such a fan of letting people know when they’ve made a difference to me. I did assume you felt the same. That is hilarious and awesome about your one date with Mrs. Bloomrosen’s son. What could be more successful than a date that ends with clarity? Hugs to you, NAN xx
You're the bomb. Yes, we are definitely cut from the same cloth, in this and other things I suspect. I love acknowledging folks for the difference they make in my life. We all need that and it's been my experience that people don't get seen and appreciated nearly enough. Enjoy the rest of your day! xoxo
When you said you kept your Hebrew name, you were Grace. Nan is short, sweet, lovely, and loving, just like you. I am proud to be your mother.
Thanks, Mom. I'm short? People keep telling me that, but I refuse to believe it!
I meant smart
Oh. Well, that’s MUCH better!!! And I guess I’m kind of short too.