"One Hill at a Time," "The Column That Wasn't: Pride 2004" Revisited—I’d started my wall of protest a week into the standoff. The rainbow flag had gone up first.
Holly, the original piece stayed with me. This version is more powerful and resonant. You’ve added suspense, and I love the train. Congratulations on your first year.
Thank you thank you, Rona! I must admit I did wonder as I wrote what you’d think of this second version.
And I loved your piece today too, btw. Oh, to looking back. I wonder what a letter to any of the people involved in my essay—maybe the writer—would look like?
One of the first “real” jobs I had was as a file clerk at a small publishing company. Long story short, they decided to get rid of me because they were afraid I would somehow cost them a lot of money on health insurance. Because of my disability, I guess they thought their premiums would go up. (I only found this years after the fact.)
When I walked out, I wrote a fiery letter and left a copy on everyone’s desk. I was 21 or 22.
The only sentence I remember from my resignation letter is, “If you think they’re out to get you, they probably are.”
I found other places to work that were much more stealthy in their discrimination. I retired in October 2022, so now I have only my internalized ableism to contend with. 🤣🤣🤣
Congrats on one year with Substack. I know this platform has been a place for you to share and build community. Hopefully soon I will start my own, as you suggested.
I don't know if I were one of the original subscribers but I do remember reading this original story. I like your rewrite better.
I love your metaphor of turning your back on the train or facing it, looking at your fears or turning away from them. That train is coming either way. I admire your courage to approach this topic at the time and place you did. I'm glad you shared this story.
Duwan, I made a Note (on the Notes feed) the other day about how excited I’d be to welcome you to this space. For sure hit me up whenever you think about launching. I think maybe you have a story for my kindness of strangers series? Let me know if you want to talk about that. Could coincide with your launch. Help you hit the ground running (or the road rolling, I should say). 🚐
I’m pretty sure you were one of the 31. And thank you for saying. My courage has often been tinged with a hint of recklessness. Not saying that’s a good or bad thing—it’s just what is.
Looking forward to our next catch-up! Maybe you’ll be in Colombia by then!!! 🇨🇴
We are in Cartagena now. Saturday we fly to Medellin. We are in tourist in Cartagena. But once we get to Medellin it will be mostly about going to school.
I started writing a story for you. I will try to finish it when we get to Medellin. It's a little different. I think you will like it.
I'm going to be in touch about setting up my Substack. Ive already started.
Hi Holly: I didn't see the original but loved this version. It's one of those pieces that you read two ways - as a reader, you are captivated and can't stop reading; as a fellow writer, you think, wow, that ending is brilliant! Can't wait to see what year two brings. Congratulations.
Awww, Cathy, thank you. Endings are always hard. I was quite delighted when I realized adding in the Leprechaun worked. ;) That was my first home on wheels, and though it proved too bit for my taste, I truly loved that rig and was sooo grateful for it when I truly needed a space of my own that symbolized the new direction I wanted.
I so much appreciate you reading and commenting!! 💕♥️
What occurred to me in reading this was that despite the column not being published, you had an important role in changing society. You went all-in, used the full extent of your agency, on the issue of same sex marriage, and people noticed. This is how society changes for the better.
And congratulations on one year on Substack. So glad you're here.
David, thank you for saying this. Sometimes I can think myself a bit of a fool for various attempts. But it’s true how we can impact each other—and often in ways we may not directly see—just by being the change we want to see.
I very much appreciate you reading and commenting. 😊
Kudos to you, Holly!! For the 2004 version of you, a budding journalist with strong convictions and the tenacity so see it thru, no matter the personal consequences. That’s what great journalists do - they shine the light and raise the voices for those who can’t, without bringing intimidated by the “powers that be”.
Kudos to the 2014 you, who found the strength to forge a new life with more meaning and sense of purpose, instead of shriveling up and disappearing into a life of acquiescence.
Kudos and congrats to 2024 you for building your community here, where you continue to blaze new trails and demonstrate what living life on your own terms means. I’m too much of a traditional homebody to do what you do, tho I love hearing about your adventures and enjoy living vicariously thru your footloose and fancy free lifestyle. Please keep sharing!! 👏🏻
Holly, the original piece stayed with me. This version is more powerful and resonant. You’ve added suspense, and I love the train. Congratulations on your first year.
Thank you thank you, Rona! I must admit I did wonder as I wrote what you’d think of this second version.
And I loved your piece today too, btw. Oh, to looking back. I wonder what a letter to any of the people involved in my essay—maybe the writer—would look like?
I appreciate you much! 💕♥️
One of the first “real” jobs I had was as a file clerk at a small publishing company. Long story short, they decided to get rid of me because they were afraid I would somehow cost them a lot of money on health insurance. Because of my disability, I guess they thought their premiums would go up. (I only found this years after the fact.)
When I walked out, I wrote a fiery letter and left a copy on everyone’s desk. I was 21 or 22.
The only sentence I remember from my resignation letter is, “If you think they’re out to get you, they probably are.”
PS. Have you found better, less discriminatory work places since? Here’s to hoping.
I found other places to work that were much more stealthy in their discrimination. I retired in October 2022, so now I have only my internalized ableism to contend with. 🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha. “Much more stealthy in their discrimination.” Mostly, I am so sorry you’ve had to deal with this. But I appreciate your wit.
Ableism is a tricky one. I’m glad you’re recognizing it when it shows up internally. It is for sure the first step to contending.
Sending warmth and appreciation your way. 😊
Awww, those things we find out later. I like that line from your fiery letter. And I’m so sorry that happened.
Thank you for reading and sharing, my friend! I appreciate it much. ♥️💕
Congrats on one year with Substack. I know this platform has been a place for you to share and build community. Hopefully soon I will start my own, as you suggested.
I don't know if I were one of the original subscribers but I do remember reading this original story. I like your rewrite better.
I love your metaphor of turning your back on the train or facing it, looking at your fears or turning away from them. That train is coming either way. I admire your courage to approach this topic at the time and place you did. I'm glad you shared this story.
Duwan, I made a Note (on the Notes feed) the other day about how excited I’d be to welcome you to this space. For sure hit me up whenever you think about launching. I think maybe you have a story for my kindness of strangers series? Let me know if you want to talk about that. Could coincide with your launch. Help you hit the ground running (or the road rolling, I should say). 🚐
I’m pretty sure you were one of the 31. And thank you for saying. My courage has often been tinged with a hint of recklessness. Not saying that’s a good or bad thing—it’s just what is.
Looking forward to our next catch-up! Maybe you’ll be in Colombia by then!!! 🇨🇴
We are in Cartagena now. Saturday we fly to Medellin. We are in tourist in Cartagena. But once we get to Medellin it will be mostly about going to school.
I started writing a story for you. I will try to finish it when we get to Medellin. It's a little different. I think you will like it.
I'm going to be in touch about setting up my Substack. Ive already started.
Yay!!!!
Hi Holly: I didn't see the original but loved this version. It's one of those pieces that you read two ways - as a reader, you are captivated and can't stop reading; as a fellow writer, you think, wow, that ending is brilliant! Can't wait to see what year two brings. Congratulations.
Awww, Cathy, thank you. Endings are always hard. I was quite delighted when I realized adding in the Leprechaun worked. ;) That was my first home on wheels, and though it proved too bit for my taste, I truly loved that rig and was sooo grateful for it when I truly needed a space of my own that symbolized the new direction I wanted.
I so much appreciate you reading and commenting!! 💕♥️
And, a big congratulations on your Stackiversary!
Thank you!!
Holly,
What occurred to me in reading this was that despite the column not being published, you had an important role in changing society. You went all-in, used the full extent of your agency, on the issue of same sex marriage, and people noticed. This is how society changes for the better.
And congratulations on one year on Substack. So glad you're here.
David, thank you for saying this. Sometimes I can think myself a bit of a fool for various attempts. But it’s true how we can impact each other—and often in ways we may not directly see—just by being the change we want to see.
I very much appreciate you reading and commenting. 😊
Yours was one of the first posts I commented on after I joined in December 2023. Happy One Year Stackiversary Holly!
Kudos to you, Holly!! For the 2004 version of you, a budding journalist with strong convictions and the tenacity so see it thru, no matter the personal consequences. That’s what great journalists do - they shine the light and raise the voices for those who can’t, without bringing intimidated by the “powers that be”.
Kudos to the 2014 you, who found the strength to forge a new life with more meaning and sense of purpose, instead of shriveling up and disappearing into a life of acquiescence.
Kudos and congrats to 2024 you for building your community here, where you continue to blaze new trails and demonstrate what living life on your own terms means. I’m too much of a traditional homebody to do what you do, tho I love hearing about your adventures and enjoy living vicariously thru your footloose and fancy free lifestyle. Please keep sharing!! 👏🏻