It’s a question I get asked frequently. People are especially curious why I’d write something so raw and personal. If I’m honest, it felt like I didn’t really have a choice.
Writing has always been my therapy. Sometimes in life things happen that are too hard to discuss. Some are so heinous your mouth won’t even cooperate and allow the words to be spoken; you fear saying it out loud will damage anyone who hears it. Writing it down allows for releasing it without immediately sharing it. Or ever sharing it—you get to decide.
When my father died I had a disturbing bout of PTSD that lingered for about a year. A never-ending loop of images of his final moments replaying over and over in my head. I couldn’t speak about the details because I felt like nobody would understand without being really graphic, and that just seemed awkward and unwelcomed. Writing allowed me to get it out of my head; ultimately giving my heartache a rest.
After the loss of my dad I felt sad that everything I loved about him would be lost. His sense of humor, wisdom and powerful confidence shaped my life in a remarkable way. He was a larger-than-life character that seems in short supply these days. It saddened me that his mark on this world would only be remembered by a few. He was not rich. He was not famous. He didn’t graduate from elite schools or have a collection of trophies. My father was brave enough to be who he really was; not a knock-off. Not a follower. He never even considered what he “should” be. His soul was in charge of his path. As Joseph Campbell said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”
I wrote All But Six so you could get to know my father, learn from the lessons we taught each other, and reflect on who really matters in your own life.
And by sharing all of the good, the bad and the ugly, I hope it helps you face your fears and find your own path to authenticity.
His life mattered. And so do all the other great souls that consider themselves “just a nobody.”
Who do you miss every single day? Who changed your life? Who are your six?
