18 Comments

Ouch -- Julie puts into words how terrifying it can be to feel different at your core as a teen. Morrissey is so problematic these days, but back in the day, he saved my life, too.

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One of the many lessons my daughter has taught me is the value of separating the artist and the art.

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<3

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I always feel honored when someone tells me honestly and courageously what being alive is like for them. Life is such a ball of mercury, isn't it?

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"Life is such a ball of mercury..." Well said!

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What a heart opening piece. Loved it. I’m so sorry to hear she faced late stage breast cancer and passed away. Cancer truly sucks. I’m glad she met her wife. But so sad for her wife and family. And yes, Morrissey’s music comforter me in 1985 as a depressed college student. He nailed the suicidal experience.

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<3

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So poignant, so brave - and such a writer.

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What a beautiful story, a testament to the powers of music and courage.

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A gut punch and a cry of defiance. Beautiful on both counts. Missing Julie.

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<3

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What a gut punch to learn this amazing woman with her story of hope in a bleak adolescence had died this year! Thank you for sharing her story.

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Dang, that is so bittersweet. Reminds me of some of the work a similar NGO does in my home town. Many moons ago, I went there thinking I’d do some volunteer work there. Yet it opened my eyes on a whole new level.

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Heart rending and beautiful. Julie transformed her pain into a lasting and meaningful personal legacy. I am so sorry that her life was cut short by cancer.

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Well said. <3

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Really great writing and expressing the needs of adolescents.

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Thanks for sharing this Sari—what a gift she was to the world!

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She really was. <3

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