I have lost my voice and I’m not really sure how to get it back. Always a loud mouth, happy to share my opinion whether you want it or not, this is very unfamiliar territory. I haven’t been writing and when I have written it turns out to be absolutely horrible, terrible, no good and very bad (just read the post before this one.)
I’m pretty sure this is an unwelcome result of the break in. Here I am writing a blog with the goal of selling others on the city I love. While I still love my city and am here for the long haul, how can I expect other people to feel the same now? What can I say?
Writing this post today, my hope is to find a bit of myself again. Your words of encouragement would help too. I don’t often go asking for you to leave comments but please do. I’m feeling a bit lost and any positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
With love from Detroit,
Callie
Callie,
Ernest Hemingway said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at the typewriter and bleed”. My heart has hurt for you since the day I read your post about the break-in. There seem to be few greater pains than those of violation and the loss of perception of safety. If writing is still in your heart as a creative and cathartic outlet, I’d say to just let it roll. Don’t worry about the quality nor contradicting past feelings/thoughts/ideas. Write for yourself and those who matter will follow along with unconditional support.
Warmly,
Josh
Callie, you are an inspiration to others. The fact that you faced some adversity and came out stronger should make you proud.
You always try to show the true side of Detroit, and as much as it stinks, there is still a bad side(just like any other city!). By continuing to highlight all the amazing things going on in the city, you will help reinforce that that is the side that is growing.
Remember why you started the blog and all of the wonderful experiences it has brought you. Life is never all rainbows and unicorns, there are always bumps, and your story of Detroit was bound to have a bump. Just keep searching for those rainbows! 🙂
Hey Callie-
Simple advice from someone who always loses things–mundane things like keys and wallets, nothing as profound as one’s voice and certainly not as a result of a terrifying personal experience, but the advice still holds: Stop searching. That’s how I always find the things I lose. And if you can’t stop searching, then stop trying to stop searching. The point is, you’re a warm, caring, energetic, outgoing person with a healthy, beautiful family, and if you’re stuck with those things and no voice for a bit longer than you’d like, then just give your boys a couple kisses and let it all be. Your readers will wait for you.
You’ll be ok. You are strong, have a great supportive husband , a loving family and very good friends. This just shows everyone that nothing will stop you or your love of Detroit. That’s why I always thought you should share your times in Africa, New York, Europe, etc. Your survival and the fact you are moving on is the real story.
Callie, I have always admired your strength and confidence and this recent incident reinforces how brave and strong you really are. I can only hope to be the amazing mother you are one day. Jack and Hudson are so very lucky. Continue to treasure each and every moment with gratitude. Life is unimaginably precious. I have no doubt in my mind you will overcome this. I am here for you. XOXO
“It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.”
– Doe Zantamata
You know, it could happen in Brighton, East Lansing, NYC, or anywhere else you’ve ever lived. You now know how to make your home stronger and your family safer. It’s a crappy learning experience but be thankful you’re here to tell your story.
Please keep writing blog posts so I have something to do when procrastinating at work. 🙂
I was just introduced to your blog through a friend on Facebook. This post is the first I’ve read.
You call it losing your voice. I call it a period of adjustment in which there is a need to rail about the injustice and also spend introspective time licking our wounds. Each in their own time, to the degree needed and with the right to flip in and out of those needs on any given day, week, month, etc.
I was a suburbanite years ago when my older brother was murdered while working downtown. He was robbed, shot, pushed out of the car in an alley and left to bleed to death on a snowy January night. It was 3 days before his body was found.
I went through the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. It was not pretty.
The experience ended up deepening my passion for the city I loved. I chose not to let the bad guys win. I became an even stronger voice for showing, sharing and telling the good about Detroit.
It was way before Social Media and Blogging so it was not easy combatting the horrible press Detroit always got in both the local and national publications. I was put in touch with another Civic Minded individual and we started a group that years later was incorporated by a younger futuristic citizenry that continued to carry the message.
During those years of activity I found more like minded cohorts. I realized the dream of moving into the City and I totally expanded my knowledge of how things worked … or didn’t work in Detroit. It was a precious time and my love for the city grew even stronger.
It all happened due to a totally negative occurrence.
I happen to love this phrase: Out of all tragedies come the seeds of a far greater good.
My hope is that in time you will continue to write about the greater good that will continually emerge from this shameful violation of your personal space.
One more thing. Life necessitated my move to the Los Angeles area and it’s not all Sunshine and Roses here either. But, due to my experience I have a realistic attitude and a personal drive to continue finding the good in all people and situations.
I state with pride that I’m from Detroit and I know not to let the bad guys take my joy.
Sending positive energy your way.
Jane
I googled “family Detroit blog” and yours came up first. My husband and I are in the process of accepting jobs that will move us to the area. I hope you will continue to write. We have a 7 years old and a 4 month old and it would be nice to have a family perspective in the area.
Hi Callie! I don’t write a blog, however, I keep a journal. Writing in my journal helps me to sort through my feelings. Don’t let that intruder win by silencing your voice. Writing a blog about what you felt and how you are dealing with the post trauma could be vital in helping you and others heal.
Callie, I cannot imagine what your experience was like but I can say that having visitors experience nuisance crimes and knowing people who have faced invasions of privacy and safety as you have, I take a very level headed approach to sharing the experiences of living in this amazing city. Life is generally good here, we have good friends, neighbors and experiences. Where we live and who we know and the bonds we have built would not be an easy thing to replicate in the burbs and maybe not even in another city. But in all reality, this is still a city and it is still Detroit. City living and Detroit City living is not for everyone but if you come here with modest expectations and an open mind and heart, you will be fulfilled. If you are not fulfilled, its okay to move along. Violations of personal safety are not okay anywhere, but they do happen everywhere, city or suburb. It’s okay to accept that this city is not safe, because it is not, and it is okay to still boast at how much you love it here because there is still so much to love. You will find your voice! – With Cautious Optimism from Detroit 😉
Callie – I hope you keep writing because I love reading your blog. I believe in you and I know you will get your voice back when you are ready. You are so strong, have a great sense of humor and you probably reach more people than you realize through your blog. -Lou
I agree with all of the sentiments that proceeded, and want to add to the affirmations of LOVE for you. You are in my heart and prayers and I look forward to the even stronger bolder and more joyous Callie Lou following this healing / adjustment passage. XO