22 Comments
User's avatar
Julie Farin's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story of struggle and resilience. You are a true survivor who taught himself to thrive.

Larry Flick's avatar

Thank you for reading, and for always being a supportive friend. Much love to you!

Rich's avatar

Another vulnerable story. You are such a great story teller. Hugs to you my friend 🫶

Larry Flick's avatar

Thank you so much!!!

Dana Jacques's avatar

Thank you for opening up this chapter of your life’s story to share. You have such a way with word expression. Reading it I found certain similarities to my own story…alcoholism, being the peacemaker, a childhood storyline interwoven with pop culture. Thank goodness for therapy and guidance counselors who make you feel seen (I had one myself as well)!

Larry Flick's avatar

Thank you for reading... and for your kind feedback. I truly believe that kindred spirits find each other.

Chris Tsakis's avatar

It’s still amazing to me how refractive of each other’s our childhoods were. So many of the same distressing data points. Alcoholism. Favoritism. Violence. Music. I would love to have a long conversation about this one day.

Larry Flick's avatar

It’s crazy, eh? I’m def down for the long chat!

Chris Tsakis's avatar

Not sure I have current contact info for you. Did you keep your aol address or old phone #?

Larry Flick's avatar

I have UK phone now, but I kept my AOL address. Message me there and I’ll give you the new number. We can do WhatsApp if you’re into that app.

Jay Ufford's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story, Larry. The idea of a childhood that never really happened is right on for me. I remember the birthdays and car trips or whatever but I was too busy trying to pass/stay safe and make sure everyone was ok to actually show up. Your writing does wink at sadness but you have a great capacity shrug it off for laughing and loving and that’s why I keep reading. Thank you.

Larry Flick's avatar

I am so sorry that you experienced that kind of fear. I hope that you are living the life you want and deserve right now. Thank you for your kind words.

Joel Gallant's avatar

Larry,

Truly powerful words and thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. I don’t think you are wrong that we all want to hear about the glitz and glamour that you have lived, but being able to reflect on the journey that brought you to where you are today is truly incredible!

Thank you!

Larry Flick's avatar

You are a true-blue friend. Thank you. Always!

George Ziemer's avatar

Wow Larry, what an amazing story of your childhood to adulthood. Brought up so many emotional feelings. I did not have the same experience, but I do have the same lack of knowing who I was as a child. Like a missing page….

Larry Flick's avatar

Isn't it remarkable how universal some emotions are? Thank you for reading... and for your super kind words.

Danielle Broad's avatar

Such a touching vulnerable story. Thank you for sharing. I think we do rebuild and reinvent ourselves. I'm glad you had the positive experience with your school counselor.

Larry Flick's avatar

Thank you for reading... and for being so incredibly kind.

Nora Allen's avatar

Excellent read , great oak from a few acorns , tremendous story of self preservation, endurance, determination and success .

Larry Flick's avatar

Thank you so much for reading!

Nora Allen's avatar

Excellent!!! So good that I’ve subscribed and downloaded the app

Donald Martin's avatar

What you share touches my soul. If you were only ever sunshine, lollipops and rainbows I’d doubt your sincerity and passion. You write from your soul, and it makes my life richer for having read it.