Thank you Alexa. We are with our 6 year old grandson in his relapse of cancer and walking the journey with our daughter and her husband as he goes through his 10 month chemo and radiation treatments. I will pay even closer attention this time around to the major minor characters surrounding us and holding us all up. ❤️
Absolutely gorgeous and moving, Alexa. It made me think about this moment in my life that seems almost encapsulated in amber. My baby was just beyond a year old, I was 25 and going through my yoga teacher training. The yoga studio was really like my recovery room as I oriented to a reality outside of years of abuse, not even yet fully knowing that that’s what it had been. I still wasn’t quite sure which way was up or where I was heading but my yoga teacher, also a single mom but older, was a guide. I remember her saying to me - it’s hard, but look for the little angels. They’ll always be around. And in the decade since, every time the little angels show up - generosity here, support there, inspiration here - I still think of that moment.
I love that this story shines a spotlight on that quirky, fragile part of human nature where we become self conscious, shy, afraid, guarded, attracted to others, and drawn into unspoken relationships with major minor characters. Well done. It’s a universal story. Thank you.
Thank you. Just out of the hospital — this time two weeks — with my daughter who is severely disabled and just had a bout of bacterial pneumonia. Nearly 29, it’s been too much to handle since she was 2 months old. Nearly my entire adult life. Mom. Caregiver. Writer. Teacher. The village, though — it’s vast.
Sending all my best to you and your daughter. And my understanding. Thank you for sharing. Those hospital days are not easy. But yes, the village is vast.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. This brought memories of my own "minor" characters who played a major role in my life. To the characters who may not even think of me as a character in their book, but made my life all the more easier. It makes one wonder if they are a minor character in another's book, but whether they are or not, spreading kindness ensures the positivity one may wish on themselves, even if it is a simple smile :)
Love the topic! I tend to think of these seemingly "accidental characters" who touch us in deep ways (without, perhaps, being consciously aware of it) as our "angels". And what's really fascinating is that we've probably played a similar role for other people, too, without ever knowing about it.
While inpatient for almost a year after a bone marrow transplant, the medical team became major minor characters. They were so much part of my world. Too much.
Sometimes I felt a bit ashamed as I would hang to my relationships with them while some of them barely remembered my name. I was just one within so many others.
Major minor characters is a beautiful way to put them back to the right place.
Thank you for sharing.I know that feeling of "too much." And - I know that feeling of being ashamed. Sometimes, when we go back to the clinic for my son's check-ups, I want to shower the whole team with donuts and coffee and flowers (and sometimes I do!) and I get so worked up how to show my feelings for them...are we just one of many others? It's so hard to know. Sending love and understanding back your way. :)
I loved this so much and I am SO VERY EXCITED to have you here, where I can engage with your stunning, soul-stirring writing outside the confines of social media xo
Hi Jenni! Thank you. I am so happy to be here, it feels so much freer than IG and I love connecting with everyone in this way. Sending you big hugs friend!
Thank you so much for this Alexa. In writing about my daughter's own cancer journey (and mine as her mother), I've been thinking a lot about the background characters, the nurses and anesthesiologists and, yes, baristas who all made up the fabric in the background of our experience. Looking forward to all you have to share!
I think the voice of the caregiver is such an underheard voice...I'm so glad you're writing about it too. Who is Mom? Some days I really didn't know anymore and felt guilty for even asking...but it's so important. Excited for your writing!
Thank you for reminding me of my major minor characters that shape my heart... Not that I had actually forgotten them, but for reminding me that I never want to! The elderly in nursing homes have always been my truest belief in the goodness of life, and I'll never give up on trying to help the rest of the world see the gift that they are.
When I moved to California from the UK a lonely Mum without a job, I used to visit my local independent stores and chat to the store owners. There were a few and they were the closest to friends I had, sometimes it made me sad to think I’d resorted to only having business owners who I could talk too. I became pregnant after a year of living here and sadly lost that baby quite late at 20 weeks. It became really difficult for me to go back to those stores and see the people working there who knew I was pregnant. When I did eventually muster up the courage to do it I found myself in tears in the store and often bearing my soul to these people.
This too made me sad that i resorted to this. But now nearly 6 years later these people and stores played a part in my journey of loss and healing and I still go back to them now and talk to the owners. Definitely minor characters who helped me acclimatize and process a grief without even being friends. Thanks for the lovely words
Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes. We are all so brave just being humans out in the world :) Sometimes it's with the major minor characters that we can truly be ourselves, with all our grief. Sending love and understanding your way. Thank you again.
Just sharing with my friend today about a minor character who played a major role in my life, for a very brief, enjoyable span. I’m visiting in another state & passed the location where this coffee barista worked. (Ironic, I think?) I so enjoyed hearing you read this piece Alexa. Deepest thanks.
Thank you Alexa. We are with our 6 year old grandson in his relapse of cancer and walking the journey with our daughter and her husband as he goes through his 10 month chemo and radiation treatments. I will pay even closer attention this time around to the major minor characters surrounding us and holding us all up. ❤️
Sending love to you and your family. Lean on the supporting cast of characters, they are magic xx
Absolutely gorgeous and moving, Alexa. It made me think about this moment in my life that seems almost encapsulated in amber. My baby was just beyond a year old, I was 25 and going through my yoga teacher training. The yoga studio was really like my recovery room as I oriented to a reality outside of years of abuse, not even yet fully knowing that that’s what it had been. I still wasn’t quite sure which way was up or where I was heading but my yoga teacher, also a single mom but older, was a guide. I remember her saying to me - it’s hard, but look for the little angels. They’ll always be around. And in the decade since, every time the little angels show up - generosity here, support there, inspiration here - I still think of that moment.
Thank you, and thank you for sharing a glimpse into your story. Here's to the little angels, and those amber hued days. Just amazing x
This is so lovely. I was right there with you on the stoop and in the coffee shop. Thanks for this.
You are so welcome!
I love that this story shines a spotlight on that quirky, fragile part of human nature where we become self conscious, shy, afraid, guarded, attracted to others, and drawn into unspoken relationships with major minor characters. Well done. It’s a universal story. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Those moments are so tender, right? Which is why we never forget the people we experience them with. :)
Thank you. Just out of the hospital — this time two weeks — with my daughter who is severely disabled and just had a bout of bacterial pneumonia. Nearly 29, it’s been too much to handle since she was 2 months old. Nearly my entire adult life. Mom. Caregiver. Writer. Teacher. The village, though — it’s vast.
Sending all my best to you and your daughter. And my understanding. Thank you for sharing. Those hospital days are not easy. But yes, the village is vast.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. This brought memories of my own "minor" characters who played a major role in my life. To the characters who may not even think of me as a character in their book, but made my life all the more easier. It makes one wonder if they are a minor character in another's book, but whether they are or not, spreading kindness ensures the positivity one may wish on themselves, even if it is a simple smile :)
So true! Do they remember us too? Thank you for your words and for sharing.
Such a beautiful piece Alexa. You gave me a new window to look at my stories and my crew 🧡
Thank you. Here's to our crews! x
Love the topic! I tend to think of these seemingly "accidental characters" who touch us in deep ways (without, perhaps, being consciously aware of it) as our "angels". And what's really fascinating is that we've probably played a similar role for other people, too, without ever knowing about it.
Oh I love that, they are angels indeed :) Thank you for sharing!
This story forever. xox
What a day that was! I love you, friend. Loudly! xx
While inpatient for almost a year after a bone marrow transplant, the medical team became major minor characters. They were so much part of my world. Too much.
Sometimes I felt a bit ashamed as I would hang to my relationships with them while some of them barely remembered my name. I was just one within so many others.
Major minor characters is a beautiful way to put them back to the right place.
Thank you for sharing.I know that feeling of "too much." And - I know that feeling of being ashamed. Sometimes, when we go back to the clinic for my son's check-ups, I want to shower the whole team with donuts and coffee and flowers (and sometimes I do!) and I get so worked up how to show my feelings for them...are we just one of many others? It's so hard to know. Sending love and understanding back your way. :)
I loved this so much and I am SO VERY EXCITED to have you here, where I can engage with your stunning, soul-stirring writing outside the confines of social media xo
Hi Jenni! Thank you. I am so happy to be here, it feels so much freer than IG and I love connecting with everyone in this way. Sending you big hugs friend!
Brilliant Alexa. Thrilled you will be sharing more of your work and mind. You have been in my thoughts often.
Thank you so very much. And I am sending you and your family all my best :) Happy to connect here!
Thank you so much for this Alexa. In writing about my daughter's own cancer journey (and mine as her mother), I've been thinking a lot about the background characters, the nurses and anesthesiologists and, yes, baristas who all made up the fabric in the background of our experience. Looking forward to all you have to share!
I think the voice of the caregiver is such an underheard voice...I'm so glad you're writing about it too. Who is Mom? Some days I really didn't know anymore and felt guilty for even asking...but it's so important. Excited for your writing!
Thank you for reminding me of my major minor characters that shape my heart... Not that I had actually forgotten them, but for reminding me that I never want to! The elderly in nursing homes have always been my truest belief in the goodness of life, and I'll never give up on trying to help the rest of the world see the gift that they are.
I never want to forget them either. :) Thank you for sharing.
When I moved to California from the UK a lonely Mum without a job, I used to visit my local independent stores and chat to the store owners. There were a few and they were the closest to friends I had, sometimes it made me sad to think I’d resorted to only having business owners who I could talk too. I became pregnant after a year of living here and sadly lost that baby quite late at 20 weeks. It became really difficult for me to go back to those stores and see the people working there who knew I was pregnant. When I did eventually muster up the courage to do it I found myself in tears in the store and often bearing my soul to these people.
This too made me sad that i resorted to this. But now nearly 6 years later these people and stores played a part in my journey of loss and healing and I still go back to them now and talk to the owners. Definitely minor characters who helped me acclimatize and process a grief without even being friends. Thanks for the lovely words
Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes. We are all so brave just being humans out in the world :) Sometimes it's with the major minor characters that we can truly be ourselves, with all our grief. Sending love and understanding your way. Thank you again.
Thank you for always resonating so deeply with your writing
Just sharing with my friend today about a minor character who played a major role in my life, for a very brief, enjoyable span. I’m visiting in another state & passed the location where this coffee barista worked. (Ironic, I think?) I so enjoyed hearing you read this piece Alexa. Deepest thanks.
Ah! You were on the psychic wavelength....barista day! Ha ha. So glad you enjoyed the piece. Thank you :)