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Pam Voss, CHPC's avatar

Great article, Derek. I can relate to reading the room and sensing the emotional storm as it arrives. Not necessarily from a childhood like you describe, but from a marriage that was equally violent. What I envy about men, is their strength and, what I see as the ability to stand up like that. At best, I’m able to remove myself. I wonder if I would be brave enough to physically intervene like that player in the locker room . Food for thought. Thanks for your vulnerability and sharing your story. It’s beautiful.

Derek MacDonald's avatar

I’m always conflicted when people relate to hard moments like this. On the one hand, it’s validating…there’s a sort of camaraderie. And on the other, it’s a certain kind of sorrowful. Like, I wish you couldn’t relate. But since you do, I’m glad to be here with you. I hope that makes at least a little bit of sense! And for what it’s worth, what I heard you describe *was* brave, not aspirational. Bravery, to me, looks like knowing something is hard or scary, and choosing to act anyway. Removing yourself sounds like an act of bravery.