Dear Jules,

This is the most beautiful story, so perfectly written. But it is much more than that. The things that make it fresh are the voice and the confidence that refuse to ask a single moment of pity or “poor me” for the streetwise, well-adjusted little 7-year-old Jules. Thank you for including the old photo so we could see you in action, tearing across the beach.

This is why I love Medium: it introduces me each week to new writers — new to me, that is — who bring a sophisticated nuance to the writing and to this community of little green hearts. When I read a story like yours, I know I’m in the right place. It must feel a little like how young Jules must have felt that weekend in the halfway house — like this could finally be home.

(Note from Sonny: Well, before I got this little note published, I see the controversy spreading about Kel Campbell quitting Medium and her work being stolen and some dude turning her story into a men’s rights manifesto. So maybe I spoke too soon about this being home.)

I love this story, and the old-soul, worldly point of view of 7-year-old Jules. The lack of self-pity or self-regard made for a beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing it!

I have lots of catching up to do on your writing. Exciting!

Sonny