So I’m writing a book. Let me know what you think, please.
Introduction from “For Brie, Forever: Low Genius Vol I”
You might be wondering who I am, what I've done, or what might qualify me to write a book.
My answer? Who knows, but a bunch of people who read my writing told me I should, so I am.
This isn't just a book about a woman and a man and their story, although that's the subject of the title piece. Rather, it's a collection of my writing over the years - in some cases edited for clarity or to protect the innocent - and my thoughts on a million random things as they come to me or as I decide they fit here from other writing I've done elsewhere. Maybe the question of who the hell I think I am to bother writing in the first place will be answered there. Maybe it won't. I'm not sure it matters.
Here’s the story of the story:
The woman, Brie, is real, as am I. This whole thing transpired in front of a couple hundred friends of mine on Facebook and elsewhere. Enough people know the story well enough that if you ask, they'll tell you so...and hopefully no more than that, out of respect for Brie if nothing else...because Brie didn't ask to be part of my story, and didn't give me permission to write it. She may never read it.
Our story is real, as unlikely as it seems. She left just a little less than 48 hours ago. That's even her real name, or a variant of it, and frankly I have no intention of editing the story so much that she won't be able to recognize herself on the off chance this becomes an overnight sensation and she chooses to get in touch (and hasn't done so anyway).
I'm not a dangerous stalker or something - it's okay for her to know I'm out there, or more precisely to keep knowing it, since I told her exactly that, and she gave me enough information to make sure I could help her if needed. The only reason I hide as many details as I do is so that she can avoid recognition in her new world (including risks that I can't fully explain here); indeed, I think I'd prefer if everyone who knows a person that fits the description thinks it's her.
Because you know, one of the things that went through my mind as I played in my own mind without adult supervision after she left was this:
What if everyone on the planet loved everyone else on the planet THIS MUCH?
And yes, I fully believe she loved me. Loves me. I fully believe that if nobody but me ever reads this and I never hear from or see Brie again, she will not forget me, and she will always love me...and she will always, always be safe.
I should note that in spite of my enthusiasm, Brie's not the "most important woman in my life," and never possibly could be - that honor is reserved for my eldest daughter, and second place is her eldest daughter, and always will be.
Brie's in third place, right now. She may slide down over time, assuming I never see her again...but I'll never forget her, and as long as I live there will be an extra pair of eyes watching her back and the backs of those she loves.
Because for one brief moment in time, I was lucky enough to be one of them, and it changed my life.