A Letter Long Overdue
Hi D. Shrum,
Welcome to Unbroken Echoes
Unbroken Echoes is a blog where one woman shares her early childhood moments and real life moments as an adult. Some good memories and some not so good and how she overcame the not so good with strength and perseverance. Join us on this empowering journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Coming soon... The story behind "A Letter Long Overdue"
I pray I find the strength to finish writing about this story, For it was the beginning of destroying my adult life. The husband I so dearly loved and the sister in-law I thought was my best friend. The embarrassments of moms at the school coming up to me...they knew before I did.
Don't forget to check out the Resources Page. Wishing you many blessings.
Behind a girl who says,
"Everything happens for a reason"
or "It is what it is"
Is a girl who can't understand
what she did to deserve all the
pain and traumas she's gone
through in her life.
A Valentines Memory
Valentine's Day as a youth. My memories of Valentine's Day were truly some of the happiest times of my life. At school, every single year, we got to make Valentine boxes or bags for our Valentine cards, which were given out to each and every student in the class. Sometimes, there was even a contest for the most creative and unique, and it was always so exciting to see what everyone came up with. But the part I loved the most was giving out those cards and, of course, receiving them too. I couldn't wait to open each card. I truly wish I had saved some of those cards to look back on fondly today because they were so special. They just don’t make them like they used to back then, with all the charm and effort that went into them. I remember sitting down at the kitchen table and sorting each card and deciding who would get each card and writing my name and the students name on the back. On Valentines Day with my cards in hand I would go to the front of the room with the other students and careful put each card in the appropriate box or bag with the students name on it. After school, mom always had a special surprise for us waiting at home—a box of chocolates and a cute stuffed animal. We absolutely couldn’t wait to dive into the box and try all the different flavors of chocolates. Sometimes only taking a bite out of some of them and putting it back.
We always went to bed that night with a smile on our face and snuggled with our new stuffed animal.
Books are always nice to give also. Here are some ideas for you. For kids: I Spy Valentine's Day , My Love For You , I Love You Everyday and so many more wonderful books you can choose here and select books by their age.
For Adults here are some ideas. Valentine Day Books Also, You may consider a book of Poems.
Happy Valentine's Day to all my readers!
Depressing Days
Depressing Days can trigger all the past hurts and pain. And make you do things you would not normally do.
Trusting the Wrong Person
The love, the trust, and the devil that destroyed us. I trusted her. She was my cousin and friend, and I confided in her. She stabbed me in the back. The betrayal cut deeper than any knife could have. The pain was real and hurt me to no repair. We had grown up together, sharing secrets under starlit skies, promising to always protect one another. She had been my rock through the darkest times of my life—or so I thought.
That Awful Day in First Grade
It was 1974, on a particularly cold winter day in Georgia. The frost had painted delicate patterns on the classroom windows, and the playground equipment glistened with a thin layer of ice that would melt by mid-morning. My twin brother and I were both in first grade that year, our classrooms conveniently situated next door to each other in the long, brick elementary school building with its squeaky hallway floors.
Sundays at Grandma's
We always look forward to Sundays. I remember waking up to the smell of Pine-Sol. Mom was mopping the floors, creating that distinct clean scent that signaled the beginning of our weekend routine. My brother and I would rush to the kitchen and make ourselves a glass of cereal. Yes, you read that right; back in the late 1970s, we had tall plastic cups that we ate our Fruit Loops out of instead of traditional bowls. The colorful rings would float in the milk, creating a sweet, fruity flavor that we savored with each spoonful.
Dandelion Days
As a child, I loved to wander in the woods behind our home. There were winding trails and a quiet pond tucked away beneath tall trees. When I walked there, I felt as though I were miles away from anyone else in the world. The peaceful stillness of nature was comforting to my soul, like a warm hug from the earth itself.
The Destructive Power of Love and Jealousy
Love and jealousy can manifest as destructive forces in human relationships, sometimes with devastating consequences. My personal experience serves as a cautionary tale about misplaced trust and the vulnerability that comes with opening one's heart. What began as a hopeful reconciliation—a second chance at love that had been lost years before—ultimately collapsed under the weight of interference and deception.
When Loving Someone Feels Like It's Never Enough
Loving someone who is difficult to love can be one of the most emotionally draining experiences. You give your best—your time, your patience, your care—but it feels like nothing ever satisfies them. It's heartbreaking to feel unappreciated, even after pouring your heart into the relationship. Over time, this struggle can lead to deep sadness, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Life can feel unbearable. So, what should you do in a situation like this? The first step is to reflect on your needs and boundaries. Love shouldn't compromise your mental health or self-worth. Communicate openly with that person, but remember: you can only control your own actions, not how they respond. If the relationship is causing more harm than joy, it may be time to rethink whether it's worth your peace. Self-care and prioritizing your emotional well-being are not selfish—they're necessary. Loving someone shouldn't mean losing yourself in the process.
NOTE " For legal reasons names have been changed in these stories."
