14 Comments
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Jean Buzzard's avatar

Matt, this is a beautifully written piece. I lost my father, but I was fortunate to have him for 85 years. Your story truly showcases your emotional investment.

Matt Taylor's avatar

Thanks so much Jean 🥹 I’ve been really struck by everyone’s comments on this piece. It really means a lot.

Georgette Jupe's avatar

"I make myself so busy, that I don’t have time to deal with my trauma." This resonates with me so much and has often been the approach I've taken in life. This piece was so incredibly written Matt and though we've never met in person, I get you on so many levels. Thank you for sharing your truth with us.

Jillian Quinn Wheaton's avatar

This is such a beautiful piece that captures the living on after the death of a dad or any loved one, and how their absence shapes and shears us in so many ways.I was 19 when my Dad died, and it took many many many years to acknowledge the unique gap that was left in my own being. Thank you for sharing .

Bart Frith's avatar

Matt, thank you for sharing this with us.

I love the truthfulness and bravery.

It made me think about my own father who lost his dad at 10 years old.

I never had the conversation with him about the long term effects on him - i regret this.

Your piece helped fill in my gap.

Steve Taylor's avatar

Hi Matt, you continue to bring tears to my eyes. This is of course the “week” for the family 💔

Take care lots of love ❤️

Matt Taylor's avatar

Thanks Steve. I'm really glad you liked it, for some reason I was a bit nervous you might not. 🙂 It is, and I still remember in vivid detail like it was last month.

Sarah Woods's avatar

Matt, what a moving and beautifully written piece. I lost my Dad in adulthood and still feel the gap. It is also a helpful reminder for me to try and be more present - physically and emotionally - with my own children. Something I will try and do better at after reading this. x

Julie Mellor's avatar

Hi Matt, I’m really pleased that you wrote this about loosing your father and the effect it has had on you. In all the time I have known you 17 years I don’t ever recall you speaking about your Dad. Hopefully this will have been cathartic for you.

Matt Taylor's avatar

🥲 Thanks so much Sarah. I've had to try and hold back the tears reading this comment, that really means a lot.

Sophie Underwood's avatar

Another amazing piece of writing, Matt. Thank you for sharing this.

Matt Taylor's avatar

Thanks Sophie. Loved your Isle of Man piece. I was transported there while reading it.

Hattie Morrison's avatar

This is such a fantastic piece of writing, with such fantastic elements. The image of you in the back of his taxi, and the idea of your own children talking about what dad did rather than what they did with their dad. Complicated and twisting and vulnerable and brutal and bare - fucking class.

Matt Taylor's avatar

Thanks Hattie. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it. I've been using the bravery you shown in your pieces as inspiration. 👊