Alex Tizon’s “My Family Slave”

/ Jenn

This story first appeared on my Facebook feed. My friend had simply titled “Must Read”. I was intrigued and marked it for later.  I read it late last night, and I was left in awe. I don’t want to spoil it for you, but it is heartbreaking.

This story is now making the rounds, and is being featured in Longreads.  You can read the story in its entirety at the Atlantic. Once you start, you won’t believe what you read.

I don’t know anyone who personally had a “domestic”, and no one like Lola in this story. My heart broke for her. I couldn’t fathom what she went through, and how she managed through it all.  It is even worse when you realize that Lola’s story is one of many.

As an adult, I don’t know how I could have dealt knowing what role my family played in this woman’s life. However, I admire Mr. Tizon’s ability to tell her story for once, and his attempts later in his life to do right by her.

“Once, when I was sick for a long time and too weak to eat, she chewed my food for me and put the small pieces in my mouth to swallow.”

via Not Really A Distant Aunt: My Family’s Slave — Longreads

 

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