I’ve considered reading The Never-Ending Battle aloud, but when Open Minds Quarterly republished the story in their Classroom Edition, I couldn’t think of a better celebration.

This reading unexpectedly became one of the most publicly emotional things I’ve ever done. First, it took me 12 minutes to get to the point. I felt like I had to explain some things before reading the story, to give it proper context. Maybe that was unnecessary, but it felt needed at the time and I don’t want to try editing or re-attempting this. Second, the story and the memories have an emotional impact on me. At first, I choke up and it’s hard to keep reading. But as I do, I slowly break down to the point that I’m openly weeping while reading it. I feel a little embarrassed for being so open and raw. But so far, responses from my closest friends have felt oddly empowering. They cried along with me as I read the story.

So, here we go. If you want to skip my introduction, skip to the 12:30 mark when I start reading the story.