I think the exchange is such a harsh reminder that communication is difficult. I think this story is so close to your heart, and are so many of your stories that you take apart, to show where you’ve grown and what it feels like through the eyes of a child. I think this experience needs to remind you, I think (amateur thought here), that if releasing a story is part of your therapy and educating the world, separate it from the stories that are not so close that an editor’s feedback won’t feel so stabbing.

I’m sure the editor meant no harm, but at the same time, they read it for content and didn’t see it as you wished it to be received. I’m not sure what role an editor fills there. But I’m guessing some of these publications are therefore wanting to control the messages shared.

Maybe that’s where you can dwell so as to not take personal. Your goal and theirs’ didn’t coincide, mind you—the editor didn’t see the same messaging as you which created thr problem in the first place.

Please don’t be ashamed, your feelings you described as a child, I’ve heard and witnessed so often. Those are cries of a hurting child.

Glad you’ll keep writing…thanks for sharing with us.