We all have someone in our life; maybe someone who has ventured out of our life, whom we wish we could say one more thing to.
I have always loved you ... I WILL forget you ... I'm sorry ... I forgive you ... I can't forgive you ...
Sadly, we don't often get that chance.
Well, what if I told you that you can, and that you can do it anonymously - so that no one else, besides that person would know whom who you were speaking of?
Open Mouth, Remove Doubt is a collection of 'letters' written to an anonymous person, from an anonymous person. It will be published into a hardcover book, along with various stunning photographic images, to produce a beautiful table topper that will have everyone taking a peek, and wondering ...
An example of a great letter would be this submission:
Dear Teacher from Rm 213,
I will never forget the way you used to scold me for not being able to tie my shoes. I was the only one in grade three who still could not do it. The embarrassment I felt when you taunted me, and refused to help me that one day before we went out for recess has never left my memory. Your voice still plays clear in my ears; it still sends chills down my spine. That same day you laughed at me, while I constantly tripped over my laces, you whispered to me that it wouldn't matter if I never learned how to tie my shoes.
You said,
"You'll be in jail before you're 14 anyway. Then, you won't need to worry about laces. Get inside."
I went home that night, and I thought about what you had said. I played it over, and over again in my mind like a tape recorder. I re-wound it, and fast-forwarded it, and I picked the tiny grains of sand out from my nappy head - the ones that were there because I had fallen so many times trying to keep up with everyone else.
That night, I promised myself that I was gonna learn how to tie my shoes, and then I was gonna show you in the morning that I finally did it. I stayed up all night, long after mom thought I was asleep, and I practiced, and practiced, and I finally got it.
I came to school the next morning, only to learn that you were no longer my teacher. No explanation was given, and no one besides myself, ever really gave it much thought.
I wondered about you throughout the years, and I always hoped that one day I would bump into you, so I could say thank-you. You may have said what you did to run me down, but instead, you made me determined.
You were right when you said that I'd be in jail, but it happened when I was a little older. 20 to be exact. That's when I finished college, and was accepted to the Prison as a Correctional Officer. I continued on there for about ten years, moving up, until I was aksed to become the Warden. I declined, only because that morning when I got to work, a few of my co-workers and I checked our lottery numbers, and realized that we had just become millionaires.
Now I don't really need to worry about tying my shoes if I don't want to. I can get someone else to do it for me.
I hope life has been kind to you.
Thanks from,
'Just another nappy-headed kid from the projects'
Toronto, Ontario
Reading this letter, the teacher from Rm 213 would know this letter was for her. She would know in her heart.
Now it's your turn. It could be your family member, a past lover, a child given up for adoption. An old friend, a bus driver, an abuser.
If you want to get involved, please email at:
removedoubt@gmail .com
or send a completely anonymous message through this site!
You will be sent a reply when your letter is received, and we will only then contact you should we decide to use your letter. Remember, we WILL NOT PUBLISH YOUR NAME. Only your location in the world.
Open your mouth, remove all doubt.