To begin with, you are a good writer. You grabbed my attention from the start and had me wanting to read until the very end. It's also refreshing to read a post where the author knows basic grammar skills such as the difference between their, they're an there. This is a rarity!!

Quite an epiphany you had there. Editing is important, but, I agree, never take your soul out of your writing.

I look forward to reading some of your new, mother-offending work! Thanks for sharing this journey.