I’m sitting in a room surrounded by strangers. Some of them are patients, others are, like me, family members of patients. My brother and sister are there, too. It feels like a dream. Is this happening? Is this my life? Is this my family? My Mom is sitting in the middle of the small...
He’s the best dad, this guy. I mean, he’s a really, really good Dad. He teaches our kids about plants and flowers. He’s taught them to love nature and not to be afraid to pick up creepy, crawly things. In the evening, after a long day, he will pull on his shoes and dribble a...
I turn on the car and there it is again. . . that song. That ‘Perfect’ song. You know it, Ed Sheeran with his alluring accent, poetic lyrics, and pipes that nearly bring me to tears every single time. (And don’t even get me started talking about the version with Andrea Bocelli. If you do...
I sat in the living room early this morning. The house was still dark and silent, except for the sound of a pup chewing a bone at my feet and a few cough, coughs from a little girl echoing from an upstairs bedroom. I opened my laptop, hoping I would find the bravery to write, but knowing...
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Just so beautiful. Your story is of pain and loss, also of love and joy. Sometimes we forget life is made up of each of these, not always in equal measures, and not always at the times we would choose, but necessary to accept if we are to, as you say, “claim our story.”
Beautifully stated, Kathy. Thank you. . .
Wow Summer, this is beautiful.
Thank you, Shelly.
…and, I’m sobbing.
Hug.
I love you, Kylee.
I just want to tell you Summer, that your story is just beginning. You have the amazing ability to take amazing pictures. Pictures can last a lifetime but your words. Your words transcend lifetimes. Your words have the gift to transform lives. I did not have an alcoholic mother but your words help me to appreciate mine for who she is. And appreciate life for what it is. You touched my soul. Thank you for sharing.
Erin, your words bring tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for them. (And yes. . . your Mom. . . she is such a special woman.)
I’m grateful you shared this, Summer. I’m glad you are certain she loved you. Hold tightly onto that.
Sara, thank you for always, always being so kind and supportive. I am so so grateful that my path crossed with yours. . .
Summer –
How incredibly gifted you are – not only are you able to stop time in terms of capturing shadow and light with your images … you also have the gift of seizing moments in vivid, reflective, and raw written expression.
None of us would be where or what or who (or why) we are without the ‘how’ of lived experience.
Your mother and all that is beautiful and giving and filled with love lives on in your creativity and gifts. I don’t “know” you aside from your work and writing – yet I feel kindred to you in that what you choose to share is real and honest.
Thank you for sharing – and for continuing on through darker times with your amazing light.
Your words touch me so deeply, Jennifer. Thank you so much for such kind and encouraging words. And thank you for always supporting me.