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Joan Stoneking's avatar

I found myself tearing up as I read this! I’ve got elderly parents and wished I wanted to live that closely to my Mom/Stepdad and that I really did live that closely to my Dad.

I like to think of myself as a pine or oak, able to withstand the fierce storms that have come because I’m deeply rooted, able to provide a source of strength & rest under branches that spread widely. I break sometimes because any branch would, but I grow new branches too.

I like his image of a willow, swaying with whatever comes 💚

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Monica DiCristina's avatar

Joan, thank you for this comment and for this beautiful picture. I will be reflecting on this as well!

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Jorge Martinez-Vazquez's avatar

This is so tender and full of emotions and depth… a wonderful reflexion of a moment, an important moment, in life. It has made me hurt by how the wonderful elderly neighbor will feel about your otherwise happy and momentous moving to your new house. But I think he has the answer in the wisdom that comes with age, be “flexible” as the willow tree and change with change❤️👍❤️

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Monica DiCristina's avatar

Thank you for this, and yes, I totally agree with you. He has the answer that comes with the wisdom of age, and I am taking notes gratefully.

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sherdmar's avatar

This is so moving and so sad yet so wise and therefore helpful and optimistic. Only a fine analysis like this one can create all of these reactions in response to an event from life. I am so soothed to have read this.

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Monica DiCristina's avatar

I am so glad it was soothing to you, I found myself exhaling, even with the sadness, with his wisdom.

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