14 Comments
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Thomas J. Yogan's avatar

After reading this again after a few weeks, I’m struck by the anguish of a loving parent. And then I remember that one should first be compassionate to others, whoever they are. Naturally, I feel for you, your family and your lost daughter. But I wonder if ultimately it’s not acceptance but faith that we need. As human beings, I’m not sure it’s possible to eliminate parental grief.

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Kim Thomas's avatar

So beautiful Nancy.

How brave to go beyond acceptance. I love your open heart. All we can do is our best, but also believe others are doing the same.

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Thomas J. Yogan's avatar

Your honest portrayal of seeking answers, understanding, and meaning within your loving, mother's heart puts the reader right there with you! So raw, so real, so vulnerable, so much to unpack. Thank you for sharing and probing the depth of every parent's soul.

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Mary's avatar

Dear One, How does One breathe with a heart so heavy, full of a mother’s love and empty with a searching and longing limitless and way beyond measure.

I see how you are Grace Full with strangers Nancy. Unconditionally present and accepting in the highest regard. A broken woman loving. There is nothing on earth more beautiful.

What an endeavor to attempt to articulate your loss. You are an inspiration to me.

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Lynn's avatar

❤️

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Sober Knights Chronicles's avatar

Sometimes even I have the feeling to hold that moment- that moment in this case is an example of absolute absorption of something beautiful,

The feeling of complete surrender to the feeling and allow it to shared with you in way beyond the written words themselves.

Beautiful absolutely beautiful.

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Sean Waters's avatar

Wow, Nancy! Let there be writing like this when I open up my internet-of-the-future!

So much goodness here and food for thought for me:

The Taoist ideal of wei wu wei, or action-without-action ...

and David Reynolds idea of Constructive Living, itself a blend of Morita and Naikan therapies from Japan -- a way of building our pathways forward with grace, love, and a lived sense of indebtedness to the cosmos.

So that it's not JUST acceptance, but a kind of mindful commitment to the future possibilities of showing up, expecting the unexpected, growing in grace and wisdom through and with the people that we love -- who may be by turns obstinate and awe-inspiring.

Huge kudos on this piece. something beautiful for all of us, for sure. Honored to be among your readers!!

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Molly Healy's avatar

Oh Nancy, you are so brave and a true example of unconditional love. Inspirational. Thank you.

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Virginia Angel's avatar

Thank you, Nancy. Your words are beautiful and moving.

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Alexandra Kern's avatar

Nancy! These words. You constantly amaze me and I look forward to these shares. Thank you for sharing a slice of you with me.

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Brendan Scannell's avatar

❤️

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Laura Benson's avatar

Breath taking!!!

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Margaret Cobble's avatar

Oh Nancy, I know this was one of the toughest to write, but your sense of freedom is palpable and your unconditional amazing love is something for all of humanity to work toward❤️❤️❤️

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Tamara Nicksic's avatar

You hit every emotion, remarkable writing. Thank you for sharing

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