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Belynda Montgomery's avatar

We have so much in common with our families. I enjoyed reading about yours. See you tonight.

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Very old grumpy guy's avatar

Glad it went well!

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Beth Eakman Re's avatar

I think it says a lot about spending holidays with dysfunctional families that I have also been working on a substack essay that begins with those wise words from Ram Dass. Every positive interaction, however rare, is cause for celebration though. Happy Birthday (month)!

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Spike Gillespie's avatar

Thank you! I’m actually taking the year this time, on account of the milestone. Haha. It really was a wonderful visit and I’m so grateful I was able to stay open-hearted. ❤️

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Susan's avatar

My half-sister and I restored our relationship a year ago, just before Christmas, after a lifetime - and especially the previous two years - of struggle. At the time it felt mysterious and miraculous, but I'm pretty sure there was a shift in each of us that happened at the same time and made it possible. After a year of relative peace between us, I am forever grateful and also never take it for granted. Staying open hearted and present seems key.

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Spike Gillespie's avatar

Oh yes—staying present was a big part of my ability to enjoy last week. Not easy to stay present sometimes but I think I’m getting incrementally better about it.

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Susan's avatar

Not easy for me to stay present either. I think I'm getting incrementally better about it, too.

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