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Deanne Ames's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes, Lis. My brother died many years ago; I still miss him. You've inspired me to share the letter I wrote to him several years after he died. I'll do that soon (on my Substack). Thank you for sharing, and for the inspiration.

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Lis's avatar

Dear Deanne,

Your beautiful words have landed so gently within my heart. I’m so glad to know this post resonated and I will look forward to reading the letter you wrote to your brother when you share it on your Substack. Thank you so much for subscribing and I have just subscribed back. It’s a pleasure meeting you and I’m so glad you have reached out. My husband and I are wrapping up a 26-day adventure in Europe, and we are filled with gratitude for all of the beautiful people, places, and savored moments we have enjoyed along the way. I’m looking forward to reading and enjoying your posts and notes. May the coming days be filled with much beauty and peace. 💖💖💖

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Deanne Ames's avatar

Thank you, Lis. Best wishes as you continue your travels!

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Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Deanne. I am truly sorry for your loss. My eldest brother passed unexpectedly seven years ago, and there’s nothing in life that prepared me for such a devastating loss. 💖💖💖

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Deanne Ames's avatar

I'm sorry for your loss as well, Lis. At times I see brief glimpses of my brother in my own facial expressions (in the mirror in the morning or at night). Enough time has passed since his death that these glimpses make me smile, not cry.

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Lis's avatar

Thank you, Deanne. Yesterday we were near a harbor and I could immediately feel my brother’s presence, as he loved sailing. Someone recently told me that it’s all the missed sharing in the future that we grieve. I surely find that to be true.

I hope your day is filled with beautiful and savored moments.💖💖💖

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Deanne Ames's avatar

Amazing. My brother was a sailor; he lived on a boat, which he'd built himself. We grew up by the ocean, and the smell of saltwater is a balm to my soul. Wishing you a magical day, Lis.

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Margaret Williams, MS, ACC's avatar

Also, congratulations to all contributors❤️🔥

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Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Margaret! As always, your beautiful support and kindness is sincerely appreciated and valued. I’m sending you peace, light, and love from the Greek islands. 💖🤗💖

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Margaret Williams, MS, ACC's avatar

Love this Lis. You are the best❤️ Thank you❤️

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Lis's avatar

Thank you so much, Margaret! Your support is genuinely appreciated, and I wish you a beautiful day filled with countless savored moments. 💖🤗💖

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Jeff “H” Harrington's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Lis

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Lis's avatar

You are most welcome, Jeff. This letter has been a long time coming, and I'm so happy to have it out into the Universe and into my brother's hands. 💖💖💖

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Laurie Maves ART's avatar

An open letter to the world and mention my favorite person because he knew I would choose the open letter

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Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Laurie, for taking the time to read and comment upon the letter I wrote to my brother. I loved hearing that you would write an open letter to the world, while also mentioning your favorite person. What a beautiful and treasured way to share your words, light, and love. May your week be filled with deep beauty and peace. 💖💖💖

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Anne Lemmons's avatar

I enjoy reading this.

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Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Anne! Wishing you a week filled with deep beauty and peace. 💖💖💖

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Luna's avatar

What a beautiful, heartfelt elegy, Lis. I felt every word. I'm not sure who I'd write to. It might be my childhood best friend, or my soulmate, my husband, or our soul-cat who mothered us for 20 years and passed away earlier this year. Thanks for sharing, amiga. ❤️🔆

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Lis's avatar

Thank you so much, Luna, for taking the time to read and respond to the letter I wrote to my brother. I loved hearing about who you would write to, and what a joy it must be for you to have enjoyed a treasured soul-cat for 20 years. That is so remarkable! I'm genuinely sorry for your loss; I can only imagine the hole it must have left in your life and that of your family. If you ever decide to write a letter, I would be so honored to read your words. Thank you, as always, for bringing your full and beautiful self to all you write and share upon this platform. 💖💖💖

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Luna's avatar

Likewise, Lis. Have a wonderful vacation. Sending you love and light. ❤️🌸

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Lis's avatar

Thank you so much, Luna. I hope the transition into September is holding you gently. 💖💖💖

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Luna's avatar

Your writing really moved me. Thank you! Yes, we were lucky to have Kali Maya for 20 years. We still mourn her.

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Lis's avatar
Sep 2Edited

Good morning, Luna.

I can truly understand and relate to the deep heartache and loss surrounding Kali Maya. What a beautiful name for your treasured cat. We still miss our beautiful yellow lab, Sage. She had such mournful eyes and was always there for us whenever we needed her to hold our thoughts and spirits with gentle, loving care. We still miss her. Wishing you a week filled with deep peace and beauty. 💖💖💖

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Luna's avatar

I am sorry you had such a significant loss too, Sage. It is hard. But I feel grateful that she chose us to rescue. I uttered, “thank you, thank you,” to her during her last breath. I am sure you feel the same about Sage. I hope your summer is ending well, amiga. ❤️🌸

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Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Luna, for your very kind and understanding words. I loved hearing about your quiet whisperings to Kali Maya, and it was much the same when we said our sorrowful "goodbyes" to our Sage. My summer is coming to a vibrant end, thank you. My husband and I will be heading out soon for a long-awaited vacation, and we are excited for all of the special and savored moments that are ahead of us. Sending you much peace, light, and love on waves of gratitude. 💖💖💖

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Jen Reich's avatar

Beautiful letter and reflection

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Lis's avatar
Sep 2Edited

Thank you very much, Jen, for taking the time to read and comment upon the letter I wrote for my brother. I sincerely appreciate your kind words and support.

May your evening be filled with deep beauty and peace. 💖💖💖

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