34 Comments
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Rafael Concepcion's avatar

This insomniac thanks you for giving me something to do at 3:53 AM. If I only had time to write one last letter it would be to my brother. He is an atheist and I would ask him to please turn to the Lord for help. To get right with God before itโ€™s too late.

Lis's avatar

Dear Rafael.

Thank you very much for reaching out and taking the time to read and comment upon One Letter, Once Chance: Who Would You Write to Last?

Your desire to write to your brother shows deep love and caring, and I thank you for sharing this with me.

May the coming days be filled with much peace, light, and love. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

Tahir Lateef's avatar

I have accepted your message request, but my DM is not accepted due non verification of my phone number. I tried it to verify my phone number, but substack app gives the message of an error. Can you tell me how to verify my phone number on substack. Thanks

Lis's avatar

Hello, Tahir. According to Google, here are the steps for verifying a phone number. Wishing you a beautiful and peace-filled day. Lis ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

For contact syncing and friend discovery

Open the Substack app: and tap your profile picture.

Navigate to "Find Friends": (iOS) or "Add Friends" (Android).

Tap the "Connect" button: next to "Contacts".

Enter your phone number: when prompted and then enter the verification code you receive via text message to complete the process.

Grant permission to access your contacts: to see which friends are on Substack.

Tahir Lateef's avatar

I am comparatively new to Substack, and I am trying to make it for DMโ€™s.

Lis's avatar

Welcome to Substack, Latif!

I wish you all the best on your life's journey. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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.

Lis's avatar

Dear Deanne,

Your beautiful words have landed so gently within my heart. Iโ€™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. Itโ€™s a pleasure meeting you and Iโ€™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. Iโ€™m looking forward to reading and enjoying your posts and notes. May the coming days be filled with much beauty and peace. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

Deanne Ames's avatar

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

Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Deanne. I am truly sorry for your loss. My eldest brother passed unexpectedly seven years ago, and thereโ€™s nothing in life that prepared me for such a devastating loss. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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.

Lis's avatar

Thank you, Deanne. Yesterday we were near a harbor and I could immediately feel my brotherโ€™s presence, as he loved sailing. Someone recently told me that itโ€™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.๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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.

Margaret Williams, MS, ACC's avatar

Also, congratulations to all contributorsโค๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Margaret! As always, your beautiful support and kindness is sincerely appreciated and valued. Iโ€™m sending you peace, light, and love from the Greek islands. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’–

Margaret Williams, MS, ACC's avatar

Love this Lis. You are the bestโค๏ธ Thank youโค๏ธ

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿค—๐Ÿ’–

Jeff โ€œHโ€ Harrington's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Lis

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

Anne Lemmons's avatar

I enjoy reading this.

Lis's avatar

Thank you very much, Anne! Wishing you a week filled with deep beauty and peace. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ”†

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

Luna's avatar

Likewise, Lis. Have a wonderful vacation. Sending you love and light. โค๏ธ๐ŸŒธ

Lis's avatar

Thank you so much, Luna. I hope the transition into September is holding you gently. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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.

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

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, โ€œthank you, thank you,โ€ to her during her last breath. I am sure you feel the same about Sage. I hope your summer is ending well, amiga. โค๏ธ๐ŸŒธ

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

Jen Reich's avatar

Beautiful letter and reflection

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. ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–