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Susan Mulroy's avatar

Beautifully said and written as you usually do. Since I’ve been single all my life, I of course, have traveled by myself numerous times. At times I enjoy it even more than being with someone else because it opens up the opportunity for miracles. I believe God or Emily put those people in your path because there really is so much love in the world that we often are blind too.

So it’s no coincidence just beautiful miracles that you were blessed with.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks so much Susan, especially for your perspective now that I've joined the new clubs which includes singles and widowers.

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Switter’s World's avatar

Courageous, heartfelt, poignant, and a big dose of how it feels to be human.

Thanks, Mark.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Yea, those large doses remind us on both ends of the spectrum., good or bad - Thanks Switter

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Switter’s World's avatar

We can’t avoid real life without imperiling that which makes us human.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Beautiful, Mark! Emily was not only riding shotgun on the trip to NO, she was with you on the cruise, orchestrating each of those encounters. I'm convinced of it. Truly.

Also ... there's the theme of shared humanity ... shared names, shared stories, shared losses. We're all in this messiness of life together -- which, if I understand correctly, has always been the theme of your Substack. And there it was for you on this trip, all orchestrated by your beloved, who clearly is looking after you. ❤️

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I appreciate your thoughts and insight including the overall purpose of my blog. We are all in this together - it would make so much more sense to support each other than it does to demonize.

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Judi McHugh's avatar

Everything is Divinely orchestrated. They are all God things.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I personally have my doubts about "everything," but would go so far as to say a lot is divinely orchestrated. Someone referred to those interventions as "God Winks"

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Sharon Ketterhagen's avatar

Hi Mark,

As always, your precious words are filled with love, devotion and perception as you continue to navigate this difficult journey. I believe that Emily is sending you lots of positive energy and is whispering in your ear--her eternal love for you and encouragement to move forward a day at a time or maybe even one moment followed by the next.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you so much for your kind words but also insight. As I see the bigger picture, I feel Emily is very much helping to facilitate my healing.

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just mud by Ron's avatar

This gives such pause and hope, Mark. That in our hiddenness, strangers happen by to reach right into our souls, pouring balm. Deeply moving, my friend.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

So well put Ron, Thank you.

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Deborah Hart Yemm's avatar

Oh, I think those encounters were energetically intentional and meant to ease this period of sadness that is quite normal so soon after a major life loss. Thank you for sharing your stories. My deceased mother called them Godincidences.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Deborah - one reader referred to them as Godwinks and both your Mom and she were on to something.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

A very curious story, Mark. I, personally, believe in coincidence and serendipity, rather than predestination or divine intervention, but that is just me. Whatever your beliefs, your story is inspiring and delightful and I thank you for sharing it. I have a poem written especially for you on Leaves this coming Wednesday - though I will not mention your name. I hope you like it.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you, Sharon, for your support and the poem which is to come - I can't imagine you writing anything that I don't like. I'm just going from day to day putting one foot in front of the other at this point - so thanks for bringing it to my attention.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

One step at a time. It is the best we can hope for…

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Priscilla Merrill's avatar

I definitely don’t feel it’s a coincidence. In all of my years, I have just heard so many stories that it’s hard not to believe there is more to it all and it’s good! I loved reading this! Aunt Linda calls them Godwinks. I personally have had far too many to ignore.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks so much Prisilla. All so true. Periodically as I share my recent experiences, others share theirs also including yesterday. It becomes more socially acceptable. "Godwinks" - what's not to love?

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Diana van Eyk's avatar

I'm so glad you received such wonderful support. From beyond? Could well be. Take good care, Mark.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you, Dianna,.

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Susan Pruitt's avatar

I have found that the right people are put in my path at the right time.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

I certainly agree and suspect we all too rarely appreciate them.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I think so, too.

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