13 Comments
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Louisa Andress's avatar

Mark, not a fool, certainly; rather a bereaved husband. I am reminded of "A Grief Observed" by C.S. Lewis. I am connected to Emily now through your writing. Keep writing for us.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks Louisa - I really think I read a Grief Observed but it would have been in the last Millenium that I read any C.S. Lewis - I might be adding it to my stack. Emily is part of everything I write - unless it's about a flying or motorcycle experience. But I'll be keeping her at an arm's length for a while.

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Deborah Hart Yemm's avatar

Thanks to Emily's suggestion, I am aware of you and through you connected to her during the last months ? Anyway, I am grateful that I followed her advice to subscribe to your substack. Thanks to that, something remains of my original connection with her.

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Jim Cummings's avatar

You could have written 10,000 words that would not have said as much as this short, poignant piece. God bless you, Mark and thank you for sharing these thoughts with us.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thanks for the kind words and compliment, Jim. I'm afraid my experience is not that unique. A neighbor a mere stone's throw away could also be going through the same challenges - just without the forum or incentive to share

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just mud by Ron's avatar

A sure sacred space, Mark.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

So beautiful, Mark. Thank you for sharing this poignant moment with all of us and trusting us to understand.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. Those thoughts have been overflowing and not to be contained.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I understand, Mark. I am going through it myself. It has taken years to live comfortably with this grief.

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

Perspective and experience matter whether it's good or bad experience.

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Alyssa Sugar's avatar

I hadn’t read this until today . I have been thinking about her alot today. I am sure you miss those morning kisses

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Mark VanLaeys's avatar

and the night kisses but mostly the continual exchanging of thoughts in between - on almost trivial things all the way to existential things, worldly things to ethereal and the supernatural.

Thanks Alyssa

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Switter’s World's avatar

Oh Mark, my brother.

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