24 Comments
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Heather Martel's avatar

This is so beautiful. I have only been on the other side of these goodbyes. I am 53 and my parents are two of my best friends. During Covid we began to Zoom every Saturday morning. We still do, sharing fiction, philosophy, movies, politics, laughs, pet stories, fears, sorrows, hopes. Often we talk for 3 hours. I savor. I savor. I memorize their beloved faces.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Oh, Heather ... how sweet. How old are your parents? What a lovely gift you give them, all those long chats. Wonderful!

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Heather Martel's avatar

They are 77 and 80. It's a mutual gift. 💚

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Karen Davis's avatar

That’s so wonderful. At the start of the pandemic, I started calling my parents every Sunday. We live in the same city, but my family is not that great at actually talking when we get together. 10 months into the pandemic, my mother suddenly died. I was so glad I had done those Sunday calls, even though sometimes they were kind of painful for me. Since my mother died, I call my father almost every day. They aren’t long phone calls, but I’ve gotten to know him and through him my mother in ways I never knew them before. (I’m 55, my dad is 79.)

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

So sweet, Karen. You'll never regret the time those calls take out of your day. Precious moments. I didn't know your mother's passing was so recent. My condolences....

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Heather Martel's avatar

I am so glad you have those Sunday calls too. I am sorry for your loss. There was a chance during the pandemic to find our hearts for each other. How lovely you talk to your father daily.

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Naomi Penner's avatar

This made me a bit emotional as a daughter who has been on the other side of this story, the many times I've had to say goodbye to my parents after spending time with then. Nature always gives us something we need.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

So true, Naomi. The parting has emotional repercussions on both sides.

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Margo Hammond's avatar

Such a touching story. Yes, the universe provides!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you, Margo!

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Nalini Dovedy's avatar

So wonderful. I can relate

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you, Nalini!

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Tricia Kyzer's avatar

I still get teary when one of my grown children is leaving me. ((Big hugs))

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Thank you, Tricia. Hugs back.

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Betsy's avatar

I feel your pain. Our youngest left for NYU over 25 years ago. She’s now living in California. We see her if we’re lucky once or twice a year. It is so hard.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Same boat, Betsy. So hard, yes....

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Becki Clifton's avatar

Nature, the great empathizer! It knows just what we need when we need it, if we would only look and appreciate it.

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Oh, Becki, is that ever true! She takes care of us, doesn't she?

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Ann Collins's avatar

I love these, too! Hopeful and energetic as they unfurl. 🌿

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Aren't they wonderful, Ann? I hope you have some to delight in, too.

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J. Paul Moore's avatar

So lovely! Living in and around nature is such fertile ground for our tender hearts. We just got back from a wonderful (and tiring) weekend with our two daughters and their husbands, and our first grandchild! Our getaway on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee is surrounded by trees, creeks, hiking trails, and the sounds of nature. Our hearts are full!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

Beautiful, Paul! And I understand the tiring part, too.

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Karen Davis's avatar

This is so beautifully written. I don’t know for sure how that feels, but I have a sense that my sister would really relate.

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Thomas Winward's avatar

what a beauty!

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