17 Comments

Poignant story. I think a lot of us have boxes of memories in the basement.

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Thank you, Jim! My wife and I have been going through some boxes in the basement, and that’s how the story was born.

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The map was the true treasure.

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Agreed, Amie! Thank you for reading! 🙏

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Mar 14, 2023·edited Mar 14, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

You have entirely engaged the heart of every mother subscribed to Along the Hudson with this story. It gives us hope that it is not too late to make amends for some old unfinished business. This piece is especially sensual. The smell of the basement, the dust, the old newspaper, the mud. The feel and look of the crinkled old map, the big old floppy boots, the drippy pine trees, the damp wooly clothes. It really brings us in when all senses are engaged. Beautiful, Justin.

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Thank you so much for the thoughtful words, Sharron! I’m really happy this story resonated with you. Even though we just got buried in snow in the Northeast, your comments brightened my day! 🙏

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Curious what’s buried. Is there a sequel?

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I don’t know if I’ll continue this one. Maybe. I haven’t given the actual treasure much thought, but maybe it’s a local legend/something that has been speculated about over the years. A fun reason to bring the kids on a hike, right? I like what Amie said above.

Thank you for the read, Jim! 😀

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Really like this one. Conjured up Cats in the Cradle ( Harry Chapin, right? )

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Thanks, Jimmy! Super happy to hear you enjoyed this one. Even happier to hear it conjured up Cat’s in the Cradle for you. Love that song.

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Great story Justin!

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Thank you so much, Jason!

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This definitely fits with my vibe today. Good timing.

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Happy to hear it, Sunday! Thanks so much for reading.

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Mar 13, 2023·edited Mar 13, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

Good memories are buried treasure. Nicely done, Justin. 🤓

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Thanks, Mark! They really are.

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Dank basement air; you create a discernable atmosphere.

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