14 Comments

That closing line is great. A beautifully crafted story!

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I really appreciate that, thanks Jason!

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That in-between space is such an evocative way to describe the rocky teetering between life and death.

Tend those fires, Justin! See you Friday.

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Thank you, Amie! I’m glad you liked the line. It’s my personal favorite from the entire story.

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What a lovely way to start my morning.

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That makes me happy! Thanks for reading, Claire. 😊

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"The guilt of not being there at the end weighed on her more than anything else in her life ever had." We don't understand the importance of being with our parents while there is still time. Even the best of daughters, the most present of sons, feel regret when parents die. It seems there is so much to remember, so much left unsaid, so much to atone for. Nice work, Justin Deming

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Definitely, Sharron. Time is our most precious commodity. Thank you for the kind words and for reading!

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I loved this story, Justin! Sometimes we need those angels in our lives, like the old woman.

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Absolutely, Mark. Thank you so much for reading!

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This one brought tears to my eyes, Justin. But in a good way! Beautifully written and reassuring. I know for certain that our loved ones who have passed are still with us, just in a different way.

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Thank you so much, Andrea. I completely agree with you! In some way, shape, or form, I think they’re still with us.

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I'm a few days late to this story. Glad the "good Samaritan" created a safe space for Marla to reconnect with her mom, one final time, on the runway...a nice symbol for new journeys.

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Thank you, Jenise! And no worries whatsoever - I’m always behind on my Substack reading!

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