10 Comments
Oct 24Liked by Katherine Johnson Martinko

Good morning Katherine, what a lovely submission you provided with us today and your reflections on your aunt and my sister and the brevity of the beautiful life we have. Thank you! Aunt Jane

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Oct 27Liked by Katherine Johnson Martinko

Thank you for sharing this beautiful essay. You are wise beyond your years. I’m sorry for your losses. Perhaps you could print this essay and “snail mail” it to your mother-in-law. If she read it, she might realize what she’s missing. Your aunt was fortunate to have you by her side.

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Just read that while taking a quick break from making dinner and finishing the cookies for my son’s school Halloween bake sale while my toddler naps. In other words, harried and not thinking of anything but the next task. Reading your post stopped me in my tracks. I think I was unintentionally holding my breath as I read. What a beautiful piece of writing. Your reflections were so touching because they are so relatable. Thank you for sharing. My condolences on the loss of your loved ones.

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What a beautiful essay. I too have dealt with more family death in the past couple of years, as well as a hospital stay with a child, and it really does put life into perspective. My condolences on your loss.

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Wow. That hit with a wallop. Thank you. I'm so sorry for the loss of your aunt. What a beautiful essay that captures so very much.

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Beautiful.

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I’m so sorry for the losses you’ve suffered, the ones who are no longer living and the ones who are still here — I can’t comprehend why a grandmother wouldn’t move heaven and earth to be with her grandchildren. Thank you for turning your grief into such a moving meditation. It’s always good to put first things first, and sometimes we need reminding of what they are.

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My condolences!

The depth of connection with broader family you write of is inspiring and rare.

It is an honor and a goal, to be the person who leaves her loved ones with stories and hearts full of love and gratitude.

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Beautiful. I’m walking in the shadow of death with a dear father figure and it does make one re-evaluate hopes and what matters. What a beautiful essay, thank you.

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I am deeply sorry for your losses.

Happy, and fulfilled are those, who, on their deathbed, have others to hold their hands and speak to them. For all the toil and efforts in life, there is hope, that when dying, we will not be alone.

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