WOW!! What a journey. I felt a tremendous kinship with you and how destabilizing life can be and then the hard process of righting oneself. It's humbling. I wish you the best!
Great post, Michael. First time reading your words, but I can feel the sincerity.
Grief is a tough thing. It really infuses everything in our lives - and we often go to great lengths to deal with it, sometimes constructively, sometimes more on the destructive side. That's what I've been thinking and learning about these last several months.
Wishing you a sweet 40th Michael! Thank you for riding all the waves and sharing -you- with us. I'm grateful to witness your stories and be connected here. Happy New Year!
What a beautiful post, Michael--your writing, your insight and gratitude. Tears came to my eyes when you described the penetrating loneliness and desperation you have felt these last few years, followed by the joy of finally connecting with a woman who means everything to you. But mostly this post was a beautiful testament to how you are embracing life with its burdens, its flaws, while looking ahead to a future filled with love that will buffer the inevitable challenges ahead. Forty looks good on you, inside and out. Keep writing.
Thank you Andy! And thank you for paying 🙏. Yes: I have a lot of gratitude, despite everything. I know I’m very lucky! Good to hear from you my friend. Hope the writing and music are going well. Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing openly and honestly Michael. My mother died of Cancer when I was only 13, and we've had similar illness in the family as everyone gets older. I understand the exhaustion that comes from living that experience. If there is a positive side it's that you have the potential for empathy, wisdom and resiliency that others do not. While living a protected, sheltered life, free from illness and suffering is desirable, it creates fragility. The pandemic proved that and shattered a lot of people emotionally. You can help others through your writing and it's great you've decided to use it to do just that. Happy New Year to you and I look forward to more of your writing!
Thank you so much, Brian. I’m sorry for your loss. Yes: I agree wholeheartedly; with pain/struggle comes growth. Sounds like you’ve been where I’m at now. That’s also encouraging. I love hearing from people who’ve Been Before Me. Life experience is everything, right? Happy New Year!!
I'm so sorry about your dad's health struggles; I've been there and it's so exhausting and sad and hard .
Your first date sounds so much like mine with my husband! After three hours he suggested that we leave. I asked why, and he said "Because you're unbuttoning my shirt", which I totally was and I honestly had bo idea I was doing it. I love that man.
Haha!!! I love that! Sounds very similar. Yes—that total exclusionary tunnel-vision; the obsession of someone new and exciting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and also for paying!! I really, really appreciate that :) Happy New Year!
WOW!! What a journey. I felt a tremendous kinship with you and how destabilizing life can be and then the hard process of righting oneself. It's humbling. I wish you the best!
Thank you so much!!!
Great post, Michael. First time reading your words, but I can feel the sincerity.
Grief is a tough thing. It really infuses everything in our lives - and we often go to great lengths to deal with it, sometimes constructively, sometimes more on the destructive side. That's what I've been thinking and learning about these last several months.
Best wishes for a wonderful 2023!
Absolutely. Thank you for reading and commenting 🙏❤️❤️
As someone who has been through the caring experience I completely empathise. Your description of that first date with "The one" is wonderful
Thank you Terry ❤️❤️🔥
Thank you for sharing such an open, honest and heartfelt post. Wishing you a very happy 40th and all the best in 2023!
Thank you! Happy New Year!!
Wishing you a sweet 40th Michael! Thank you for riding all the waves and sharing -you- with us. I'm grateful to witness your stories and be connected here. Happy New Year!
❤️❤️❤️
Wishing you a happy 40th and continued resilience in the new year :-)
Thank you 🙏
You're on a roll Michael. Keep it up!
❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥
What a great, vulnerable, heartfelt post! Full of life. Transparent. Inspiring.
Thank you.
AND: 🔥🔥🔥
Thank you Matt ❤️❤️❤️🔥
What a beautiful post, Michael--your writing, your insight and gratitude. Tears came to my eyes when you described the penetrating loneliness and desperation you have felt these last few years, followed by the joy of finally connecting with a woman who means everything to you. But mostly this post was a beautiful testament to how you are embracing life with its burdens, its flaws, while looking ahead to a future filled with love that will buffer the inevitable challenges ahead. Forty looks good on you, inside and out. Keep writing.
Thank you ❤️❤️❤️
In spite of life on life terms... It so nice to see you smiling.
Thank you Andy! And thank you for paying 🙏. Yes: I have a lot of gratitude, despite everything. I know I’m very lucky! Good to hear from you my friend. Hope the writing and music are going well. Happy New Year!
Thanks for sharing openly and honestly Michael. My mother died of Cancer when I was only 13, and we've had similar illness in the family as everyone gets older. I understand the exhaustion that comes from living that experience. If there is a positive side it's that you have the potential for empathy, wisdom and resiliency that others do not. While living a protected, sheltered life, free from illness and suffering is desirable, it creates fragility. The pandemic proved that and shattered a lot of people emotionally. You can help others through your writing and it's great you've decided to use it to do just that. Happy New Year to you and I look forward to more of your writing!
Thank you so much, Brian. I’m sorry for your loss. Yes: I agree wholeheartedly; with pain/struggle comes growth. Sounds like you’ve been where I’m at now. That’s also encouraging. I love hearing from people who’ve Been Before Me. Life experience is everything, right? Happy New Year!!
I loved reading this- you are a wonderful writer.
I'm so sorry about your dad's health struggles; I've been there and it's so exhausting and sad and hard .
Your first date sounds so much like mine with my husband! After three hours he suggested that we leave. I asked why, and he said "Because you're unbuttoning my shirt", which I totally was and I honestly had bo idea I was doing it. I love that man.
Happy New Year to you both!
Haha!!! I love that! Sounds very similar. Yes—that total exclusionary tunnel-vision; the obsession of someone new and exciting. Thank you for your kind thoughts and also for paying!! I really, really appreciate that :) Happy New Year!
Keep on keeping' on
❤️❤️❤️