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  • hereonplanetmarz submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    right now

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  • My best memory of 2024

    Life sometimes is uncertain, we can’t control the circumstances that comes along into our journey as a mother, as a human beign raising a kid.

    One of the best memories of this current year 2024 it is related to one of my 3 kids, my oldest daughter, she is an incredible, dedicated, stubborn, sometimes a little obstinate kid, she is the proof of perseverance and successful.

    She is 10 years old now, but at the time when every just started was on 2018 when she was 4 years old, by that time she was at preschool and she was sent to get evaluated to a professional IEP team and she was immediately eligible to get into the IEP at her school, I really struggle to get her the right IEP teacher at that school, so I decided to changed it to a different school where resources were more accessible, she got into the IEP, we found amazing teacher, we have great memories of them, she got the help she needed, most of this successful of being out of the IEP now, it is because of those teachers that initially helped my daughter to acquire the confidence that she got now in order to be out of the IEP.

    My daughter had to changed again of school, but luckily we found another great teacher who treat my daughter with love, patience and she trust in my daughter in being out of the IEP one day.

    And the years passed, my daughter continued into the IEP, but God had another plans for her, u remember one year ago, I met the different teachers, social worker, psychologist and everybody involved in my daughter IEP yearly meeting evaluation and God put me into my mind to express in that meeting that I wanted my daughter so badly to be out of the IEP sooner than expected, and I took a leap of faith and I suggested the school team that I wanted my daughter to spend more time in her regular classroom than in the segregated IEP classroom, everybody agreed on push my daughter a little further to obtain greater results, Thank God, my daughter never gave up and she was adapting so well into her new classroom transition.

    All this previous story is because it has a happy ending, a new start for my daughter to demonstrate that with conviction, effort, and enthusiasm everything it’s possible.

    In this 2024 something happened that I will never forget, I just had the yearly meeting evaluation to see if my daughter still need the help of the IEP, and guest what? My daughter was declared completely out of the IEP, she doesn’t was found eligible for the IEP anymore, those days are gone, they were in the past now, but thanks to those days we as a mother and daughter learned the importance of concentrate in the good thing that we want to happen, but nothings comes free, it is a matter of perseverance, consistency, praying, faith, trust in ours, and always giving the best of us.

    One of the best memories of this current year 2024 it is related to one of my 3 kids, my oldest daughter, she is an incredible, dedicated, stubborn, sometimes a little obstinate kid, she is the proof of perseverance and successful.

    She is 10 years old now, but at the time when every just started was on 2018 when she was 4 years old, by that time she was at preschool and she was sent to get evaluated to a professional IEP team and she was immediately eligible to get into the IEP at her school, I really struggle to get her the right IEP teacher at that school, so I decided to changed it to a different school where resources were more accessible, she got into the IEP, we found amazing teacher, we have great memories of them, she got the help she needed, most of this successful of being out of the IEP now, it is because of those teachers that initially helped my daughter to acquire the confidence that she got now in order to be out of the IEP.

    My daughter had to changed again of school, but luckily we found another great teacher who treat my daughter with love, patience and she trust in my daughter in being out of the IEP one day.

    And the years passed, my daughter continued into the IEP, but God had another plans for her, u remember one year ago, I met the different teachers, social worker, psychologist and everybody involved in my daughter IEP yearly meeting evaluation and God put me into my mind to express in that meeting that I wanted my daughter so badly to be out of the IEP sooner than expected, and I took a leap of faith and I suggested the school team that I wanted my daughter to spend more time in her regular classroom than in the segregated IEP classroom, everybody agreed on push my daughter a little further to obtain greater results, Thank God, my daughter never gave up and she was adapting so well into her new classroom transition.

    All this previous story is because it has a happy ending, a new start for my daughter to demonstrate that with conviction, effort, and enthusiasm everything it’s possible.

    In this 2024 something happened that I will never forget, I just had the yearly meeting evaluation to see if my daughter still need the help of the IEP, and guest what? My daughter was declared completely out of the IEP, she doesn’t was found eligible for the IEP anymore, those days are gone, they were in the past now, but thanks to those days we as a mother and daughter learned the importance of concentrate in the good thing that we want to happen, but nothings comes free, it is a matter of perseverance, consistency, praying, faith, trust in ours, and always giving the best of us.

    Yesenia Silveyra

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    • Yesenia, it is so wonderful that your daughter got the help she needed to find success. So many people ignore learning disabilities and it only hurts the child in the long run. By advocating for your daughter, you have provided her with support and encouragement that she will always remember. Thank you for sharing your experience!

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  • trishl87 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    Greatest Memory

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  • daynise submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    Prayer Beads and Human Connection

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  • Anita Williams shared a letter in the Group logo of ParentingParenting group 6 months, 2 weeks ago

    A Mother’s Journey

    I am the proud mother of two incredible boys, Kaheem and Xavier. My journey into motherhood began with Kaheem, a blessing I never anticipated but deeply cherish. Kaheem, who has Autism, has faced many challenges, including bullying at school due to both his condition and other medical issues. Yet, through it all, he has shown immense strength, teaching me what it truly means to love unconditionally.

    When I first found out I was pregnant with Kaheem, it was just four months and four days before my 25th birthday. I was scared, nervous, and unsure of what to expect. His father suggested abortion, but the moment he did, my maternal instincts surged. “No,” I said. I wanted my baby—he was a blessing from God.

    At the time, I struggled with bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood swings, and deep depression. I doubted myself, wondering if I’d be a good mother. When the time came, I was in labor for two days before undergoing an emergency C-section. It was then that my mother faced an unimaginable choice: save my life or my son’s, as the doctors couldn’t stop my bleeding. In that critical moment, she chose both of us.

    Even now, writing about it makes me emotional. When it was all over and Kaheem came home, I learned what love truly means. He became the love of my life, and for the first time, I understood the depth of a mother’s heart. My parents stepped in to help, especially my father, who became both a dad and a grandpa to Kaheem.

    Three years later, I discovered I was pregnant with Xavier. I didn’t know until I was five months along. Fear surrounded me—everyone was concerned, urging me not to have him because of the complications with Kaheem. But I refused to let fear dictate my choices. Xavier was another blessing from God, and I embraced him with open arms.

    This time, my C-section was without complications. I had Xavier on a Monday and, by Tuesday, I was out of the hospital, walking around and shopping for baby supplies. I’ll never forget the older woman at Food Lion who stopped me. “When did you have the baby?” she asked. When I told her, she gasped. “Girl, you need to take yourself home! You had a C-section yesterday—you’re not supposed to be out here!” But I had already endured so much; I knew I could handle this, too.

    My boys, Kaheem and Xavier, have been my inspiration through everything. They’ve stood beside me through life’s ups and downs, giving me purpose and strength. Being their mother is the greatest gift, a beautiful duty I would choose over and over again. I love them with all my heart and am endlessly grateful that God chose me to be their mom.

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    • You are truly a strong and courageous mother! As mothers we go through so many challenges and it feels so good when someone understands our battles that we go through raising not only our children but ourselves so we do not project our trauma on our children. Children are so patient and they teach us so much! They don’t understand how inspiring…read more

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  • “Hey Dad”

    As you ascend high be
    my devotional eye
    that watch over my life

    Bad memories will not
    be nebulous to
    my mind, my vision aligns

    Close to your mint
    euphoria essence so vigorous
    and divine your presence left behind

    Dust from coarse remains that
    gusts new leaf of imagery
    that never leaves my sight my

    Eyes mirrors dauntless
    mist that shallows
    amongst the billows of the skies

    Forget-me-nots floods
    the humus but
    strife leads to fragile

    Generosity that appears
    while restless thoughts
    fills the atmosphere

    Hopeless drives but
    you still shine through the darkest
    times, please fill my hearts hemisphere

    Ignore the burdens
    that’s big as the bruins
    over conquer my fears

    Justice unleashes
    the chambers of resentment
    bring back the contentment

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  • Samantha Purvis shared a letter in the Group logo of ParentingParenting group 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    Amazing

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  • The moment I realized, He saw me.

    Stepped outside of my comfort zone
    I tried something new
    At first I was scared but happy it’s something new
    I agree to a date, Not sure if I’m ready
    It went so well I’m in love, Already?
    A few years later we’re here again
    we make some jokes
    we play some games
    we’re on a beach like we were on our first date
    he asks if I’m ready
    the sun has set
    he takes my hand and bends to say
    we were here before and I have to tell ya
    He says all these beautiful things, I love him too
    He says you ask how much I love you, let me show you
    He pulls out a box on one knee
    I smile so big, through tears, I try to see
    A huge rock shinning under a light
    He says will you Marry me
    I say yes and squeak!
    I never knew someone could ever love someone like me
    Anxiety, depression, goofy, and all the odd things about me
    People love my light so they cling to me
    but I’ve been hurt so much from people trying to dim me
    He came into my life and lit me back up
    I can’t believe next year
    We will become one.

    Ashley Cowling

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    • Ashley, first of all, congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time for you. It is wonderful that you took a chance on love a few years ago and found your soulmate. I hope that your fiancé appreciates the light you bring to life and works to make it brighter. Thank you for sharing your story!

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  • riderallison submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    Memory

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  • October 4, 2024

    In this golden age of technology and social media, there are many things I am grateful for, and others that I could go without. I love sending people funny videos, but I despise the hateful comments underneath some. I love being able to recline the seats on a Costco leather couch, but when the seats get stuck, you’re left with an incredibly awkward positioned chair that requires a skillful maneuver to sit in it. No fun. But one thing I am incredibly grateful for is the feature on my phone that will send me “1 year ago, today” memories throughout the week. I scroll through and giggle at my antics or mourn the loss of my once long hair that nearly touched my bum less than a year ago. But those little slide shows and still moments invite me to reflect.
    In those pictures, I see a girl who has no idea what is in store for her yet. She likes herself but isn’t ready to spend a night out alone with herself yet, or even 10 minutes in still silence for that matter.
    In meditation, I visualize myself sitting down with her. We sit on my bed in the same places I always sit in with my friends when they come over. I tell her about my favorite moment I’ve had this past year, and she starts to look worried. She’s in disbelief that she would ever be able to muster up the courage to play out this memory I’ve described. But we did it, and there is no doubt in my mind that we’d do it again.
    I used to say I had horrible social anxiety. Then my explanation turned into I am an introvert. Then it changed into “but those people are probably going to be there so I can’t go”, then it turned into, “I don’t have it in me to go,”. And those are the self-fulfilling bullshit prophecies I told myself for years every time there was something that I wanted to attend. But one night I saw a flyer for a concert that was going on. I liked the bands that were going to be playing, I had been to the venue before (a small little club with blue lighting and a Neapolitan style pizza by the slice Walk-up-Window right next door), and it was a themed concert. I adore any function that has a costume mandatory dress code. I looked at the date on the flyer to see if I was free. To no avail, the concert was that evening. I instantly jumped to “Well that’s a bummer, I guess I can’t go,” and went on with my day. But I couldn’t stop thinking about how fun it sounded. So, I texted my friends one by one asking if anyone wanted to go with me. But no one was free to go since it was so last minute and on a random weeknight. So once again, I excepted my defeat and tried to get excited for another mundane night in. But something in me just wouldn’t let the idea go.
    I looked at the flyer once again and read that the theme was Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Like, come on. How could I pass up the opportunity to dress like a whimsical being and dance my little butt off to some punk music. The idea of going alone made me want to throw up. This was an incredibly social scene. It’s a college town so that means everyone usually came to these things in groups of four to five people. A duo was even a little rare let alone someone standing all by themselves. The fear of perception began to wrap it hands around my throat, and I nearly muttered another pathetic, “I don’t have it in me”, but I just wasn’t buying what that prophecy was trying to sell me. So, I put together a costume with approximately an hour before I had to leave, did my makeup, ate a quick snack, and said a prayer asking for courage and safety as I left my house and made my way to the venue. My stomach churned the whole way there. I couldn’t tell if it was excitement or nerves. But as cheesy as it was, one powerful and annoyingly catchy Chaka Khan song revealed to me that what I was feeling was excitement and equal parts empowerment. “I’m Every Women”, came on and I danced in my Subaru like I had tinted windows and an MTV music video appearance. I realized that it didn’t matter what people thought about me when they saw me standing alone in the club, I was going to have fun, and I was going to grow while doing so.
    It was probably the most fun concert I had ever been too. I danced so hard my skirt nearly fell down and I was 99% sure I had whiplash. I had also talked to a lot of new people that were super fun and nice. I guess when you’re alone, people are way more likely to come up and talk to you. A lot of people even admired that I had come alone, saying things like “Wow, I’d never have the guts to do that,” or “My social anxiety could never,”. It made my entire night knowing that I got a taste of true confidence, but I also inspired other girls to give it a shot. Life is too darn short to not do what you want to do, and I am way to incredible to not become my own best friend. I think that is why this was my favorite moment of the year. I was there alone and there wasn’t a minute where I felt lonely. I whole heartedly enjoyed spending that night out with myself and letting go of anyone’s perceptions or judgements.
    So, I learned I don’t have social anxiety. I am just on a journey of finding my confidence. I also learned I am not an introvert. But it’s also totally okay to honor when I need a break, and my social battery has run low. And yes, the world is small. Sometimes people who don’t like you are going to be somewhere you are. But as hard as it is, I am learning to release the fear of their judgement and hate. But most importantly, my “I don’t have it in me to go,” prophesy has now turned into a conversation that goes a little something like this. “Hey body. How are you feeling. Do you feel healthy and strong enough to go to this? Do you want to go to this? Is there anything stopping you? How can I support you through that?”, and I don’t think that would’ve been the case if I hadn’t shown up for myself and took myself out dancing on that random weeknight in October.

    Carolyn-Jean Cox

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    • Carolyn-Jean, this is such an inspiring story. Evolution has influenced us to travel in packs, but we have to be comfortable on our own. I am so glad that you took a risk that night and went to the concert. Now that you have proven to yourself that you can, there is no limit to what you will do. Thank you for sharing this story!

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  • mrmann submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 2 weeks ago

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    love story.

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  • Alexis shared a letter in the Group logo of ParentingParenting group 6 months, 2 weeks ago

    My Girls

    No matter where you two are, you’ll always have a special place in my heart.
    My two little rays of sunshine that shine the brightest in the dark.

    I miss waking up to you two every single day.
    The warmth of your hugs and smiles made everything okay.

    You two taught me patience and how to be more responsible.
    The bond that we share is nothing short of remarkable.

    I miss the sound of your voices and your adorable laughs.
    I promise to cherish each moment, no matter how much time has passed.

    I’ve always wanted a family, so I was blessed with two little angels.
    Your laughter fills my heart with joy, like life’s sweetest jingles.

    To my Little Potato, stay true to yourself and don’t ever change.
    To my Emotional Butterfly, there’s always sunshine after the rain.

    I’m sorry for leaving you guys, that wasn’t part of my plan.
    I hope one day you’ll forgive me and try to understand.

    You two will always be my babies, no matter what anyone says.
    I’ll cherish our memories until we can be together again one day.

    Alexis Harvey

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    • Alexis thank you for sharing such a heart-warming poem! As a full time mother I enjoyed reading this piece. Children are always teaching adults even though they don’t realize it. They are understanding their parents tribulations that they are going through. But children teach us more about ourselves and teach us resilience and solitude through all…read more

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      • Thank you for your kind words! I was hesitant on sharing at first, but ultimately I decided that my words may be able to help someone other than myself. I love my girls, they’ve taught me so much and have helped me grow into a much better person. I appreciate you for taking the time to read my poem 🫶🏽

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  • Pipita

    Rest in Peace Pipita

    Like a precious bottle of Malbec~ from the vineyards of Argentina Vintage 1928.
    Her hair is stunning red, roots deep brown with traces of white.
    The lines on her face emphasized the years of laughter and tears. So many stories of the old Argentine neighborhood she speaks about~ I see these stories in her lines.
    Her expressions are truth.

    Her hands remind me of an atlas map
    Tracing veins like blue rivers with finely detailed “lunars” (known in English as beauty marks) properly positioned.
    The jewelry she is adorned in brightly shines
    Even after so many years without polish
    Her gentle smile reminds me of her youth and vibrancy

    “I am not afraid” she recited to me once “When God calls for me, I will answer”

    Her spirit makes life worth living.

    Looking forward to old age.
    With my heart and soul, I am a reflection of her.

    She is my GRAND-Mother.

    Bendicion~ 🙏

    Sandra Martini

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    • I really admire the comparison between nature and your grandmother. By reading your poem I can feel that your grandmother was truly rooted and connected to her spiritual being! She is shining over you everyday, proud of how you are writing beautiful poetry about her presence on Earth. Thank you for your inspiration for others who are going through…read more

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  • i see the manger

    i see the manger
    By: Jim Kellogg
    (The Queer Poet)
    11-15-24
    (a great day — seeing the manger for the “first” time)

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the broken
    shards of glass
    stuck in their eyes
    blood-red tears streaming down
    their faces

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the refugees
    no place to call home
    just like the holy family
    far beyond
    a strange new world

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the queer
    rainbow blood
    flowing through their veins
    are they a part
    of the covenant

    i see the manager
    through the eyes of…
    the abused
    battered bodies
    battered souls
    battered spirits

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the poor
    the ones without
    i was naked
    i was hungry
    i was sick

    I see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the illiterate
    those who cannot
    for whatever reason
    closed minds
    vulnerable minds

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the “unclean”
    deemed so
    by the plaster prophets
    and the pew warmers
    hypocrites

    i see the manager
    through the eyes of…
    the children
    laughter
    tears
    wonder
    pain

    i see the manager
    through the eyes of…
    the words
    spoken
    sang
    signed
    left unsaid

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the shade of gray
    the in between
    fresh perspectives
    blended thoughts
    the impolitically correct

    i see the manger
    through the eyes of…
    the marginalized
    those on the edge
    no way in
    no way out
    trapped

    i see the manager
    through the eyes of…
    revelation
    shaking with
    sadness
    joy
    hope

    i see the manger
    though the eyes of…
    the mighty counselor
    the son of god
    the everlasting father
    the prince of peace
    god with us

    James Kellogg

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    • James, this is a powerful and moving poem! I am glad that you have created a strong relationship with God that can help see you through life’s challenges and successes. By doing everything with faith and certainty that He is our Savior, we can find true peace. Thank you for sharing this poem!

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  • Vulnerability

    One of the best moments of
    2024 for me, was that time
    I decided to open Up
    And be a Lil vulnerable.
    Felt nervous but comfortable.
    As we sat at a table eating lunch,
    I let her read my
    {Broken or Broke in} poem.
    Opened me up more,
    Pretty soon I started reading aloud.
    Feeling high in the clouds,
    The feeling was “unique”.
    The way she sounds when she speaks
    Had me expressing more
    Freely & frequently.
    I just wanted to hear that
    Specific frequency.
    So grateful for that moment
    Of vulnerability.

    Michael L George jr

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    • Michael, it is amazing what letting our guard down can do for us. Though it sometimes ends with pain, vulnerability is the only way we can find true love and friendship in our lives. I am glad that you opened up to a person who enriches your creativity. Thank you for sharing this poem!

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  • "Rediscovering Me: A Journey of Healing and Release"

    This year began with me lost and confused,
    Ignoring God’s calls, his voice infused:
    “It’s time to heal, to let go, to break free,
    Release what no longer serves, and set boundaries.”

    Each time I smiled at my reflection’s view,
    The truth inside whispered, “I see through you.”
    I kept running, avoiding his steady plea,
    Until isolation season sat me down to see.

    Face to face with the shadows I’d flee,
    For the first time in my life, I discovered me.
    No longer bound by others’ demand,
    I took my healing into my own hands.

    This year’s ride has been a twisting road,
    A Rollercoaster of weight and soul unbowed.
    Through tears, I’ve released what held me confined,
    Through breath, I’ve found peace and time to realign.

    A spiritual journey, a path I now tread,
    2024 brought the tears that needed to be shed.
    It brought me closer to truth, closer to peace,
    This year, I discovered a version of me unleashed.

    Anita A Williams

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    • Anita, this is a beautifully powerful poem. I think we all experience times in which we feel lost and uncertain of the direction we want our lives to take, especially if we need to heal old wounds first. I am glad that you took control of your healing and have released what was holding you back. Thank you for sharing your story!

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  • never take love lightly

    never take love lightly

    remember that
    the world you know today
    could, and will shift in an instant

    be courageous enough
    to love so deeply
    that you’ll go the extra mile
    to create beautiful memories
    with the people you cherish
    and involve all of your senses
    in being present with them

    tell them that you love them
    but don’t stop there
    learn what to do for the ones
    who’s lives matter most to you
    seek what makes them feel loved
    listen to what touches their hearts
    and see them shine brighter
    as you learn to speak
    their language

    start with giving yourself
    all of that care
    because if anyone deserves it
    so do you
    then spread that love around you

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    • Hi Rose, thank you so much for sharing what love truly is and giving insight on how we can share love amongst those who are around us. I was reading in another post and the words resonated to me so well “unadulterated love”. I feel like that ties into unconditional love just truly loving someone the way that they are because we never know what…read more

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  • leslieann96 submitted a contest entry to Group logo of Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024Write a poem or letter about your best memory of 2024 6 months, 3 weeks ago

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    Where Your Spirit Lives

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  • A Letter From Croatia (Pismo iz Hrvatske)

    Dear Unsealers:

    Dobar dan iz Dubrovnika!

    It’s the afternoon of Friday, October 11th, 2024.

    I’m walking along the city walls surrounding the old town of Dubrovnik. With each stick tap and every step, I can see more and more of the Adriatic Sea. The old town of the city is on the horizon. Red roofs as far as the eye can see.

    This is the last day of a ten-day trip to Croatia. I don’t want to go back to NYC.

    I’ve seen a bit of everything as we’ve moved along.

    From the urban sprawl of the capital city in Zagreb. Gritty, quirky, and fiercely proud of its place in the Balkans. The shades of gray in the sky didn’t stop the sightseeing. From the Stone Gate to the Zagreb Cathedral, there are still signs of damage from the earthquake in 2020. To the Lotrščak Tower with a canon that fires every day at exactly noon. And the local delicacy, a cheese-filled pastry named Strukli complements all the pivo and lamb on offer.

    A mishap happened during our tour of the Plitvice Lakes National Park. I nearly lost one of my hiking sticks in the lake but was able to recover it One step at a time, I was able to navigate the 2.5 mile hike in the rain.

    As the trip moved on, the gray skies of the continent gave way to the coastal portions.

    From Split and its starring role as the backdrop for Game of Thrones to departing the mainland for the island of Hvar. The moonlit skies in the harbor overlooking our hotel, with the islands of Brac and Korcula on the far horizon.

    Here we are in Dubrovnik. It’s every bit as scenic as my mind thought it would be. The city walls surround the old town, tiled streets, and views of boats in the harbor leading excursions out to the other islands off the coast.

    Thirty-eight of us are in this group, and I’m the only solo traveler. As in previous trips, I didn’t let that fact deter me from befriending the group. Everyone’s been so kind to me, especially our tour guide Nikoleta.

    I released my first poetry book while this trip happened, “A Poetic Journey, Staying At Home” and to my wonder and amazement, everyone took a liking to me and to my poetry. In fact, there’s a bit of a surprise during the farewell dinner later this evening.

    I was worried that there would be a letdown after the epic trip to Greece the year before. But thankfully, that didn’t materialize. This was a fast-paced trip, and I enjoyed every minute once I touched down in Zagreb.

    I was able to forget the delayed flight to Munich from JFK and the fact that I missed my connection to Zagreb. When you have views of the Adriatic in front of you as I do, all the negativity gets pushed aside and the joy is what remains.

    It’ll be tough to say zbogom Hrvatska!
    But I leave Croatia in awe of this country and all of its beauty.

    I hope to be back again soon, as there’s so much more to explore.

    Oswald Perez

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    • Oswald, I so enjoyed reading your description of Croatia. I have never been but have always wanted to visit the country. It sounds like it is just as beautiful as I imagined! I am impressed with you for having the courage to travel alone and I love that you made friends with the group. Thank you for sharing this experience!

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