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teeiyana submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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boetch submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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remcreatives submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoWisdom
RachelDear younger Rachel,
Waves come faster than you think
Trying to catch the sunsets before you blink
Days and years coming at you like the speed of life
Demons haunting you
But light shines in something everyday
Remember to hold the rope and climb
No matter how many steps it takes
Reach for the stars
Keep shining bright
Remember things will pass
Remember the root of the tree
The people that love you
The simplest things that make you proud
All will be well
You will meet incredible people
Touch so many hearts
Inspire the world
And most importantly be at peace
With yourself
You will find strength
And everyone will know your nameVoting is closed
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Life seems to move so much faster as we get older, and your poem does a great job of instructing us all to slow down and appreciate the smaller moments. We tend to not give ourselves enough credit for our smaller victories, and it is very wise of you to remind yourself and all of us to take the time to congratulate ourselves on the “simple…read more
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I love this, Rachel. I can feel the peace in your life through your writing. That is a true testament to your perseverance and strength. Thank you for sharing. <3 Lauren
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kwink submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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sbhines923 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoYoung Baby Girl
Sarel HinesDear Baby Girl,
A nick name I gave to you in your younger years, As I write to you across the chasm of time, my bridge of ink and memory too, As I whisper the truths of life you need to hear.
As you begin to feel the weight of the tomorrows, for I see you begin to fret about the future, don’t you? As worry gnaws at your tender heart, but let me assure you, dear one your guiding light will shine, and you will succeed.
Your unseen path is your life’s map that unfolds in so many mysterious ways, the paths you cannot fathom stretch ahead. Each twist, each turn as opportunities awaits, And worry? Don’t fret Baby Girl for it’s only a shadow on the road.
The Canvas of Dreams are your dreams to paint with bold but soft strokes, for they’ll shape your tomorrows. Fear not the blank canvas and paint what you see in your mind; Your colors will be made into a masterpiece.
The Symphony of Resilience is a life’s symphony that plays discordant notes but hear me closely the crescendo nears. Your heartstrings will weave resilience, And worry? It’s but a transient note.
The Constellations of Hope look up, little stargazer! You see the constellations of hope? Each starlight in the sky whispers to you, that “you are enough, just as you are.”
The wings sprout from your shoulder blades, Invisible yet sturdy. They’ll carry you Beyond the horizon of doubt, where worry shall dissolve into stardust.
The Echo of Love is like a river that flows through every season of your soul. So, drink deeply love, for its currents will save you when storms rage.
The Mirrors of Grace are when you gaze into mirrors, see the beauty and poise reflects at you. Your imperfections? They’re brushstrokes, and the portrait of your becoming.
The Whispers of Stars are your secrets that you leave throughout the night sky. Now you have learned to listen to your thoughts in peace and ahead whisper to you the encouragement of the bravery of your future self.
The Unfolding, for your young heart, fret not. The universe conspires in your favor and will embrace the unknown, for within it lies the magic of your becoming.
So, as I come to the end of this letter to me, my sweet innocent younger me, always stay true to you.Voting is closed
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That introduction is so prophetic and well written! “Chasm of time” is such a perfect way to describe that separation between the present and the past. So many sentences and phrases in this are pure poetry! There is an element of self-appreciation here: you assign parts of yourself to some of the most beautiful parts of nature, and it works so…read more
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Thank you so much I really appreciate the kind words
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“The universe conspires in your favor and will embrace the unknown, for within it lies the magic of your becoming.” I love this line. It is so true. <3 Lauren
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Thank you I appreciate this
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Thank you for the inspiration. This helps with completing my book with confidence.
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cristalreynoso1 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoWhat’s Wrong Little One?
Cristal ReynosoWhat’s wrong little one?
What’s that frown all about?
Don’t you know it’ll all be okay.
You shouldn’t worry about that troubles you may face. Instead focus on the adventures you will make!
Just like the birds above gliding through life.
It’s going to be alright.What’s up young man?
What’s that frown all about?
Don’t you know it’ll all be okay.
It’s was just another bad day, some times there’s struggles we face. But we mustn’t let the world take our fate!
Just like the lions know their place in life.
It’s going to be alright.It’s all alright.
It’s all alright.Voting is closed
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The line, “Just like the lions know their place in life,” is a great line because it exudes confidence. We can learn so much about the ourselves around us if we learn from nature and the world around us. I wonder what young man you’re writing about. The fact it seems you are addressing someone else is intriguing! Thank you for sharing.
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freebyrdy3487 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoLife is art in everyway
Courtney byrdLittle one don’t you worry
Time will scurry
And sometimes you’ll feel in such a hurry
Just try to listen to the songs of the canary
I know it feels heavy
But think of the strength you’ll gain
Shh Listen to the wind blow
Little one you should know
As you grow
Some people will go
But remember how you collect everything that shines and glows
You’ll do that with everyone you know
Gifting everyone you meet with a piece of you to collect
As we’re all just mosaics of everyone we’ve met
Honey don’t worry you’ll find the way just get up and seize the day
And remember life is art in every wayVoting is closed
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The idea that we’re “mosaics of everyone we’ve met” is so important and powerful. Our connections, however long or short, are vital to our identities. We don’t exist as complete individuals separate from those around us. Speaking of yourself as a gift is a strong indicator of your confidence and self-appreciation. Thank you for sharing!
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Lorinda Boyer shared a letter in the
Parenting group 1 years, 1 months agoSweatshirt Stain
Lorinda Boyer“Mom. Mom. MOM!” Dawson yelled.
Why did he insist on calling me from upstairs? Was I the only one with legs in this house? I started up the staircase, muttering as I climbed. I reached the top and found Dawson sitting on his bed meticulously inspecting a sweatshirt in his hands.
“What do you want?” He looked up, clearly as annoyed as I was though not for the same reason.
“Mom, why didn’t you try harder to get this stain out of my sweatshirt?” I strained to see what he was pointing to. He shoved the sweatshirt inches from nose and still the spot was barely visible.
“Did you try all of the stain removing products?” He demanded more than questioned. I resisted glancing at the clock on the wall which would inevitably announce how late this ridiculous conversation was making us. The cats circled his unmade bed, meowing for their breakfast. He’d put on a t-shirt but was still wearing pajama bottoms and hadn’t brushed his hair by the looks of it. All those unfinished tasks yet to be ticked off the morning list caused a nervous twitch at the corner of my eye. I called upon my inner yoga-mom, took a deep breath, exhaled.
“You did not tell me it had a stain when you threw it in the wash, so I washed it. That set the stain making it nearly impossible to remove. When I finally noticed the stain, I treated it several times and re-washed it, still to no avail.”
His eyes widened; he dropped his sweatshirt on the bed. “So, you’re just going to give up?” His voice cracked.
I scanned his face certain he must be pulling a fast one on me. His tight expression revealed otherwise. But instead of conjuring feelings of motherly compassion, I lost my temper altogether.
“Dawson, half my life is likely over. I am not going to spend what precious moments I have remaining scrubbing a stain out of a six-dollar sweatshirt. You’re young. If you want to scrub that stain, have at it. Knock yourself out. But I’m done. Now get ready.”
The drive to school was mostly silent and I had a chance to calm down and see the incident for what it really was, a vehicle to channel emotions he was feeling but hadn’t the words to express. We were both having a hard time accepting this next step, but we’d agreed on it. This was the last day Dawson would attend high school. At least for the year, I was officially withdrawing him.
I pulled into my usual designated handicapped parking spot and unlocked the doors. Dawson cast an accusatory look at me because of course I was breaking the law. But for like three minutes, I reasoned. He snatched his pencil, an eraser, and a protein bar, from the stash in the glove compartment, grabbed the car door handle.
“Hey, babe,” I reached across the seat, laid my hand on his shoulder, “The stain will fade over time. All stains do.” He smiled back at me.
“Love you, too Mom.”
I drove to the district office as if to a graveside, with a heavy heart. I walked slowly up the steps and straight to the receptionist’s desk.
“Hi, I’m here to withdraw my son from school.”
She looked at me with a confused expression. “So, you want to take him out of school?”
I nodded.
“Do you want to homeschool him?” she asked.
“Oh god, no.” She raised her eyebrows, and I was immediately embarrassed by my response. I explained I wanted to fill out paperwork to withdraw him from school, take him out, nothing else. She picked up the phone to call someone upstairs with more authority. It only took a few moments for the woman from upstairs to make it downstairs. She listened to my story, nodded.
“Yes, I’ll get the paperwork for you.”
It was involuntary, the tear that rolled down my nose and landed right where I needed to sign my name.
The woman with more authority leaned into me, patted my shoulder. “He can always come back,” she assured.
I thanked her for her kindness. I wondered if she could feel my failure. I wondered if she knew this was my second son to drop out, that I couldn’t inspire even one of my children to finish school. I thanked both women and made my way back to the car.
Inside the silent vehicle, I leaned onto the steering wheel. Rested my head for a moment. I closed my eyes and just breathed. Dawson never did have a decent day in school, especially once his father left. Every day had been a constant struggle with his tears, anxiety, and the effects of his obsessive-compulsive disorder. For my part, I’d simply tried everything I could. I threatened, bargained, bribed, begged and finally yesterday, I agreed to let him drop out. It was going to happen in less than six months when he turned eighteen anyway. Why prolong the inevitable.
Was I giving up? Maybe. For sure I was being forced to give up on my dreams and expectations for what I believed his life should be. And I’d have to learn to live with the stain it would leave on my mom-heart. But I reminded myself that it would fade over time. All stains do.-
Aww Lorinda, sending you a big hug. Please remember that life is not a race and your son’s path may just be different. You never know what the future will hold and how things will unfold. Just keep giving him your love and I truly believe all will be fine. Sending hugs. <3 Lauren
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Thank you, Lauren! I appreciate you and this space so much.
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michaelmontel submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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2403amanda submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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poemommi12 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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erica_frey submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoA Message to a Little Worry Wart from Your Future Self
Erica FreyDear Little Me,
There has always been so much going on in that little mind of yours. It never seems to be quiet. I know you spend your time daydreaming, telling stories in your head. It brings you comfort to dream about your life. I also know you spend entirely too much time worrying.
All the time that you spend in fear of what could happen, is useless. To tell you the truth, all your deepest fears will come true. Scary things are going to happen to you, and you will still see the sun the next morning. You will still feel gentle and kind toward the world. You will learn both how brutal and beautiful life can be.
Terrible things will happen that you haven’t even considered. There will be heartbreak, grief, and failure in your future, I promise you. But this is not anything to fear or dread. Life is going to knock you to your knees time and time again, and what you have not considered, is that you will get back up time and time again.
You have not considered that maybe you are capable of handling whatever life has to bring you. You will realize your strength and your inner wisdom, and you will hold those virtues near and dear. You will persevere through every hardship, and you will learn gratitude for life and shed what is not meant for you.
Worrying right now will not prevent what is to come nor will it solve the future’s problems. That is much easier said than done, I know. If hearing that statement was enough for you to stop worrying about anything and everything, you would have stopped by now.
Right now, you are so worried about your grades, your parents, your social life, if you are likable, your appearance, not being good enough, not doing good enough, and if you will ever discover your life’s purpose. Such harsh pressures to put on yourself as a young girl.
It will take time for you to realize that the only person there is to impress, compete with, and value the opinion of is yourself. Right now, you do not know the value of letting go. You dig your claws into everything and everyone you love, and you are terrified of losing or being left. In time, you will get rid of this desperation. You will see how freeing it can be to let go of the need to control everything that happens in your life.
I know that you have always been a worrier. A mental planner for when that other shoe drops. But what if I gave you permission to let go of your worries and your need to control everything around you? Does it seem impossible to do? Is it justifiable enough coming from me?
Well firstly, turn on your stereo and dance in your bedroom. Bounce on your bed and put on your jewelry. Indulge in what your strange and beautiful little self wants most. Honor her everyday for me. Swing on swing sets at the playground, hug your mom, ride your bike until the sun goes down, write stories, eat grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, swim in the lake until your fingers turn to prunes, talk to the trees, play your music loud and embrace the not knowing what is to come next.
You will get to this place soon enough. You will find your harmony with the world amidst all the terrible things that are going to happen. They will come, and they will go, and you will still see the sun and hear the birds sing in the morning.
I can’t wait for you to see.
Your Future Self
Voting is closed
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Your writing made me realize that our younger selves are responsible for the person we are today, and we should be thankful to our younger selves. Your grace toward the world despite all the challenges it brings you is extremely inspiring. I believe the more we love ourselves, the more we love the rest of the world, and your story is a perfect…read more
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my letter and for your lovely comment. It truly made my day and I very much appreciate it.
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Erica, this was a letter I so desperately needed to read (as someone who worries a lot). This paragraph hit me hard:
“You have not considered that maybe you are capable of handling whatever life has to bring you. You will realize your strength and your inner wisdom, and you will hold those virtues near and dear. You will persevere through every…read more
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ninzero517 submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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gabbyfaith submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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aparons0826gmail-com submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoHope
AmyThis poem is inspired by God and the Solar Eclipse of April 2024
In the beginning you are a glowing circle surrounded by God’s light.
There will be times in life this circle starts to fill with dark spaces.
You begin to feel like there is no way out of this valley you are stuck in. Finding a way to the top of the mountain seems virtually impossible. Now the feelings of complete hopelessness and despair have set in.
The spark you once had has now faded into complete cold and darkness.You are now at rock bottom.
Once at rock bottom your circle is now completely dark even though now you are still surrounded by God’s light.
With the passing of time the darkness only seems to worsen. All hope is now completely diminished.
Then without notice one day this tiny glimmer of hope shines through.
Just enough hope that sparks feelings of happiness, strength, and even determination.
Each passing day you continue to feel like smiling again. The light continues to take away the darkness.
Once again you find you are a glowing circle surrounded by the light of God.
Voting is closed
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mellowyellow submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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pamdubois submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoWHAT IF???
Pam DuBoisIT’S A WONDERFUL RIDE
What if you fall on the sidewalk and your knee’s really bleeding
What if you can’t find a grown up to help with what you are needing
What if mommy forgets you in the classroom one day
What if you can’t hit the ball and kids won’t let you play
What if you fail the math test that you studied for last night
What if that loud mouthed bully is just itching to fight
What if the guy you love this week doesn’t like you at all
What if you think that you’re ugly- Too fat, short, thin or tall
What if someone says “Smoke this- And you’ll be super cool”
What if you can’t tell the truth when they call your parents to school
What if you have to drink beer to fit in with your friends
What if you have to have sex- Or the relationship ends
You’re scared and you’re sad- Sometimes stressed and depressed
And wonder if this world without you might just be for the best
Yet before you do anything drastic or strange
Or make an impulsive decision which you never can change
These feelings are valid and I don’t mean to diminish
But I’ve seen this whole movie from the start to the finish
And here’s a spoiler alert which you just shouldn’t ignore
What’s coming is magnificent and magic and more
And these day to day issues that now seem so traumatic
You’ll see were just trivial and for the most part- dramatic
Please believe this old lady and take the small stuff in stride
Because what if someday you realize- Your life’s been one amazing rideVoting is closed
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Awww, this is so sweet! I can REALLY relate to wondering if the world was better off without me, only to realize later that I just needed to hold on. Life feels really dramatic while we’re living it, but you’re right; looking back, it has been one amazing ride 🙂 I’m glad you’re here with us and that I had the pleasure of reading your art <3
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vermontpoetess submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoDear Necia
Necia CampbellEach accidental splotch of paint
creates a living masterpiece
discreetly layered in pain and joy–
choice contrasts for arousing art.The darker strokes of greens and blues
stress hues of gold and bubblegum;
they sculpt perspective, hone your mind,
and prime you for the perfect life.Deprive the whole of any piece,
you’ll cease to recognize its form–
unborn I’d be in every way,
betrayed by needless worryingso fling your colors, live it up
rub bristles through the newest parts,
regard today with certainty–
you’re free to paint this masterpiece.Voting is closed
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Wow, I love the line, “Deprive the whole of any piece, you’ll cease to recognize its form.” You’re absolutely right! All of our pieces make us who we are, and we can’t pick and choose! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
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Thank you for reading! ❤️ I can’t feel regret for anything that’s happened in my life because all of it was necessary to get me to this exact moment.
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jessekeener submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoLET THEM CATCH YOU
Jesse Rae KeenerYou will get off the school bus
After an hour-long ride
You will feel like an alien
Accidentally dropped earth sideAbandoned houses will surround you
The windows, covered with bars
All of the yards will be overgrown
And riddled with broken down carsYour eyes will dart
From one side to the other
Making sure the coast is clear
Before you run home to motherYou will run and run harder
Through one last alley
Your home is the tower motel
It will feel like an uncanny valleyYou won’t care about the crack pipes
Or the eviction notice taped to the door
Your only worry in the world?
Will be someone seeing you for what you think you areA walking embarrassment
With tarnished old shoes
Living in a motel
Clinging to her smoky ruseYou will live this double life
As the gifted girl without a home
But please know, you will get out of here soon
You do not have to endure this all aloneWhat if someone see’s you?
What will you do if you get caught?
You will be wrapped up in one worry
But there is one thing you forgotIf you run so well
You will never get to see
What happens if they catch you
Is almost always nothing, fortunatelyAll that running in order to survive
It will teach you to be fast and to be sly
It will train you but maim you
It will teach you too well how to say goodbyeYou are almost 30 now
Two decades since those days
You have nothing more to hide
The only thing left to rid is the shameMy dear, don’t worry if they catch you
Don’t let this be your only thought
Let your tired legs give out
You will know peace when you are caughtFor when you are caught
Your legs get to rest and heal
Trust that they will see you
For what’s right, what’s good and what’s realA resilient daughter
A fearless friend
Living in a house built from truth
With walls that no longer pretendVoting is closed
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Wow, I love the imagery you use when you write! I felt it in my chest when you said, “Let your tired legs give out. You will only know peace when you are caught.” You’re so right! We fight so hard when sometimes it’s easier to just let go and accept. Thank you for sharing!
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Omg, this is so good. I am sorry for all you went through. You are so resilient and I am so glad you found the peace you so deserve. This piece is amazing. <3 Lauren
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I love this poem; the words used took me on a journey.
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I felt the same exact way!
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The shift from the catch being something that you fear to something that you allow was so beautifully done. Vulnerability can be so scary, especially when we convince ourselves that we have to put on our tough face to be seen by the world. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into what you have endured, you are remarkable!
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astridahara submitted a contest entry to
Write a letter or poem to your younger self about why he or she shouldn’t worry about the future 1 years, 1 months agoThis post is viewable by the Unsealed community only.
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