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Polly Walker Blakemore's avatar

The current circumstances remind me of experiencing the death of someone you love. You are sad. You grieve. You're overwhelmed. But life keeps going, and it is a good thing that it does because, as you've noted, it offers moments of joy and beauty, and those are a balm and balance for the pain.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Thanks for this perspective, Polly.❤️

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Karen Wesley's avatar

I will not be celebrating America tomorrow. I will be with my family, at home, saying thank you that we are safe and together in this moment.

I look forward to meeting you in Greece 🇬🇷 at Rosemary’s House this fall, if I am still standing.

Check out what I wrote today about all of the emotions this empath is feeling right now.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Greece in September! So important to have things to look forward to…

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Karen Wesley's avatar

I’m so honored to have the opportunity. Originally I was going to be mentored by you. Later they asked me to work with Megan. I will be happy just to be there meeting and working with all of the writers.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Can’t wait. I know it will be special. See you then!

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Joel Showalter (he/him)'s avatar

Man, I needed to be reminded of that Merwin poem. Thank you, Maggie.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

❤️

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Vince Puzick's avatar

I need to be reminded more and more these days that it is more often *both/and* rather than either/or*. Thank you for this reminder. I’ll be celebrating the promise of America tomorrow.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

The promise—yes. Thank you.

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Jillian Bybee, MD's avatar

Thank you for this and the reminder of ‘and.’

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Nadia's avatar

Thank you Maggie. I’m newly postpartum, barely able to hang on even without the terror outside of my home. Your words are always a comfort.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

It’s a tender time! Take good care (and big congratulations!) ❤️

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Kate Mapother's avatar

I miss and love you. Always both. 💙

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Miss and love you, too, friend!

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Erika Robinson's avatar

What a gorgeous post. 💐

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Thanks so much for reading.

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Elizabeth McKoy's avatar

Thank you for expressing what feels inexpressible right now in the world.

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Kate Parker's avatar

Love this. I’ve been reading Jane Kenyon’s Happiness a lot recently. And of course the Good Bones broadside hangs on the kitchen wall.

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Jane Kenyon! What a poet. ❤️

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Inez Ribustello's avatar

This was what I needed this morning as I woke up to feeling devoid of faith in humanity

The prayer circle yesterday undid me

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Maggie Smith's avatar

Yes. I feel disgusted and appalled…AND there is still so much to be hopeful about. I’m thankful for community right now.

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Rebecca Giantonio Moran's avatar

Beautifully said, Maggie! Last night, I listened carefully to the words of that Lee Greenwood song as fireworks exploded around me and found myself choking up at "...where at least I know I'm free...". Because right now, so many people here don't feel free. So many are being ripped from their families and homes — the only homes they've ever known. And it's heart-breaking. I whispered a prayer to God that it will all end soon, that in the near future everyone hearing this horrible song will be able to relate to the words. And I hugged my kids a little closer.

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