Thank you, Rebecca, what a beautiful message. Your relationship with your sister sounds so precious and rare - what a huge blessing for both of you, and no doubt it has been inspiring to others who have witnessed it.

You are so kind to feel the way you do about my childhood. It is really okay with me. In fact, I'm working on a piece about that now, was hoping to have finished it today but wasn't feeling well so I've been laying low. it's been a long time since I thought about those days with any sort of difficult emotions.

My parents were broken in their own ways and they weren't of an era that went looking for counselling. I understand they did their best, I see them for the teachers they were. They provided me with numerous situations that were opportunities to learn. I was a bit slow with some of those lessons but better late than never, right?!

I appreciate them for all the good they did because there was some of that, along with the very-not-good. I found my way to loving them before they returned to spirit - although my mother did reach out from the grave for one especially nasty final punch - but eventually, I worked my way through that one, too.

It took several years before I could say I missed her. And every now and then, I wish I could go to their home and see them (it was 1.5 miles from where I live now). My dad and I were especially close when I was very little, and then later when I was an adult. I'd sure love to see him now. He's been gone 20 years (next month).

Thank heaven for true and deep healing, right? It doesn't mean I don't have scars or old thoughts that bubble up and I play a bit of whack-a-mole now and then, but it's not a big deal.

Shipping big hugs your way, with gratitude 💜🌻🌞💎💐💜