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A beautiful meditation on what is most true about our lives--below all the daily coming and goings that we think are our life. So important to reflect on the unity of being and its fragility. A teacher of mine said that in aging you'll lose everythi..ng you can lose and that will be your best friend and your worst enemy.

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I love your phrase "the unity of being." The work seems to be taking this in on a deep level so it's not just something we pretend to believe in.

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A few memories come to mind. Bringing my precious Old Maine Trotters( loafers) to the Cobblers to have them resold. I wanted these denim colored leather shoes to last forever! Going down to Bonnats Bakery in Harwichport at four in the morning to watch them make the “Melt-a-ways. A delicious Danish like pastry. And then eat some, of course! Working at Le Glacier, a French Bistro in South Miami. Jean Claude, who grew up in Alsace Lorraine made the most delicious home made ice creams! Flavors like Chocolate Orange, Banana Oreo and Pina Colada.Also the very best French Onion Soup ever! Also grilled Camembert Sandwiches and Cuban Sandwiches. And, going into Boston to Capezios to have our toe shoes fitted by whom? An elderly Italian man. Were toe shoes his specialty? All of these wonderful people took great pride in their work!

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Tara....This is such a rich response. There used to be a tailor in Pittsfield named Vince who was the last of that breed. I always kept a special place in my heart for those artisans who made everything fit right and taste so good. Now even when people take up these crafts it feels forced to me.

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And don't forget that your blog connects us both electronically AND heart to heart.

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That's a kind reminder. I need to keep that in mind.

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This beautiful essay reads like a song, dear Susie. A song that has the beauty and sorrow of reality as the melody. Thank you for this gentle reflection.

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I'm thinking we don't validate the beauty of sorrow as much as we could. Thanks, Jinks.

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Feeling particularly mortal since losing my brother. Thank you for this.

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If you'd like to say something about him, I'd love to listen. Blessings to you and your family.

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A moving and poetic meditation on the nature of being.

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Coming and going brother.

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Wow! As always I am speechless…..well not always my husband would say😊

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Patty....I'm always happy to hear whatever you have to say. Thanks for being a reader of seventysomething.

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