Grace, thank you for sharing your story. Your journey through heartbreak and rediscovering yourself is inspiring. The moment with your dad’s hug is such a beautiful reminder of how love and connection can bring us back to life.
Thanks for this kind comment! I do believe in the power of us all being able to break through hard times to truly enjoy blessed times ahead... I have done it so much in the past decade that is has become easier (as anything we practice, I guess)... oh, and yes, love really does bring us back to life!!!
Thank you for sharing this - it is so comforting to know that we are not alone and reaching out for help is so important. Hugs are tactile reminders of the love people have for one another...
Thanks for sharing, Sheila. Sharing my story so others do not feel alone in it all is the gift God blessed me with! And yes, hugs really are magical...
I'm so glad you love these, Stephanie, because I'm going to offer two guest posts per month in 2026! Storytelling is a powerful conduit for empathy to grow.
Grace you share vulnerability and the spiral of thoughts which quiet how powerful of a person you are. What a hopeful outcome others can learn from. - the power of a hug to waken the quiet.
I feel the beauty and power of love in your story of your life experience, Grace. Thankyou for being brave enough to share with us.
I am frequently reminded of the power of a hug, of physical connection, in helping to soothe and calm our whole being. It is something we surely need much more of today, in our troubled world at large, and definitely within the confines of close relationships. It is immeasurably valuable.💞💓
What courage you’ve shown to break through! I’m reminded of the power of hugs each time my grandson , who is on the spectrum, hugs me tightly and asks how I’m doing coping with the loss of my wife from Alzheimer’s ten months ago, after 52 years of marriage. You don’t know me but I’m so proud of you. Keep fighting for love. ❤️💔
That is beautiful, of your son, Tom. I can guess a little of the comfort this must give, as my grandkids who are on the spectrum sometimes give me a hug when they want to and it's a great comfort.
Thank you, Grace for sharing so honestly. I was in that dark place 25 years ago and I know how I felt. As a result of a series of circumstances and events I met an older couple who became family to me and that love that asks nothing in return opened a window to the sunlight of the spirit. I think for some of us that’s how it works, and I’m so glad to hear that your life is going well now. Peace and love to you.
Grace, thank you for sharing your story. Your journey through heartbreak and rediscovering yourself is inspiring. The moment with your dad’s hug is such a beautiful reminder of how love and connection can bring us back to life.
Thanks for this kind comment! I do believe in the power of us all being able to break through hard times to truly enjoy blessed times ahead... I have done it so much in the past decade that is has become easier (as anything we practice, I guess)... oh, and yes, love really does bring us back to life!!!
I’m so happy to see how your piece is resonating widely, Grace! Thanks for contributing this month.
Me too, dear Jeannie… thanks so much for letting me write this piece. It was moving for me to do.
That’s wonderful, Grace. I love hearing about writers who feel empowered in sharing their stories, especially when I can help amplify them.
Bless you. So grateful for you opening up your space to us to share and care!
The honor is mine, Grace!
Thank you for sharing this - it is so comforting to know that we are not alone and reaching out for help is so important. Hugs are tactile reminders of the love people have for one another...
Thanks for sharing, Sheila. Sharing my story so others do not feel alone in it all is the gift God blessed me with! And yes, hugs really are magical...
I'm so glad you're here, Sheila, and that this piece by Grace spoke to you today.
I adore your collaborations. This was powerful!
I am glad you resonated, Stephanie! What made it powerful for you?
Reminding readers that sometimes suffering can be transformative (aka not the end of the story). We forget!
That’s so true, Stephanie. Love that.
I'm so glad you love these, Stephanie, because I'm going to offer two guest posts per month in 2026! Storytelling is a powerful conduit for empathy to grow.
Beautifully put and how exciting!!
Such a touching story. Thank you for sharing it here so vulnerably.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment, Imola!
Grace you share vulnerability and the spiral of thoughts which quiet how powerful of a person you are. What a hopeful outcome others can learn from. - the power of a hug to waken the quiet.
Stacy, thanks for reading and noticing my power through my words… every time, I am humbled at how words can shine my light within. Sending you hugs
Thanks for stopping by to comment here for Grace, Stacy!
I feel the beauty and power of love in your story of your life experience, Grace. Thankyou for being brave enough to share with us.
I am frequently reminded of the power of a hug, of physical connection, in helping to soothe and calm our whole being. It is something we surely need much more of today, in our troubled world at large, and definitely within the confines of close relationships. It is immeasurably valuable.💞💓
What courage you’ve shown to break through! I’m reminded of the power of hugs each time my grandson , who is on the spectrum, hugs me tightly and asks how I’m doing coping with the loss of my wife from Alzheimer’s ten months ago, after 52 years of marriage. You don’t know me but I’m so proud of you. Keep fighting for love. ❤️💔
That’s really beautiful, Tom. Thanks for sharing that here.
That is beautiful, of your son, Tom. I can guess a little of the comfort this must give, as my grandkids who are on the spectrum sometimes give me a hug when they want to and it's a great comfort.
How wonderful that you and Tom connected on this level, Eileen! That makes me happy.
Thank you, Grace for sharing so honestly. I was in that dark place 25 years ago and I know how I felt. As a result of a series of circumstances and events I met an older couple who became family to me and that love that asks nothing in return opened a window to the sunlight of the spirit. I think for some of us that’s how it works, and I’m so glad to hear that your life is going well now. Peace and love to you.