29 Comments
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Valerie Nettles's avatar

Beautifully and tenderly written. The love and the grief is palpable. I understand the holding back on sharing the loss but I think it will also be a comfort to others to know they are not alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s encouraging to open up and acknowledge the grief. It’s a start to the healing process.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Valerie. The healing journey is taking me in directions I never imagined. Meeting such kindness on Substack being one such direction!

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Jean Taylor's avatar

I am lost for words, this is an incredible piece of writing, brave, emotional, beautiful and inspiring. I am incredibly sorry for your loss, and also so inspired by your writing, thank you for sharing.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Jean, thank you so much for your words. I have veered away from sharing the 'ugly' truth of my life so your comments are the encouragement I need to keep going!

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Matthew Sutcliffe's avatar

Entrancing enchantment, Aoibhin. And heart-stirring depth. I'm reading this in the midst of writing my own prompt response, a mere shadow of your reach into grief here. Taking a moment to absorb before I finish mine off. Thank you for the accidental encouragement to do so.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Matthew. I think some days I stay above the surface and occasionally I dive to the deep parts. If you dip your toe, you might find the water is actually just what you need, and if it's not, leave it for another day!

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Rachel Goddard's avatar

So beautiful, you have poured your heart onto the page.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Rachel. I appreciate your words x

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Catherine Leach's avatar

I found this piece of writing on love, loss, gratitude and the need to feel each moment as it comes to fully appreciate it profoundly moving. Thank you for sharing.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Catherine.

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Alicia M. Rodriguez's avatar

Very moving. Poignant writing. My heart opens for your loss. ❤️‍🩹

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Alicia

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Gráinne Stark - The Sage Haven's avatar

Beautiful Aoibhín 💜

It's not until I'm away from Ireland that I remember how unique our grasslands are, and how beautiful. It sounds like you have the perfect spot to go to for the second prompt of the writing sanctuary 😊

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Gráinne. Yes, unfortunately I didn't get time today as we are now in Clifden!

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Gráinne Stark - The Sage Haven's avatar

My hometown, enjoy!

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Parisian Library of Delights's avatar

I have chills… it’s a purely emotional response for now - and this is what beautiful and sincere writing does- it touches us, deeply.

I love the rainbow, I think it’s a ball, in the picture - your little girl is there with you.

🌈

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Dacha for such a beautiful response. I hadn't thought of the ball in that way, in fact I had wondered if the photo would have been better without it, so thank you for helping me to see that the rainbow is there for a special reason!

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Victoria's avatar

Beautiful writing. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Victoria. It was the worst of times, yet brought some of the greatest gifts to our lives

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Josie Rashmi Smith's avatar

Beautiful, honest and deeply moving. I can see the copper beech, feel the grass in my hand, empathise with your love and your loss. A mother's heart is vast and deep. Thank you, Aoibhin.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Josie. I am grateful for your kindness

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Lynn Tammadge's avatar

I agree with Terje, this is absolutely bursting with love and life. Truly beautiful.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you for your kind words Agnes

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Terje Äkke's avatar

Gorgeous, deep, personal writing that squeezes the heart. The heart is an amazing vessel, holding memories, grief, life and love.

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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Terje. I agree, the learning to hold sorrow and joy has been a long road, and I'm still on it but it's amazing how love makes it bearable!

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Dana Tanaro Britt's avatar

Gorgeous, heartbreaking and heartwarming, Aoibhín xo

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Polina's avatar

This is so tender, intimate and beautiful! And what a gorgeous boy you have 🥰🧡🧡

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Claire Taylor's avatar

Beautiful Aoibhin! So sorry to hear about the loss of your baby girl. So lovely to read about time in nature with your little boy. X

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Aug 20
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Aoibhín's avatar

Thank you Anyakara and I am so sorry for you too. I think I have held back my story of loss for fear of making people uncomfortable. The responses to this small snippet are so encouraging. I now hope that by writing and sharing my experience with the world, it might find the people who need it.

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