26 Comments

Why, why do you always make me cry? Your description of the proposal, the thanksgiving dinner, the atmosphere and all family activities made me weep with joy, for you, Rick, and Amy and Amy's new family. Just wondering are they looking to adopt a 62-year-old, that is good in the kitchen and can sew?

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Jen, well, I think my job is done here, lol! Thank you for your sweet response. I'll check in with Roxana and Joe to see if they are in the market to adopt! 💟

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What an amazing experience that was formed by the engagement of Michael and Amy♥️

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That it was!! 💟

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on this one, you made me cry (tears of joy mostly)

1. first for Amy and Michael, Amy has profoundly touched both my boys, she's so kind and thoughtful (as you and Rick are) and how Michael, Amy and their entire 'engagement' process reflects their inner nature, and the outsized impact / benefits of the way it was handled on all those involved.

2. for you and Ricky, being deliberately invited 'in', inclusion into this new expansive family, and sharing in / savoring gazillions of precious seconds, minutes and hours, including anticipation, keeping the secret, 'the scream' and the mindfulness evolving as the dinner time ticked away, and the 'hallmark' walkabout.

3. lastly, a 'theoretical' contrast of using the 'inclusion' vs 'exclusion' models when a couple going through the 'engagement process' and what fruit does each approach bear forth.

How 'exclusion' selfishness, and pettiness accomplishes the opposite of 'inclusion' undermining the new couple, in the moment, and in the end, as they become beholden, inheriting unnecessary restrictive points of view and compromised future moments accordingly.

By become an unwilling captive in the 'exclusionary' process, either by naivete, misunderstanding or underestimating the costs of cutting themselves off from the wealth of uninhibited family bliss. In general, they can't ever express themselves without limits and as expansively as the 'inclusion' model enables. With regret, upsets, misunderstandings, et all, a natural outcome of this choice, The couple loses the chance to experience what is maximally possible,

The impact of 'inclusion' on unfathomable joy and experience, is much easier to mark on the ledger.

You and Rick know all to well of what I speak.

I'm so happy for Amy, Michael, Rick and you, that you 'were there' and 'will be there' forward going, (and you got your 'big family' after so long) and as I sit with my freshly made cappuccino, how lucky my family is to know yours and share this glimpse of life's amazing serendipity and perfection

Love to Amy, Michael, Rick, you and the new family and all those 'in'volved, CONGRATULATIONS

- the Westphal s

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Kurt, thank you so much for your thoughtful response sharing your wisdom. As always, I love hearing your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you soon. 💟

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Oh, and I also need to say how much I love that you shared crying tears of (mostly) joy. How far our generation has come, especially the menfolk, lol, when it comes to being vulnerable enough to cry. We grew up in a different time, and I love that we can now embrace our emotions. Thanks, Kurt.

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Love this! Thank you for sharing this beautiful time, sooo special! Congrats all around!

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Thanks, Mickey!!! 💟

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Oh, how wonderful. If it were me, I would be so happy that my child was in a large and loving group - the best soil for a long and happy life.

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I am happy, Sallie, more than words can convey. Missed you Saturday! 💟

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Tears in my eyes, Sue. What a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful occasion.

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Rebecca, thank you for your kind response! 💟

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Sue, you describe such a heart warming story. I think Hallmark might be interested. ❤️❤️

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Thanks, Laurin! I'll let you know if I hear from Hallmark! :) 💟

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Simply beautiful! What a wonderful holiday!

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Thank you, Holly! A thumbs up from you always means a lot to me! 💟

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Such a beautiful story. It touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for all of you. May God bless Michael and Amy and their love for each other.

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Thank you, my friend. I'm happy the story touched your heart! xoxoxo 💟

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as you often do, you had me wiping away tears as I read your post. Thank you for another great story...you do tell them well!! Love you and miss you!

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Thank you dear friend for the kind words. 💟

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You have a wonderful relationship with your daughter. She is beautiful. I love that you pitched in there with the cooking/baking. I love your hair-very cute! I would have major jet lag from such a long and unexpected trip. Rest up!

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Thanks, Vicki! A few more days of work and I will get a much needed rest!! Happy holidays to you! 💟

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Sounds Amazing Sue what a beautiful Thanksgiving, so much to be Thankful for !!!

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Yes, we are definitely feeling grateful! xoxo 💟

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Sue, I'll be standing by... LOL

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