26 Comments
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Lynn Ellison's avatar

Your writing always paints such vivid images in my head. You have such a creative gift. It is true that pain often brings new gifts and healing. Thank you for always writing from your heart and the honesty you bring to each story.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you, dear friend, for these kind words. They mean the world to me. And gee, you are up early, lol! I'm on the east coast, otherwise I'd be snoozing right about now.

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Lynn Ellison's avatar

I am always up around 4:30 am. I used to have to get up at this time when I was working. I can’t seem to break the habit plus I love the quiet morning. Enjoy your time with Amy.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Yes, early morning is a beautiful time. I am definitely enjoying my time with Amy! Beautiful here this time of year. Enjoy your day.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

"I’ve always maintained that life balances over time. By that, I mean we all have our hardships, tragedies, and secrets. But I've come to realize that these experiences, as painful as they may be, are life's greatest teachers. If we remain positive and open, at some point, we will reap the reward, learn the lesson, and understand that without the contrast, we might never appreciate the immense blessings we will undoubtedly also receive along the way."

Thanks for this reminder and for the encouraging words, Sue.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

You are so welcome, my friend.

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Thanks for sharing your life with your mother. I have similar wounds, and the new generation is a balm to those old memories.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Yes, they most definitely are a balm. Thanks, Ilona, for reading and sharing.

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David W. Zoll's avatar

Thank you for sharing this story, and congratulations.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you, David, for reading and commenting!

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Marianne Fons's avatar

Your writing is a welcome morning companion, Sue. The piece you wrote about your children's wedding was a joy to read.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

What a lovely thing to say, Marianne. Thank you so much.

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Marti's avatar

Sue, thanks for sharing your story. I can relate as I did not invite my mom to our wedding 44 years ago. As a nurse, she became addicted to prescription drugs. In those days we did not know a lot about mental illness, let alone talk about it. I was at peace then about my decision not to invite her and I still am. Of course I wish things could’ve been different, but they weren’t, so I did what was best for me. I’ve spent a lot of time in therapy working thru my “mom issues”, and now I can say I’m grateful because that work made me the person I am today and I love that person!🥰

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

So happy to hear you were able to work through your mom issues as well. When we can pull up something lovely from all the turmoil it makes it worth while for sure. Thanks for sharing your story, Marti. Always a pleasure to hear from you!

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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

May our parents’ angst

turn into awareness in us.

And in our children.

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Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

Look how young you were! We're often so tender when we get wounded. Glad you've been able to grow into all the skins that brought you the life you have today.

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Susan Harley's avatar

Gorgeous picture of you Sue and a heartfelt post. In my meditation today, ancestral healing came up. It must be in the zeitgeist , as we heal ourselves along with past and future generations. Enjoy all your celebrations and joys 💗

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you so much, Susan. 💕

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Gail Sawyer's avatar

I can identify with your post. I was not sober at my daughter’s high school graduation and as a result forgot to take some pictures of her. I don’t even remember if she was wearing the cap and gown!

A few months later I went into a rehab and never looked back. Then a few years later she asked if I’d walk her down the aisle at her wedding. Alcoholism affects not just the drunk, but it’s like a baby’s mobile hanging over a crib, when one part is touched, the whole mobile is affected. I have lost quite a few family members to this disease. Fortunately, in a couple months I’ll be celebrating 30 years of sobriety and am still here to now be a power of example for my boys through their recovery.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Gail, that is such a huge accomplishment that you were able to overcome and move beyond. You as well as your children are blessed every day because of your determination and strength.

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Gail Sawyer's avatar

Thank you Sue, I was around my boy’s ages when I got sober—42, so I figure if they get off the addictions they too can have a good 20 to 30 more years.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

I'll be praying for them, my friend.

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Gail Sawyer's avatar

Thank you!

😊

🙏🏻

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Patricia Meier's avatar

Congratulations are due all around. First to Amy and Michael for finding their “other”.

Second congratulations to you for gaining a wonderful son-in-law

The grandest applause Sue, to you personally; the healing journey you traversed, letting go of what you experienced, and the choice you made to bring only love into the present moment.

A vision of joy and love you are. I am certain your angels are celebrating and your ancestors are relieved of burdens as you choose love with every breath you take.

I am blessed to know you and be a witness through your writing.

PS Thank you for the shout out. 🙏💕

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you, Patricia, for your continued support here on Substack. It was such fun remembering that special day and I'm excited to share our current blessings next week and the weeks afterward. I appreciate you and your spirit!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

Thank you, Rita. I am grateful as well!

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