That was some wonderful writing, Jen. Quite touching.

Wow, Jen ... that might be the most beautiful and soulful thing I've read in forever.

Thank you SO much.

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad it came across well. I felt a little timid about it when I woke up this morning.

I'm so glad I still have this safe space to post when I don't want everyone I've ever known to see me at my most vulnerable. Love love love you guys.

Got no words, Jen, except - love.

Theo is a lucky kid to have you two as parents.

Jesus Christ, mom, grow a pair, would ya?

Just kidding. Nicely done.

We're always marveling at the stretches our children make as they grow while at the same time saying a sad good bye to the child that was. With our daughter now in junior high, we've hit one of the bigger good byes.

The second part reminded me of a death penalty sentencing presentation that I heard about some years ago. The defense attorney showed the jury an elementary school class picture that included the black defendant among a group of smiling, well-dressed black boys. He was then able to demonstrate that, however many years later, every single one of those boys was, or had been, in the system. Sad stuff.

My niece Emily arrived this evening. Both are fine, 8 lbs, 15 oz. We'll see them tomorrow. :D

Yeah for new life and advancing lives.

Congrats on being a new Auntie.

I thought it was beautiful