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Brett Guidry's avatar

First, I must say that I am glad that no harm came to you Joan. Secondly, you are incredibly gifted as a writer. I don’t read Substack as often as I once did, but your stories never disappoint your readers. Thank you for sharing this story and continued success with your future work.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

Dear Brett, thank you for such kind words, the highest compliment of all about my writing! Appreciate you so much… I don’t see you in my feed very often, 😕must seek you out, lots to catch up on! Appreciate you so much, sweet man! ☺️🤗

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Brett Guidry's avatar

I hadn’t been around much recently, because my wife was battling Anaplastic Thyroid cancer. She passed away in late April and I have been working through the grieving process. While I am continuing to grieve, I am slowly returning to a few things that bring me joy. Your writing is one of those things.

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Joan Stommen's avatar

Oh Brett…this makes me so sad, sorry for you, dear man. I’m gushing away because you’re new paying subscriber; lamenting I haven’t seen you much and now seeing this, I’m in tears. It’s only been a few weeks and here you are…bravely carrying on. She’d be proud of you… don’t know how long you were married but I’d say she equipped you well; knowing grief can sit alongside joy sometimes. I am not always entertaining, as you have seen, grief still creeps in after twelve years. I find reading and writing to be healing. When you are ready, please share with us about your wife…who she was. Write about her even while it hurts, always say her name. Blessings, sweet man… sending comfort and peace this brand new month. Hugs 💜🤗🙏

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California Travel Writer's avatar

As always Joan, and fun and interesting read!

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Joanie Madsen's avatar

Such a fabulous read AS ALWAYS! How I know your students loved YOU and teachers/families too when you were a principal. Once an educator always one, and I'm always learning something brand new when I read you. Hats off dear Joanie! Xo💜

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Mary Roblyn's avatar

Yikes, Joan! Groundhogs. Who knew they could do that much damage. Glad you’re safe!🤣 Sending love.💕

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Beth L. Gainer's avatar

Wow. Amazing that so much damage was done. Groundhogs are certainly big enough to cause such damage. By the way, I love your humor throughout the piece. Totally well-written piece.

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Denyse Whelan's avatar

What a story !! We don't have those creatures or critters here but we do have possums!

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Bob Hoebeke's avatar

Good thing you haven't lost your sense of humor - you're hilarious!

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