All I can say is "Wow!" What a loving and courageous life you have lived. And what lucky children you have to be learning love and life from you...and to just be in your presence. Thank you for sharing. Blue
Dear Karen, Karen means caring and this is what your comment does. It makes me feel cared for and that is precious. I have to say that it is my children that are teaching me to love well and live a full life. They don’t give me any other option. And that I am both challenged to grow and deeply blessed.
Thank you for joining me. I appreciate your voice very much.
So so beautiful! I am amazed by Libby, her laughter, her insistence on joy & belonging, your fierce and devoted mothering. Silly things that make me laugh light me up, too. Hugs to Libby from her friend in Barcelona! And this, oh how I felt for your connection, hard won: ‘That night, we slept for four hours together in the recliner rocking chair. It was the first of uninterrupted sleep since we came home, the first glow of Libby’s angelic smile, and the first felt sense of unified joy to be alive for this one precious life.’
Dear Amy, Thank you so much for this beautiful note. Your words bring tears to my eyes. Libby’s joy truly is a force—and yes, her insistence on belonging teaches me every day. That moment in the rocking chair was hard-won and holy, and I hold it close. Your presence here—and the image of Libby’s friend smiling at her from Barcelona—means more than you know. Sending big hugs back across the ocean. 💜
This piece touches on sadness but so much joy at the same time. I like to think that my 5yo daughter would approach your daughter with curiosity and see her humanity as well. She has a friend with cerebral palsy and she just invites her to everything she does, even scootering! She's like, what limitations? Oh her wheelchair? That's just for me to climb on and hang out with her! LOL
Awww, Wendy, we need more people like your 5 yo who does not see limitation as separation but as an invitation to create more fun. I will read this to Libby. Thank you so very much. Hugs to you and your girl.
Oh my goodness, your description of Libby's laughter strikes such a chord. My son Felix's laughter has steered me and revived me and reoriented me ever since he was born 22 years ago--and has influenced so many others besides. Imagine the power generated if Felix's and LIbby's laughter were combined? If the laughter of all non speaking people were combined? I imagine an earthquake of the very best sort.
Eliza, thank you so much for this comment. Felix is 22. Libby and Abby are 28. I want to know more, and YES to combine the laughter of all non-speaking people, an avalanche of laughter would result, just what the world needs now. Do you have a recording of his laughter? Thank you!
I just realized, thanks to your question, that I am sadly lacking in recordings of Felix’s laughter—although I did find a wonderful clip from years ago. I’ll figure out some way to send it to you. Maybe we can collect a vault of such recordings & the perfect sound editor will come along & then… laughter revolution…
Oh yessss!! I saw and loved this post!!! I thought I posted a comment... I love this: "Libby bursts into outrageous giggle fits… and she doesn’t stop until the world around her is laughing with her."
SHE DOESN'T STOP UNTIL THE WORLD AROUND HER IS LAUGHING WITH HER. Libby is my inspiration... especially as I go walk in protest today and bring my joy- and concern- to the seriousness of our present political world. Thank you Libby! xox
Clearly, the superpower of Joy is a heritable trait. Thank you, Dear Sister, for sharing both your wonderful and not so wonderful family moments with a simultaneously straight and compassionate gaze. Your courage and grace are fierce and inspiring, indeed, and your family living proof that humans are magical creatures, especially when thoroughly nourished on LOVE.
Thank you for acknowledging the mama love and the Libby Joy and the unstoppable Abby of course. I have yet to do a character portrait of autumn. I’m not sure if she’d be too happy about that.
Thank you for reading and sharing. See what already belongs to you.
What a poignant, vulnerable piece about your precious Libby! My eyes teared up several times, and I loved the part when Rosy showed up. What a great friend. Libby's laughter is a gift. So many of us don't laugh nearly enough. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world.
Dear Beth, thank you so much for this. I am going to read it to Libby. Yes we all need more Laughter and A Rosy to hold our hand and be your friend without judgment.
Thank you for sharing. You feel like a Rosy to me.
My husband and I tried for children for many many years without success, your piece deeply touched by heart and I want to say what a remarkable family you are. Thank you for sharing, much love to you and Libby ❤️
I’m sorry you and your husband were not able to have children of your own. After an intense childhood I never thought I would. Life is so unpredictable. I hope you have found more ways to love and be loved. I feel your heart. Thx for reading
I appreciate you. I have a sister named Tracy, spelled differently. 🌹
Sure you don't always get what you want but more perhaps what you need. It was a painful time trying but our life has unfolded in many other beautiful ways of which I am grateful. I have the most loving husband and I am a mother in other ways, sometimes to my students, and certainly to our dogs. Nice to hear your sister is also a Tracy. I appreciate you also Prajna, thank you ❤️
Hi Tracey. Thank you for acknowledging all the ways we birth, mother and tend. You have lucky dogs and students. I love dogs. Aww and The Rolling Stones …
How wonderful to hear and see more of your beautiful Libby Prajna. And that she called you 'mother' - was that for the first time? If so it must have felt like music to your ears! Thanks for sharing more of just how tough the journey has been too , as well as some of the joys including Libby's laughter. Please tell Libby that I look forward to hearing her laughter in person some day soon and that I wish for her more friends like Rosie. Much love to you both xx
Libby is an angel of pure joy, it seems. If we all laughed with such abandon, the world would clearly be a better place. She is an inspiration, as are you dear Prajna.
Thank you so much for reading Stephanie. I will read your comment to Libby. Laughter with abandon. The world needs to know this joy in the impossible mess, we are in. Sending a big hug of appreciation.
All I can say is "Wow!" What a loving and courageous life you have lived. And what lucky children you have to be learning love and life from you...and to just be in your presence. Thank you for sharing. Blue
Dear Karen, Karen means caring and this is what your comment does. It makes me feel cared for and that is precious. I have to say that it is my children that are teaching me to love well and live a full life. They don’t give me any other option. And that I am both challenged to grow and deeply blessed.
Thank you for joining me. I appreciate your voice very much.
So so beautiful! I am amazed by Libby, her laughter, her insistence on joy & belonging, your fierce and devoted mothering. Silly things that make me laugh light me up, too. Hugs to Libby from her friend in Barcelona! And this, oh how I felt for your connection, hard won: ‘That night, we slept for four hours together in the recliner rocking chair. It was the first of uninterrupted sleep since we came home, the first glow of Libby’s angelic smile, and the first felt sense of unified joy to be alive for this one precious life.’
Dear Amy, Thank you so much for this beautiful note. Your words bring tears to my eyes. Libby’s joy truly is a force—and yes, her insistence on belonging teaches me every day. That moment in the rocking chair was hard-won and holy, and I hold it close. Your presence here—and the image of Libby’s friend smiling at her from Barcelona—means more than you know. Sending big hugs back across the ocean. 💜
This piece touches on sadness but so much joy at the same time. I like to think that my 5yo daughter would approach your daughter with curiosity and see her humanity as well. She has a friend with cerebral palsy and she just invites her to everything she does, even scootering! She's like, what limitations? Oh her wheelchair? That's just for me to climb on and hang out with her! LOL
Awww, Wendy, we need more people like your 5 yo who does not see limitation as separation but as an invitation to create more fun. I will read this to Libby. Thank you so very much. Hugs to you and your girl.
What a gift, Libby and laughter 😊. Much love 🥰
Thank you so much Simone. I’ll share your kindness with Libby.
Please do, what light she brings … what love. I read with my hand resting over my heart. Thank you for sharing ❤️
So sweet.
Tender reading, feeling more landed in my heart. Thank you Libby & Prajna. Love and respect to you both ❤️
Hi Vicki, thank you so much for reading and your kind words. Great to have you here in your heart. 💙🌹💙
Oh my goodness, your description of Libby's laughter strikes such a chord. My son Felix's laughter has steered me and revived me and reoriented me ever since he was born 22 years ago--and has influenced so many others besides. Imagine the power generated if Felix's and LIbby's laughter were combined? If the laughter of all non speaking people were combined? I imagine an earthquake of the very best sort.
Eliza, thank you so much for this comment. Felix is 22. Libby and Abby are 28. I want to know more, and YES to combine the laughter of all non-speaking people, an avalanche of laughter would result, just what the world needs now. Do you have a recording of his laughter? Thank you!
I just realized, thanks to your question, that I am sadly lacking in recordings of Felix’s laughter—although I did find a wonderful clip from years ago. I’ll figure out some way to send it to you. Maybe we can collect a vault of such recordings & the perfect sound editor will come along & then… laughter revolution…
Oh yessss!! I saw and loved this post!!! I thought I posted a comment... I love this: "Libby bursts into outrageous giggle fits… and she doesn’t stop until the world around her is laughing with her."
SHE DOESN'T STOP UNTIL THE WORLD AROUND HER IS LAUGHING WITH HER. Libby is my inspiration... especially as I go walk in protest today and bring my joy- and concern- to the seriousness of our present political world. Thank you Libby! xox
Awww Sil. Thank you so much. I’ll read this to Libby Joy
🙃🌹🦋
Warriors. Both of you. All four of you, actually. And Rosy too.
Thank you Jodi for seeing us. Everyone needs a Rosy. 💕
Clearly, the superpower of Joy is a heritable trait. Thank you, Dear Sister, for sharing both your wonderful and not so wonderful family moments with a simultaneously straight and compassionate gaze. Your courage and grace are fierce and inspiring, indeed, and your family living proof that humans are magical creatures, especially when thoroughly nourished on LOVE.
Awww Shiela
Thank you for acknowledging the mama love and the Libby Joy and the unstoppable Abby of course. I have yet to do a character portrait of autumn. I’m not sure if she’d be too happy about that.
Thank you for reading and sharing. See what already belongs to you.
Hi Prajna,
What a poignant, vulnerable piece about your precious Libby! My eyes teared up several times, and I loved the part when Rosy showed up. What a great friend. Libby's laughter is a gift. So many of us don't laugh nearly enough. Thank you for writing this and sharing it with the world.
Dear Beth, thank you so much for this. I am going to read it to Libby. Yes we all need more Laughter and A Rosy to hold our hand and be your friend without judgment.
Thank you for sharing. You feel like a Rosy to me.
My husband and I tried for children for many many years without success, your piece deeply touched by heart and I want to say what a remarkable family you are. Thank you for sharing, much love to you and Libby ❤️
Hello Tracey,
I’m sorry you and your husband were not able to have children of your own. After an intense childhood I never thought I would. Life is so unpredictable. I hope you have found more ways to love and be loved. I feel your heart. Thx for reading
I appreciate you. I have a sister named Tracy, spelled differently. 🌹
Sure you don't always get what you want but more perhaps what you need. It was a painful time trying but our life has unfolded in many other beautiful ways of which I am grateful. I have the most loving husband and I am a mother in other ways, sometimes to my students, and certainly to our dogs. Nice to hear your sister is also a Tracy. I appreciate you also Prajna, thank you ❤️
Hi Tracey. Thank you for acknowledging all the ways we birth, mother and tend. You have lucky dogs and students. I love dogs. Aww and The Rolling Stones …
You are the true superheroine
Thank you for reading Emika
Very generous and kind.
🌹
I smiled and giggled listening to this terrific writing
You are my giggle string
Thank you
Thank you, Abby. You’re the best!
How wonderful to hear and see more of your beautiful Libby Prajna. And that she called you 'mother' - was that for the first time? If so it must have felt like music to your ears! Thanks for sharing more of just how tough the journey has been too , as well as some of the joys including Libby's laughter. Please tell Libby that I look forward to hearing her laughter in person some day soon and that I wish for her more friends like Rosie. Much love to you both xx
Thank you for reading, Rachael. Yes, you will meet her—I'm sure and look forward to that time. Sending tickles your way from me and Libby.
Libby is an angel of pure joy, it seems. If we all laughed with such abandon, the world would clearly be a better place. She is an inspiration, as are you dear Prajna.
Thank you so much for reading Stephanie. I will read your comment to Libby. Laughter with abandon. The world needs to know this joy in the impossible mess, we are in. Sending a big hug of appreciation.
Thanks for passing my appreciation along to Libby.
Of course. I hope you meet one day.
What a beauty!
Awww Leif. Thank you for reading and for this kind recognition Libby and I appreciate you. 🌹 happy giggles.