12 Comments
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Rency Denue's avatar

The part about Joe telling his birth story choked me up. 🥹

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Charlotte Shea's avatar

It’s become a tradition. Pretty sweet.

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Mike's avatar

"While I was between floating and sinking all day, I found peace in the evening, seeing all the growth we’ve sowed to, and the fruit we’ve reaped." The call back! YAS

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Charlotte Shea's avatar

Thank you Mike!

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Mike's avatar

"This is the surf though, so think peaks and valleys!"

DAYUM!!!! Your writing puts words to shit I didn't even know I felt!

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Kelly Q's avatar

This is absolutely beautiful. Nice work, Mama 💕

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Charlotte Shea's avatar

Thanks, Kelly! Still riding the waves and I’m sure you know then well.

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Elyssa Aggeles's avatar

My favorite line, "I can’t formulate a concise prescription for resisting the societal pressure to become extravagant birthday consumers. I’m only seven after all."

I've learned so much in this reading. You've given me much to think about. Thank you love.

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Kala's avatar

I can hear sweet Jacob’s voice. 🥰 I. Love. This.

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Charlotte Shea's avatar

He is a gem. Even with all his new mystery and I’m in awe of this little creation.

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Liz Pavlovich's avatar

Thank you for writing this! It has been top of mind since I attended a neighbor’s birthday party and I felt dread about the expectations being set for my children and I was concerned with how lavish events and presents would shape their sense of self worth and consumption.

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Charlotte Shea's avatar

Yes I think this is a difficult territory to navigate as parents. The question I’m asking myself all the time is “What are the Sheas about” then figuring out how to get there with some measure of grace. Thanks for this comment and reflection!

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