Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
—Marcel Proust
Earlier this week, in the first of a two-part post, I commandeered my partner Kathy’s blog, publishing a version of The Proust Questionnaire as a way to provide insight to my soul mate – who will soon celebrate 50 years of living. As a follow-up, I want to share how grateful I am to Kathy. While she may think of happiness as an overrated virtue (see Questionnaire), I cherish the fact that my birthday girl makes me so amazingly happy!
Let me count the happy ways:
1. She is a charming gardener.
Working in our Lexington back yard--
2. She is a great travel companion.
On Halong Bay, Vietnam--
3. She is a dedicated writer.
Lucy gets bored with the constant revision--
4. She is a hard worker.
Kathy and Sara, volunteering with Lexington Habitat for Humanity--
5. She is a relentless seeker of beauty.
Beachcombing in central Vietnam--
6. She is a joyful participant in life.
Volunteering, along with Lucy, at a training session in Ke Sat, Vietnam--
7. She is an animal enthusiast, loving creatures great and small.
Ready to take an elephant ride in Chang Rai, Thailand--
8. She is a caring friend to folks around the world.
Visiting a home in the slums of New Delhi, India--
9. She is a creative and inspiring artist.
Upcycling a tabletop into art--
10. She is a chum to children.
Spending time with young boys and girls in Cabaret, Haiti--
11. She is a noble daughter.
With her mother in Kathy's University of Kentucky office--
12. She is a loyal big sister.
With her “baby” sister Lynn--
13. She is a reasonably bold foodie.
Dining with Lucy at the famous Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam--
14. She is a great teammate.
Working with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project staff in Vietnam--
15. She is a darn-near perfect partner.
With me, forever--
I hope that I bring as much happiness to Kathy as she brings to me. May we share a life-time of happy birthdays together.
Who or what makes you happy?
Kathryn M. McCullough 
Oh Sara, this post made me SO happy! When I see people who care so deeply, as you and Kathy obviously do, my heart leaps with joy! These photos are amazing…did you take most of them? Some of them look as though they have been captured through the “lens of love”. And I love Lucy’s little hat she is wearing in Vietnam!
There are so many things I could name that bring me happiness, but the ultimate? My four children, aged from 14 years through to 26. They make my heart sing!
Happy, happy birthday, dear Kathy. 🙂
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Thanks so much Joanne. I love it that this post itself makes you happy. Sara took a number of the photos of me, though others took some, as well. For example, the one in India was taken by one of my students, etc. I bet your children bring you much happiness. Happy Spring to you, my friend!
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This post made me extremely happy. You are both such inspiring women.
Kathy, I hope you have a happy birthday, and a year full of love, laughter, flowers, art and wonderful words.
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Thank you dear, Lisa! Our friendship makes me happy! Hugs to you—————–
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What a beautiful post about a beautiful person. Wishing you both every happiness!
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Oh, D, thanks for the warm wishes. We wish you lots of happiness, as well!
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Dang, this made me cry. The love you two share is so precious and rare. Bless you both and may you hold each other forever.
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I’m so happy to hear this post touched you, Sandy. Sara is an amazing and loving partner. We are, indeed, very blessed to have one another.
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Such a sweet post. Life only gets better when you have someone to share it with.
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Ah, isn’t that the truth. A shared life is rich and rewarding! Thanks for reading, Sandy. I’m so glad this post touched you!
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This made me smile 🙂 Happy Birthday, Kathy!!!
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Thanks, my friend. Hope you have a lovely day!
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What a beautiful tribute reflecting two incredible and blessed women!
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Gosh, you’re right, Chris. We are very, very blessed! Thanks for reading!
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What a lovely gift for your partner, Sara. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to see two people so much in love. (I might have teared up a bit but don’t spread it around.) And what great photos. Happy birthday, Kathy!
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I’m so happy this post touched you, Tori! And thanks for the birthday wishes! We appreciate your taking a look and hope you have a lovely day.
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This is so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye. Would that everyone could know that depth of love. Happy Birthday Kathy, and thank you for this labor of love, Sara. Hugs to you both.
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We appreciate your reading, Cecelia, and are so, so happy this post touched you. Sara is very, very good to me! Hugs to you, too——————–
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It makes me happy that you and Kathy found each other and you’re sharing what looks like a lovely life together as you travel far and wide. It would make me even happier if laws change in my lifetime while I can still stand relatively upright and every state in this union, including your Kentucky, allows same sex marriage and the Federal government gets its act together and overturns DOMA. Happy birthday Kathy!
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Good God, isn’t that the truth! Our inability to marry feels like a crime to me. We look forward to the happiness that will come with the legal right to wed! Thanks for mentioning this, my friend!
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Ditto here … it breaks my heart that we are still TALKING about this, instead of already seeing those that could benefit from the laws being changed living a life filled with all the benefits of true freedom. I also hope that in my lifetime, I finally see every state of the union allowing same sex marriage, and I see the Federal government get its act together and overturn DOMA. As November approaches, I know the compass point on which I choose my candidates. It may only be one vote (in a conservative and wrong-colored state), but I’m still getting out there in support of same-sex marriage. If we keep raising our voices long enough, eventually someone has to hear us. Amen.
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Isn’t that the damn truth? Someone is bound to listen–even here in Kentucky. At least in Lexington we have an openly gay mayor, but it’s not legal for our friend Jim to marry. Isn’t that nuts!
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I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite out of all the delicious photos you’ve shared. Bored Lucy, and getting ready for the elephant ride are right up there, but the piece de resistance is the final shot, “With me Forever” — exquisite!
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Oh, you are such a sweetie, Laurie! We think the Lucy photo is a total hoot, as well, but that last one is precious personified! Hugs to you from both of us—————–
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This post made me smile! It’s wonderful to see two people who love and support each other with all their hearts!! ♥ May you have MANY happy years to come!! 🙂
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Oh, thanks so much, Holly. We do, indeed, love one another with all of our hearts. Sara’s hard not to love. Me? I might be a little less lovable, but Sara loves me anyway.
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Beautiful. What a wonderful gift. I loved seeing all the pictures. You are one lucky woman. Happy birthday.
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I like how you call her a “reasonably bold” foodie. This must mean she draws the line somewhere between sriracha peppers and chocolate covered grasshoppers.
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Okay, maybe not quite as far as sriracha peppers, since I don’t know what they are–but Sara thought yours was the perfect description of what she was trying to communicate. That’s one foodie talking to another foodie.
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Oops, Sara says I do eat sriracha peppers. I just didn’t know what they were called. That’s where the “reasonably bold” part comes in. LOL
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What a beautiful post Sara! Thank you for sharing your view of Kathy with us … you’ve got me smiling and tearing up over here. 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, D. I thought it was a beautiful birthday gift, as well. Sara has some damn good ideas.
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I LOVE this post! You are indeed a true gem Kathy! Happy Borthdat! I sure hope we can someday meet in person!
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Oh, Nicole, I hope we get to meet sometime, as well. I know I would just love you!
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The feeling is the same! Have a wonderful birthday and by what I’ve read, it sounds like Sara is just as wonderful as you! 🙂
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I’m afraid Sara is way more wonderful than me.
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Ok…now I have to meet you both! I have a feeling I will someday! 🙂
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Indeed, you will! Indeed, you will!
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Happy tears are streaming down my face. What a wonderful gift to you from someone who obviously loves you, Kathy. If I had two wishes in this world they would be (1) that every zealot and bigot in this world could read this post and see how terribly wrong and foolish the are and finally get off their high horses and legalize gay marriage–the fact that this is even an issue angers me and is indefensible and (2) that my children may know even a small portion of the love that you and Sara share with whomever they choose to spend their lives with. That would truly make me happy………Happiest of birthdays to you, Sista! And a huge THANK YOU to Sara for sharing this small sliver of the love she has for you. How truly blessed you both are!
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Okay, this is about the most precious comment I’ve ever read. It is this kind of comment that makes me want to meet you, Sista. I wish the same for your children, my friend–and adore your whole gay marriage rant. It’s perfect! Hugs to you, my dear!
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WOW — with me being relatively new to the Kathy world, this post was a fabulous way to get to know you (and Sara) through all those gorgeous photos. Such adventures, and diversity, and love! It’s impossible to see all this LIVING OUT LOUD without feeling happy!
My personal favs had to be #9 (creative and inspiring artist), and # 1 (charming gardener), and #7 (animal enthusiast), and # 2 (travel companion), and #6 (joyful participant in life – with Lucy’s hat), and of course #15, (darn-near perfect partner). Shoot, they are ALL so fun, and filled with the essence of of the person I’m getting to know, and speak to how much depth of character and compassion you obviously carry in your soul, Kathy. So this is what it looks like when you embrace life and live out loud? That also makes you a teacher, Kathy. And a generous gift to those that cross paths with you.
Happy Birthday, Kathy, and I hope that life will bring you even deeper levels of happiness, and more smiles, and more love than you can imagine. I hope every birthday marks another year filled with adventure, and beauty, and love. Happy Birthday!
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Okay, another precious, precious comment. This is so dear, I hardly know what to say. This is such a generous and beautiful thought, my friend. You are dear to me already!
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Reblogged this on scatteringmoments and commented:
This is a post written for a friend of mine by the one person who loves her most in the world. May we all be so lucky to share even a small portion of the love these two feel for one another!
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Oh, thanks so much Miranda. Can’t wait to read your post!
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Oh I just LOVED all the photos, each and every one! Such a sweet, sweet post, this. So full of love 🙂
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Thanks, Mun, I’m so glad to liked the photos. I thought Sara did an awfully good job picking them out. Take care, my friend!
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There are many people and activities that make me happy. But what I’d like to share with you… is that after reading this post it makes me want to be a better person.
What a beautiful woman (women!)!
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Gosh, I’m so glad to hear that! What an honor that a post about me could make you want that. I totally love it, my friend! You are dear!
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🙂 And I love you calling me friend. It makes the world a little smaller!
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Yes, it does! The world is smaller than we might think.
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What a beautiful love story – enjoy your enduring love and a happy birthday!
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Thanks Dee! Ours is a beautiful story, I think. So glad you feel that way!
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A lovely tribute for a lovely woman! It’s so nice to when there is someone in the world who appreciates you as much as you and Sara appreciate each other.
All of the photos are wonderful, especially the one of your garden, but the photo of Lucy using you as a pillow is priceless.
I hope you had a special birthday.
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Let me confess, Jackie, that the photo of Lucy yawning is also our favorite. We laugh every time we look at it! It’s so funny how she likes to sit on my shoulders. Maybe she thinks she’s a cat.
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Great photos! They really showcase Kathy’s love of life and adventure. I think my favorite is “beach combing” but the one with Lucy pretending to be a cat on Kathy’s shoulders is a close second. Happy Birthday, Kathy! (((Hugs!)))
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Oh, I had forgotten about the beachcombing one for a minute. That had always been Sara’s favorite photo of me. But now the one with Lucy just makes us laugh and laugh. Can’t imagine your Lucy on my shoulders! LOL
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My favorite picture was the one with your beautiful sister! Can’t wait to see you on Saturday! What a lovely tribute to you, Kathy. I hope someone will love me that much someday…
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Lynn, I laughed and laughed when I read your comment. And then I laughed some more. You are indeed my “beautiful sister!” Can’t wait for Saturday!
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Just a gorgeous, gorgeous post … I’m overwhelmed with joy for you both. If everyone could have someone love them as deeply and as fiercely as this, wouldn’t the world just be better?
Can’t get past Lucy’s conical hat – hilarious!
I saw this story today and I instantly thought of you … Canada legalized same-sex marriage 8 year ago. Sometimes, there are more things than family that I miss about the Motherland …
MJ
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OMG, MJ, I adore that video! I really, really love it! Thanks so much for sharing it here, my friend! Canada is the land of hockey and the land of love, lesbian or otherwise! Hugs to you from both of us——–
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I knew you would love it … They are so cute together 🙂 The happy thing is that (in the news story that went with this) the crowd cheered – there was no nastiness – some people equate hockey with rednecks but this was a classy, accepting crowd.
Cheers! MJ
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If only we were allowed to marry in the state of Kentucky!
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What makes me happy? THIS POST. Oh, man. I am all kinds of weepy in this here Barnes & Noble cafe, and it is so right.
Happy birthday!
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Oh, Deb, thank you. I love you for this comment–so sweet–so what I needed as I turn 50 on Monday. My partner is keeper!
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Love the elements of the relationship that you touched upon in the post…seems to me…we have two lucky people here. 😉
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We are lucky, indeed. Thanks for reading, Charles.
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LOVE this!!!! Wonderful photos and excellent testament to the beauty that is you. This truly warmed my heart… especially the photo of the dog behind your head while you write.
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Thanks for taking a look, Currie. I’m delighted you liked the photos. Sara and I get a huge kick out of the photo with Lucy behind my head–one of her favorite spots. Weird dog?
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It is so cute, and the smile on her face is priceless. 🙂 Is she your pillow? On another note, I noticed in all your photos that you really are a beautiful person. I don’t see the weight issues you’ve been writing about.
Have a great weekend!
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Actually, Lucy likes to sleep next to my head on my pillow at night. Kind of spoiled, I know.
Thanks for the kind words about my appearance. Actually, I have often not looked at heavy as I am, since I workout a lot and am well-toned. But actually by this past fall I was the heaviest I’ve ever been. There are no photos here from that time. The closest one is of me painting the table top–taken late last summer.
You are a sweetie, Currie. Thanks again.
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Happy birthday!!!! I think it is lovely that you 2 are so happy together.
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Oh, thanks, Deb. We are very, very happy, indeed. Hope you have a lovely weekend!
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Sara and Kathryn you two share such a beautiful life together. I love the photos that tell a story of your beautiful tale. Thank you for sharing.
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I’m so happy you can appreciate these photos. We do have a wonderful life together and are quite happy. Your observations are correct.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Great to hear from you today.
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I posted my spring photos yesterday and of course mentioned you in my post since your spring photos were my inspriation. Thanks again!
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Thanks so much for the shout-out. I loved your post, Fraha. It’s amazing that daffodils are already blooming in Michigan. For any of my readers who might like to take a look at your post, the link is below. Hope you are having a lovely spring weekend, my friend!
http://vatralvariety.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/spring-has-sprung-in-leaps-and-bounds/
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Awe. Thank you Kathryn! Yes the weather here is not the norm. But I’m not complaining either 😉 I hope you have a great weekend too!
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I am crying right now. This is the most beautiful birthday tribute. Ever. Thank you, Sara. Happy pre-birthday, Kathy. I trust you will be celebrating for at least 50 days, if not the whole year?
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You are such a sweetie, Kathy. I was very touched by this post, as well. Sara is good to me–and so dear. We started to celebrate today with my family. Hooray for 50. Thanks, my friend.
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I’m not much of a Facebook fan, but was delighted when a reminder of your birthday popped up. You have much to celebrate! I’ve thought of you and Sara often recently….wondering if a BC trip is forthcoming in the fall and where…and who will be able to gather. The bonus with your birthday reminder is the terrific, loving accolade by Sara. So enjoyed the photos, cutlines and sentiment. Hugs to both of you!
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Great to hear from you, Sue. I know–didn’t Sara do a beautiful job? I haven’t heard anything about a BC trip, but would love another one soon. Widbey (spelling?) Island was so, so fun! Hugs to you, too, from both of us!
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Happy birthday Kathy! May you continue to be such an inspiration!
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Oh, thank you. That’s such a sweet thing to say. I’m humbled to hear you suggest that I inspire!
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Nice blog…. Saya suka ini. Salam kenal dan terima kasih,-
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Thanks so much!
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Happy Birthday, Kathy!
You and Sara are such inspiring women. Love just radiates out from this post.
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Robin, you are dear to suggest that we inspire. It would be wonderful if we were to inspire other couples to love as we do. Thanks, my friend!
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Happy Birthday, Kathy!
What a lovely tribute, Sara. Since I’ve been following Kathy’s blog, I have been amazed by her energy and enthusiasm for life – even though she has had so much to deal with.
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Oh, thanks so much for the birthday wishes, Lisa. However, let me remind you that you, too, have survived and learned to thrive. I think you are pretty awesome myself.
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You are both such an inspiration to me. That I may one day have a witness to my existance as you are to each other is one of my greatest wishes.
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How sweet, Jackie. I hadn’t thought of it in exactly those terms, but what you say is true. Having someone to love and witness life with means everything. I wish the same for you, my friend!
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The love that you and Sara have for each other just radiates out of this post! What a wonderful way to start my Monday morning– touched by the warmth of true love. 🙂
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Great to hear from you today, Dana. So glad to hear you enjoyed this post. Hope this Monday treats you well!
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This is so heartwarming!
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Thanks, Chrissy. So glad you enjoyed the post. Sara is a sweetie.
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Wow! I nearly cried I was so touched by this post. What a love you two share! Thanks for sharing!
On a complete sidenote, I noticed you mentioned Lexington–my entire extended family is from KY, mostly Louisville and most of my cousins went to UofK. Small world!
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Small world, indeed. Didn’t Sara do a beautiful job? It was a wonderful birthday gift! Thanks for reading!
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She did! You are both very luck and blessed women!
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So true!
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And p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Your 50’s are going to be FANTASTIC!
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Thanks so much. So far, so good!
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Your journey is overflowing w/ excitement, love, humanity, purpose, poetry, elephants, & hope.
I loOOOoooove ALL of the photos. I dig the one with the straw sticking out of your diet coke covered w/ lipstick! Xxxxx
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Thank you, K! I’m gonna have to go back and look at those photos. It’s been a while. So happy you got a kick out of the diet coke one! Hugs, my dear!
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