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Thanks Open Secrets, for publishing this and for the GREAT EDITS!

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Nov 14, 2023Liked by Kelli Dunham

Oh my god Kelli, this is such an amazing piece. I lost someone recently and this is genuinely helpful - and hopeful. Thank you.

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I'm so glad to it was helpful! I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. The assurance I feel is reasonable to give to people is not that it will get better, but rather it will always hurt and your life will grow bigger around the pain. If that makes sense.

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This was beautiful and heartbreaking, Kelli.

Thank you for sharing your story. I know how cathartic it can be to write about grief, but also how important it is to read about, too. As an Autistic woman, I enjoy reading how others deal with great loss, even if it makes me cry and hurt, and hurt simply for the person who experienced it.

Your story teetered on just enough tear-jerking without becoming all-consuming bawling. That takes quite a talent to balance and deliver!

I hope your new relationship is a long, healthy one! 💝 Again, thanks for sharing.

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I glad to hear I got that balance right! I actually feel quite hopeful (in general, it's just my wiring) so I think that comes through, mostly. And the relationship is off to a good start, so that's promising! Thanks so much Sara.

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You're very welcome, Kelli! I'm a new subscriber, so I'm extra-excited to see where you take your Substack, and all us readers who've joined you from here.

Thanks, again. And I'm so glad to hear things are off to a good start in your relationship! 💛

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