25 Comments
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Michelle Hickey's avatar

A beautiful perspective. I’m so sorry that you’re going through this tough time. Sending love to you, your family and community. ❤️

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you so much, Michelle. That means a lot.❤️

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Beth Morris's avatar

I'm so sorry, Maria. Sending love to you and your family and community in this painful time. ❤️

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you so much, Beth.❤️

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Hannah Ashe's avatar

Sending love and thoughts to you, your family and your community, Maria 🧡

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you so much, Hannah.💗

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Kyra Bredenhof's avatar

Sending love🤗

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you so much for reading and your kind words, Kyra. I’m so glad you’re here.❤️

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Karen Dahl's avatar

I feel this one deeply this week. So sorry for your loss and grief and so grateful for your sharing and reminding and articulating.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

And I'm so grateful for you and your kind words, K. Thank you for being here.❤️

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Kristine Neeley's avatar

Oh, how I've felt this before. Thank you for this reflection.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you for reading, Kristine. Your words are comforting, and I'm so glad you're here.

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Sarah Best's avatar

The before and after moments are import ant to notice, but it doesn’t change the emotions that you experience. Sorry to read this, Maria. Hope you are doing ok

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you, Sarah. I'm okay.❤️ There's a certain peace that comes with acceptance and understanding that the world will feel different. Not easy, but still plenty of joy to be had.

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Wendy Kennar's avatar

Such a beautiful post, Maria. You're right - it's the "little" moments, the in-between moments, the ones that don't get documented with a photo that are often the most memorable. We're very affectionate in our family, and never end a phone call without saying "I love you," because it's true. And we say it every chance we get, because you just never know.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

That's beautiful, Wendy. May everyone enjoy such presence and love in their lives! No, we never know. The best we can do is honor what we have. Which means dancing in elevators.❤️

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Paulajo Graves Gross's avatar

Today, I have been thinking about the moments-after (or even before) that must be cherished. Thank you for remembering to take time to Pause.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Absolutely in the before, as much as we can. We can't dance in elevators all day, but I have been reminded to slow down, quiet the noise, and clear space for the best parts of this life. Thanks so much for being here, Paulajo.

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Meredith Anne Reeback's avatar

hugs to you and always here for connection in whatever way you need xoxo

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Thank you so much, Mer. I'm grateful for you! Can't wait to see you this week and catch up.❤️

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Justin Ide's avatar

It's so very true Maria ... "the after," is at times one of the most horrible places we find ourselves, but it's important to remember how fortunate we are to have "the after," because it is there where we learn more about ourselves, where we grow and expand our understanding of life, and we begin to create a new "before." Thank you my friend.

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Maria Hanley's avatar

A new "before." Well, that just made me cry. Sorrow, hope, and wisdom intertwined. I know you know this space deeply, Justin. Thank you for being here.❤️

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Claire Ewart Smith's avatar

I need this too right now and feel time passing so fast. Without my busy job a space for grief and connection has presented itself. Not immediately welcome but necessary to heal. Keep writing x

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Yes, grief comes in so many forms, and it's necessary every time. When grief arrives, it will wait outside until the door opens, however long it takes. There's no sending it back to where it came from. Thank you for reading, Claire. So glad you're here.❤️

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