31 Comments
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Jenn Sharp's avatar

I was thinking, how did I never read this? (I’m blubbering of course) then I looked at the date. I was in LSC party windup mode. I knew about your son, but somehow processing your words makes it all too relatable…we have children of similar ages. My heart aches for you with the 29th so close ahead. Know you are loved by so many and we are holding you close in our hearts.❤️

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much dear friend. That matters. ❤️

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Lolly Martyn's avatar

I'm coming out of my month-long haze of sickness and layoffs and just caught up on this one to my joy at finding this stunning variation on my recipe to my sadness at reading the details of your son's passing. I just upgraded to paid (finally) and am beyond excited to be part of the supper club and get your digital cookbook.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much Lolly. Discovering you and your writing and recipes has been such a delight. And I really hope to get to meet you in person this summer!

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Shayma Owaise Saadat's avatar

Thank you for being so raw and real ❤️‍🩹

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Elizabeth Pizzinato's avatar

Rebecca this was such a heart wrenching post 💔.

I’m reminded of a quote from Francis Weller, from his book The Wild Edge of Sorrow: “Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.” This sustained me in a great moment of loss last year. Deep grief is truly the sister of deep love.

I wish you peace and joy on your wonderful adventures through life.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

I love that quote, Elizabeth! I've copied it to a note where I keep things that inspire me. I've also added that book to my reading list. Thank you so much for sharing it.

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Shell Plant's avatar

Gosh Rebecca, thank you for sharing this post. It was so brave and I found it incredibly moving. I have tears in my eyes. Sending you so much love.

These recipes as well, just wonderful.

You are a wonderful writer and becoming quite the inspiration to me.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much Shell. This really means a lot to me. ❤️

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Betty Williams's avatar

Rebecca, I remember this about your son but you sharing this made me cry all over again. Thank you for your transparency and willingness to open up about the hard things in life. 💞

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you for being in it with me, friend. ❤️

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Kerry Faber's avatar

This really moved me. Thank you for so bravely and openly sharing your story.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much Kerry. ❤️

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👉🏻jonathan_foster's avatar

goodness ... sorry ... and yes, something about the "traveling-part-to-process-loss-part" rings true ... like, you're never the same so you kinda keep moving to find something; to get away from something ... not saying it as well as you did, but the movement part of it resonates.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Yes, absolutely. When we experience really terrible things, the tendency is to shut down and close off. Traveling opens us up to the world and shows us how to keep living.

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Molly G. Breiling's avatar

It is a brave and vulnerable thing to share your story. And so important that the stories are shared - bringing awareness to the many, many mental health challenges in our world -epidemic in the adolescent /young adult community.

Sending peace and love. Thank you, truly.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you Molly. ❤️

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Melissa Norman's avatar

Thank you for sharing your physical and emotional journey. I can't even imagine everything that took to do that while dealing with the rawness of your loss.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you Melissa. ❤️

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Amie McGraham's avatar

I felt everything in this poignant piece: loss, exploration, grief, resilience. Thank you for sharing. Sending peace.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much Amie. ❤️

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Jessie-Sierra; The Last Bite's avatar

You are such an incredible writer and strong strong woman. Thank you for sharing more of your story here. Sending big hugs. Every journey is unique in its reasons and start, but the experience leaves us knowing ourselves better.

Thank you also for the beautiful mention. I’m incredibly honored that you bought my book and have enjoyed it so much. Please know my door in the Berkshires, is always open to you.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much Jessie. Your book is a delightful addition to my collection and I just might take you up on that offer into your Berkshire home one day. ❤️

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Ellen Kornmehl MD's avatar

I'm a big fan of mixing the earthy undertones of rye with the fruit and floral notes of chocolate...miso would be so beguiling to add...thanks for posting!

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Nicki Sizemore's avatar

This touched me so deeply. What a beautiful reminder for us to be present in our loves, and to continually let go in order to move on. And I can’t wait to try that potato salad.

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you Nicki. ❤️

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Holly Coppedge's avatar

Beautifully written and something I really needed to hear right now. You are truly an inspiring person and I am so happy to have met you :)

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Rebecca Blackwell's avatar

Thank you so much, Holly. I am so happy to have met you as well, friend!

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Jen Knox's avatar

You offer so, so much here. We are in constant movement and to explore this world's beauty is a gift we so often take for granted when caught up in routine. Thanks for a beautiful reminder and a nudge to make some yummy oatmeal cookies as the temps drop here in the Midwest.

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