29 Comments
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Clark Rose's avatar

Terrell, “Wow”....speechless in Shaker.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you, Clark!!

Diana at Generous Wisdom's avatar

I'm with you, Clark! Speechless in an island 8 miles from Seattle! Terrell...simply spectacular.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Oh no way! You live in/near Seattle?

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

And where abouts are you, Diana? I live in Redmond on the Eastside. Have for over 15 years!!

David Weinstock's avatar

Great insight ... like a teacher once told us 9th graders, “I don’t teach, I guide your learning.” It’s the same with our kids ... if you’re lucky and you plant and nourish those seeds, they’ll have lifelong bonds with you.

Clark Rose's avatar

Your story was so heart felt and true I even shared it with my wife who also was speechless. A rare occasion for both of us. Lol❗️ You left us with no doubt that you will be that “steady bow” your Son will need as he navigates a “brave new world.” He is fortunate to have you in his life Terrell.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

I'm humbled, Clark! You are very kind.

Edith Zimmerman's avatar

Likewise speechless, shot me right in the heart. Thank you, Terrell.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Edith! That means a lot 🥰

Corrina T.'s avatar

Thanks for sharing this. You are on the roller coaster now. Buckle in & hang on. It’s quite a ride. That poem was lovely. It’s so true. So true.

Minh's avatar

Wowww... this surprises me but in all good ways. That poem is beautiful and so is the story

Durga Natesan's avatar

So beautiful and spot on Terrell. Love the way you finished it with a connection to running!

Olu Aloba's avatar

Great story, fantastic poem. Thanks so much for sharing

Kel B.'s avatar

so cute! i love that movie. you provided a pretty humorous picture of what was going on. sounds like you're doing it right:)

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Kel! I'm trying! 🥰

Mark Loftin's avatar

What a great way to begin a Friday ---thanks Terrell😎

Elizabeth Marro's avatar

Lovely, Terrell. It made me remember the time my son went away for the summer to camp at age 9. I was thrilled to receive a thick envelope as soon as the kids were allowed to write home (the camp made them wait a bit so they'd have something to say besides how homesick they might be). I opened the envelope. Another, sealed envelope fell out along with this note on a scrap of paper: hi mom I miss you will you please give this to Mike to give to Karen?

Fran Gardner's avatar

This touching essay is a glad reminder, through Kahlil Gibran’s incandescent poetry, that our children are of ourselves, but are not us. My children are long gone, but something still lives between us.

Stan's avatar

Wow - better late then never, right! Thx for the poem, already shared it with my wife. Thankfully, mine are much older but circumstances don't change, no matter how old they get! All the "sentiments" read before I both echo and want to embellish even more...

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

As my mom would have said, Terrell, "No need to fret unless she starts wearing his Letterman's Sweater!" ;)

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Cool! My daughter and I have looked at houses to rent over there. The islands look like a fun place to live and run! Doesn't Orca Running have a Half Marathon over there or is that on Vashon?

We're looking for a place to buy so we can stop this rent game. . . Come April, I'm looking toward the Skagit Valley where I can grow things and have a garden!

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

I never saw the movie, have heard about it. Read and reread Kahlil Gibran when I was in my 20s and on. . . It's a guiding light.

Kids--they go through phases. Seems like little T is growing up early, but he is sure lucky to have a parent who is "hands-off" and willing to get him through the toughest part of life! I love the stage I'm at now! So great for observation of humans!

No run, but legs have settled down from hurting and breathing is getting effortless. If It ever stops raining (rain and snow are typical for Washington's Birthday up here) I'll be out on the Trail. Too good to miss this time of year!

One of my favorite quotes. . . Nothing so stable as change. .. Bob Dylan Hang in there, Terrell! :)