15 Comments
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Jami's avatar

Love

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Gayle Klein's avatar

Kirsi- I know you were concerned about getting your grandmother’s story “right”. Mission accomplished! And as others have said so relatable.

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Thanks Gayle. It was a long time coming, wasn't it! I feel like I've been talking about it forever!

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Lisa Maguire's avatar

What a great photo of the four generations!! Loved reading about Vivian.

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Robin Stewart's avatar

I connect with Vivian’s story on multiple levels. Sometimes, I relate to Vivian as I did with my grandmother, as I looked at the 4 generation picture. Then, the relationship she had with her daughter reminded me of my relationship with my mother. Her love for her grandchildren reminds me of my love for my grandchildren. Wow. I’m enjoying your posts so much. I am inspired by the way you are serializing her story. Thanks for sharing her story. What a gift.

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Robin, thank you so much for the comment. To me, my grandmother's story is unique; but as I was writing her story I wondered just how many women of her generation experienced similar circumstances -- and how that cascaded through their relationships with their children and grandchildren. It is perhaps a much more relatable story than I had originally thought.

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Robin Stewart's avatar

I think the relatable nature of her story is attributed to your writing and how you crafted the story. Your ability to let the reader know her enough to relate to her makes the difference. I got a little teared up at the moment you connected all the generations and I could see her actions through the lens of her lifetime of experiences.

One of my goals is to focus more on the women in my family. Their stories need to be told. I’m trying to move beyond the more accessible histories that tend to be about the men. I learn so much from prior generations of women interacting with the times they lived in and the strength they had to carry on.

Thank you for the inspiration!

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Heart warmed. :)

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Paula Delesha's avatar

Vivian's personality and character are intimately communicated through your thoughtful and skilled storytelling. I look forward to part five.

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Thank you, Paula!

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Paula Delesha's avatar

You're welcome :-) I know this was a difficult story for you to tell and that's what made it all the more impressive.

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Finding a way to tell her story with care was challenging. I never could have written it without your help along the way. I think you reviewed at least 20 versions of this story! Your feedback, patience and encouragement has made all the difference. :)

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Paula Delesha's avatar

Gee wiz! Thanks, but it was all you!

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Paul Burrill's avatar

Wow. Reading while in Bonaire and just blown away by this story and feel that I know this person now. Excellent.

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Kirsi Dahl's avatar

Thanks Paul!

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