42 Comments
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Jane Thompson  🌻👨🏼‍🦼🏳‍🌈's avatar

I liked this piece a lot because it made me tear up the way you described a day that seemed one hurdle after another that you leapt with grace so matter of fact it sounded easy but it couldn't have been. Your Dad said all the things that are great about your style but here's what it means; you gave all of us who're struggling a little bit of hope. I hope you do it again. If you do, I'll find another $8/mo somewhere and send it to you. Hope's priceless and I can never get enough of it because it not only lifts me up but I can share it to lift others. Thank you. May you be blessed.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you Jane, I'm happy to have given that hope many of us need in our lives 😀

Tom Joad's avatar

That’s such a moving and generous message,thank you. You put into words exactly what I hope people feel when they read his story. It means a lot that it gave you a bit of hope; that’s the highest compliment there is. I’ll make sure he reads this,your kindness and encouragement will lift him too.

Missi's avatar

it touched my soul in a very familiar way... well done 🍸

Missi's avatar

you are very welcome… looking forward to your future musings 🍸

Wisdom's Whisper's avatar

This is wonderful, and so very encouraging on so many levels. In a world that seems to be falling apart at the seams, introspection and mindful contemplation are necessary. This gift of yours, Tom, is clearly evident in your son's quiet, yet powerful, approach to understanding his own journey, to navigating the challenges that are facing young people today. It is clear that he's not stumbling through life, he's consciously choosing an evolving path forward. In noticing, in observing, in choosing to embrace gratitude rather than regret or cynicism. His experience, and his reflections, give me hope for his generation's ability to strive and thrive amidst the obstacles pressing upon them from all angles. In continuing to write, he'll guide others as you do. Heartfelt gratitude to you both for sharing.

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!! My son would be on here to comment but he seems to have forgotten his password and can’t get back on yet.

And they talk about us Boomers😀😀

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Most days still feel like a stumble regardless!

Wisdom's Whisper's avatar

This is true for all of us, to be sure.

(Boomers included, so you’re in good company).

I sent some celebratory coffee your way via your Dad, a small nod to your birthday, and to your continued success in your studies and your writing.

Congrats on new beginnings!

P.S. - you might want to add a coffee button to your feed :)

Brenda Anna's avatar

I love this! Congrats on becoming a person who knows how to think, rather than someone who blindly follows what they’re told to think. Thank you for the window into your life.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you for looking into this fanatical window!

Al Bellenchia's avatar

Beautiful. Genuine and heartfelt. My oldest just turned 28. It is a hard world we are leaving our kids to navigate. Bravo on your progress.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

The kids are alright! 😁

Duffs's avatar

Absolutely beautiful essay.

Jackie Sentenne Pettit's avatar

There is magic in the telling of the smallest moments with such presence of mind as to the greater picture of one’s life. Che shares a special day he’s claimed for himself, and it feels seamless and effortlessly experienced. Sharing in his story certain points of life that guide him, that make his own North Star. Nice to see you, Tom, through his eyes, too. There is true talent in the observation of one’s life because it can pass so quickly and without the wisdom gained in that mindfulness. Very nice, Che. Very moving.

Tom Joad's avatar

He is a good kid.

Just A Dude With Thoughts's avatar

👏👏👏 Good first piece.

Suzanne Jaillet's avatar

Your son has your writing DNA Built-in. I can understand you being so very proud of him. Thank you so much for publishing his first piece of writing here. It’s hard to believe this is his first piece. It’s beautiful. It’s written with such ease and grace and the paragraph choices are perfect. It becomes pros to the reader to this reader. To this constant reader, I found this to be soothing, pragmatic, creative, and almost fantasy like all at the same time. How can he only be 26 and Wright something so well. My mom was an RN and it was a professional. I always wanted to be involved with and never got to be and I wish him well on his journey to be coming an RN Being a CNA is already something to be proud of. And now he is a writer too......keep writing.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you Suzanne! It means a lot hearing the such high praise you gave to my words!

Suzanne Jaillet's avatar

you are welcome. I hope that you will write more for your dad’s page sometime I would love to read more of your work. And inspires me to get back to my own writing one of these days.

Tom Joad's avatar

That’s such a beautiful message,thank you. It means a lot, truly. I’m incredibly proud of him, and I think you’re right the writing bug might just be in the DNA. I’ll make sure he sees your words; I know they’ll mean the world to him. And thank you for sharing a bit of your own story,that connection makes this even more special.

Windblown's avatar

Please keep writing! So enjoy both of you!

Anubeion's avatar

I really enjoyed this! Thank you both!

Tom Joad's avatar

Thank you!!

Jean Green's avatar

Excellent, hard to believe it is his first one.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Had to step back a few times and just accept it wasn't going to be perfect as it was my first time really free writing.

Tom Joad's avatar

I’m really proud of him

JenX's avatar
Oct 7Edited

I’m excited to read this after work, no distractions, nothing pending, so I can give it my full attention.

Cool story, it felt like when you’re playing double dutch jump rope and you’re following the rhythm, moving with the rope to find the place to jump in. Once you get in, you jump to the rhythm for a while, a steady beat that you flow through. Toward the end you pick your moment and with ease find your way back out again. I like it when I have a memory and a visual experience with a story. Thanks, I enjoyed this read.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you, I really appreciate the compliments!

Margaret J Park, M.Div. Writer's avatar

So enjoyable! Beautiful cadence to your narrative with the descriptions of the lives of your loved ones coming to life for us. Thank you. BTW, you got the school thing handled. Don't waste a moment of time or energy on any other thought.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Lots of late nights and papers just for two measly letters after my name 😵‍💫

Allison Burnett's avatar

Wonderful. Alive and vivid!

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you! Really appreciate it

Carolyn Isabelle's avatar

Happy birthday! Love that you're choosing to pursue your nursing degree while being a dad, husband, son, and emerging writer. As a mom of two sons just a little older than yourself, I appreciate your words. Thank you for sharing.

Che Ivan Morrison's avatar

Thank you for the birthday wishes!