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Unrestricted Interest's avatar

Perhaps life is simply another fallen log balance beam. Always leap at the end. Something, even if it's the underbrush of memories you've left inside others (which I just learned is also known as "the O horizon"!), will catch you.

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Julie Chavez's avatar

It is the anger of: too soon. It is the joy of: to have known her at all. I love the way you captured this with words. I'm sorry she's gone.

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Chris Fuhrman's avatar

Yes daughter, tears do fall down even when you’re doing a headstand. They also climb back up into your heart to rest and later blossom.

Sending extra love to you all today Courtney ❤️

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Louise Dunlap's avatar

This stirs up so much. The fourth big-hearted woman in my circles to die these past weeks, "not of COVID," but surely affected by the energy of these sickness times . Plus children creating their own rituals for mourning. We sure do need them. I learned a few years ago that my ancestors in "New England," the ones who are called "Founders," considered mourning a sin--it meant you were questioning God's will. I think that's why some of us have no traditions for dealing with grief. We need to rediscover them and we need to learn from the 7-year-olds. Thank you for this beautiful story, Courtney.

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Courtney Martin's avatar

Thank you Louise. Love you. Always learning from you.

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vicki cotter's avatar

my heart breaks for all who knew this wonderful woman. and, always, thank you for using your words in such profound ways

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sarahjane's avatar

The swaying trees remind of the ancient Hebrews swaying as they prayed. I suppose children have always known how to mourn when their wise and loving parents gave space for them to do so. What better place than the woods?

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Melissa Walker's avatar

I am so sorry, Courtney.

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Mavis Moon's avatar

I'm so sorry.

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Stuart, Kari's avatar

love you

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Suzi Banks Baum's avatar

Oh golly. The woods. And you all. Love, S

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Laurie Kigner's avatar

Thank you for sharing. I am so sad for you, for her, for all who knew her. And your sharing helps me, through the welling of tears, process bits of what I have been holding... so many things.

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Kay Lindahl's avatar

Oh Courtney, I am so sorry to hear this. Nature is the best place to take this sense of loss and mourn. She holds us in her arms when our hearts are breaking.

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Courtney Martin's avatar

Thank you Kay. Sending love to you.

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Ann Marie's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful remembrance and tribute to all teachers who listen and love and give. 7 year olds have so much to teach us.

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Jeff Bradach's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss, Courtney -- and wish peace for the loss felt by so many this teacher touched. Thank you for sharing about her amazingness and how you and your family are facing it all.

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Courtney Martin's avatar

Thanks so much dear Jeff.

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Terry Vatrt's avatar

Sadness. Tears. Unambiguous loss.

Sorry for everyone’s loss.

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Stefanie Weiss's avatar

So so sorry for your loss, Courtney.

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