33 Comments
Feb 9, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I love this essay. I also lost my mother when I was a child (10), and I treasure her mementos, including clothes and albums. They suggest to me, like they do for Carmel, a woman who was more than my mom, who I didn’t get to know as an adult knows another. Thank you for sharing this.

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I'm sorry you also lost your mother so young. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can imagine how complex and sad that must be to not to have known your mom as an adult. I'm glad you have those mementos!

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Thank you for reading my essay, and sharing a little of your own experience. I'm truly sorry for your loss. It's heartbreaking for a little girl to lose her mom. I see you.

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Carmel’s writing is gorgeous! The audio version adds another very welcome personal layer. Thanks for this! Also: can I hire her to record all of my posts? 😂

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Thanks, Jillian! And, I know! That voice!

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Thank you so much, Jillian! I really appreciate your kind words. And yes, I'm available to record! :) lol

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So so beautiful, such incredible writing ❤️

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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And I agree! ❤️

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Lola, thank you so much for this lovely comment. I really appreciate it.

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Absolutely gorgeous, Carmel. Thank you for telling these honest stories about mother loss.

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It's such a lovely piece.

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Thank you so much , Cheryl. I really appreciate your encouragement and these kind words.

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Feb 11, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I adore this piece. The writing is so beautiful and heartfelt. I lost my mom at 15 so it really resonates with me. The other thing I really love is how Carmel embraces the power of music, which I believe to be the greatest gift we have.

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Thanks for your kind words, Grace. I'm sorry you lost your mom so young. It changes the whole trajectory of your life. And, yes, music is so potent and healing!

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Thank you Jane. So sorry this reply comes late but I'm barely ever on Substack.

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Thank you so much, Grace. I really appreciate your kind words and feedback.

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Feb 10, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

So beautiful. My mother was a singer too.

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Thanks, Max. Singing moms are wonderful!

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Thank you, Maxine.

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Gorgeous!! I experienced all the feels while reading.

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Aw, thanks, Peg. I know just what you mean!

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Thanks so much, Peg. I appreciate you.

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Thank you for your beautiful essay. It truly resonates with me. I look forward to reading your memoir, Carmel!❤️

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I look forward to reading it, as well!

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I love your Substack!🙌

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Thank you!

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Thank you so much, Cynthia. That means a lot to me.

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

So beautifully written, Carmel!!

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Isn't it lovely!

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Feb 9, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Yes!! <3

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That means so much, Erin, thank you!

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Yes, I can imagine that would be hard. As soon as you have children, the world feels so different. Wishing your whole family long and healthy lives!

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Thank you for reading my piece and for your kind words, Garrett. Sending my best wishes to you and your family.

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