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MaryBeth Lathrop's avatar

This is a fantastic piece. You just keep shepherding all those who need it. I do the same with my grown children when they let me. They seem perfectly able to take care of themselves but you'll never convince a mother of such things. Thank you for a read I'll not soon forget.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you, MaryBeth. I know all of my grown kids can take care of themselves too. Why do we keep believing we're still the saviors?

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Maria R's avatar

Your words always ring some reality to me, the shepherding is such a good analogy. One never truly understands anyone else's struggles. I think of you often, and will keep you and your black sheep in my thoughts this holiday season.

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thank you, dear soul. Sending a huge hug in return.

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Jennifer L.W. Fink's avatar

This sentence is a treasure: "The problem has never been reconciling my own black sheep back into the fold but rather tending to the pious townspeople on the hill." Your whole post, a beautiful rendition and expression of love. I will be thinking of it throughout this holiday season (and beyond).

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Bridget Young's avatar

Thanks, Jennifer. Wishing you the best this season with a home full of boys.

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Molly McCormick's avatar

Great post - I love the take on shepherding, mixing it in with the reality of what it means to be a shepherd. Your thoughts have altered my childhood narrative and helped me give a nod to those who are shepherding their friends, family and life these days.

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Bridget Young's avatar

The highest of compliments, this is. Thank you for being here, for being open, for witnessing my stories. I'm honored.

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Gina's avatar

What a wonderful piece you wrote and how I can resonate! I, too, have had a wayward child at a young age. I loved what you said about how you say goodbye after a visit , the words exchanged between you. And sleeping on the edge of a mountain, if you had to - I feel ya there! I feel your love, pain and everything else that you share here! I'm with you - from one heart and soul mom to another. ❤️

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Bridget Young's avatar

I know you are! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I'm so grateful we're doing this together.

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