23 Comments
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Anne Silver Mondinot's avatar

Oh Erica, your piece here is sublime. I hardly breathed as I read it, feeling myself teetering on that footstool right beside you, peaking in with the flashlight to see if they were still in the box. Thank you so much for your tender voice and your singular insights. Your words are a gift.

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Anne, this was the most beautiful comment to wake up to - I can't thank you enough. I will treasure this. x

Juliette Mansour's avatar

Went back and re-read this... I didn't want them to leave... I felt this so thoroughly. And if you knew what I was feeling that same day you posted this - you may see it tonight/tomorrow whenever you get to this. Your writing is always so inspiring to me. Thank you.

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Hi lovely. I have had a really difficult few weeks and I haven't really been around - but I did see this comment, and promised to get back to it when I was able to. I just want you to know that your words were a small beacon of light while I was sitting with a -lot- of darkness and so, I'm incredibly grateful. I also wanted you to know that I read your piece too and will be revisiting it as soon as I can - I just need to get through the next few days. x

Juliette Mansour's avatar

I'm just seeing this now, been offline for a short bit. I'm glad to be a small light in your space but sad about the darkness. I hope as I write this that you find your way through asap. Too many of us out here need your inspiration, Erica. xoxo

Dani Netherclift's avatar

Gorgeous, tender words, Erica x

Rachelle's avatar

"They just don’t need their mother’s voices at this age."

This made me so sad. I needed my mother's voice at every age. 💔

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

You are both so fortunate. x

Donal McKernan's avatar

The heath around us was filled with peppery smells and alive with the nip and dash of honeyeaters. We hiked west to where all the boulders were whiskered with lichen. - Tim Winton, Breath

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

The incomparable Tim Winton. ♡ Thank you. 🙏

Jon Gibbs's avatar

Beautiful words Erica😀

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Thanks Jon. xx

Conny Borgelioen's avatar

Erica, your words are a tender, aching reminder of how love and letting go are woven together. Beautiful!

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Thanks Conny. I really appreciate that. x

Michela Griffith's avatar

As I read this, my heart edged up my throat. Nature has a way of softening us. You write so beautifully, and I love the furniture of your practice: the outdoor desk, the stool. How lovely to find ‘meep’ in a post!

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

You’re so kind, Michela, thank you. Nature has been relentless in its teachings this year. Acceptance seems to be the lesson of the season. :\ How great is ‘meep’! It was the only sound I had to describe their baby squawks - also, they were so muppet-like, I couldn’t resist. ;)

Susanne Helmert's avatar

Wow, this is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Thank you for reading. xx

JILL.PHOTOS's avatar

How beautiful! Fledge... oh my. And: "popcorned their way through the forest"! This is so lovely and evocative. Thank you for the music to read by. Perfect, lovely.

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

Thank you so much. x

Manuela Thames's avatar

So good, Erica. You are such a good writer!

Erica A. Wheadon's avatar

You’re so kind. Thank you. x