35 Comments
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Antony's avatar

As a father who loves his daughter like she’s the world. And who never sees her because…well. Bus rides I guess.

He only ever was concerned if your happiness in finding your own success. Life isn’t promised, so always make it good and don’t waste time.

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you for sharing this Antony. I feel the tenderness tucked between your words. 💕

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Rabbi Melinda Bernstein 🕊️'s avatar

You’re really blessed to have this treasured memory.

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Deanna Fry's avatar

Debra, your words moved me deeply. As someone who has also lost a parent, I felt every emotion you conveyed. Thank you for sharing your heart and allowing us to feel alongside you. Your vulnerability is a gift. 💛

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Stephanie Marie's avatar

This was so achingly beautiful, Debra. Sending love. ❤️

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Debra King's avatar

Thanks so much Stephanie ❤️

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Jenifer Walsh's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing your heart. You very eloquently stated the complexity of your relationship in a very, very kind and loving way. I hope you always feel the weight of that hug and know how deserving you are. ❤️🫂

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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

Thank you for sharing

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you for reading Jeff. 💕

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Lisa Di Capua's avatar

So beautiful and heartfelt, Debra. Thank you for sharing this. My story is different, of course, but missing my Dad feels much the same.

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you Lisa. It means so much to know you felt something familiar in my words. 💛

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Thomas Cargen's avatar

This hit hard. Very beautiful, and as a dad, I hope, I try, to be this to my children, and anyone else who needs it. Thanks for sharing. A tear welled, filled with your words but it ran as something else.

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you Thomas. The world needs more dads like you. 💕

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Thomas Cargen's avatar

Thank you ❤️

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Just Because's avatar

Debra, you captured your emotions so well with your words! The moment of silence before you heard your name hit my gut! You are so talented! I miss my mother. She died 2 years ago and I still miss her greatly….

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you so much. Keep carrying her in your heart, sometimes that’s the fiercest kind of strength there is. Sending you love. ❤️

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Rea de Miranda's avatar

Oh my goodness, Debra! This touched my heart. He knows, and he's so proud of you! 💓💗🩷

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you Rea, your kindness touches me deeply. Thank you.🩷

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Saira Anwar's avatar

Debs, this piece is extraordinary, my friend. I don’t even know where to begin because it touched so many places in me. From that quiet moment on the bus to the whispered goodbye at his bedside, every part held such deep tenderness, grief, and love. You honoured your dad,not as a perfect man, but as the one who showed up when it mattered,and that truth lands with such weight.

The way you wove memory, ache, and gratitude into this was breathtaking. That line,“he made me feel like I was everything”,just wrecked me. And “He didn’t stay long, but he stayed long enough to love me”, it holds grief and love in equal measure. You didn’t romanticise the pain, you honoured the love that survived it.

Thank you for sharing the final image. It brought everything full circle in the most gentle, aching way. You’ve created something here that feels like a place to breathe. A place to remember. A place to heal.

Quietly brave. Deeply moving. Unforgettable. So much love to you, always. ❤️‍🩹🤗🫶🏻😭✨

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you for your kind words Saira. I wanted to hold that messy, honest truth close, and it means so much to know it reached you. Thank you for reading and I'm sending love right back to you my friend. ❤️

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Saira Anwar's avatar

My pleasure, my friend. You held that messy, honest truth with such grace, and I’m truly honoured to have read it. I always love reading your work. Thank you for sharing it with us. I’m still carrying so many of your words with me. Sending love and softness right back to you, always. ❤️‍🩹❤️✨

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Regina McIntosh's avatar

So love this

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you Regina ❤️

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Veronika Bond's avatar

your poetry brings tears to my eyes and pierces my heart.

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you for feeling this so deeply Veronika. It’s an honor to share these pieces.❤️

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Priya | The Pretend Poet's avatar

This is so powerful, Deb

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you Priya 💕

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Steve Cole's avatar

Very powerful. Well done!

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Debra King's avatar

Thanks so much Steve 💕

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Lisa Marie Lawler's avatar

Relate to this 🫶 Have been writing about my Dad here too. It feels like grieving and healing at the same time. Lovely read 🙏

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Debra King's avatar

Thank you. I've found that grieving and healing often dance together, messy and beautiful. I’m grateful you connected with the piece. Sending you strength on your journey. 🫶

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