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Feb 9, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

The grief journey is the hardest work we do during the most awful pain in our lives... I love that you write so well about your journey. It is so encouraging! Thanks for your honesty and transparency. Stay on this journey, you have many followers... 🖤

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Thank you, Janet! I wish you didn’t know how hard this work is, but I’m so glad you’re here.

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Feb 8, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

It is so helpful to read these posts. I wish you never had to write them, and I wish I didn't need what they provide, but here we are. Thank you for this and love to you.

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Thank you, Amy! I hate that you know this pain—and I’m so sorry that you’re in the thick of it right now—but I admire greatly how you’re talking about it.

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I took several deep breaths while reading this. It's been 46 years since the first love of my life, my dog Honey, died suddenly. She jumped our fence (which she had a habit of) and ran under our car as we were leaving for church. I've had other sudden death experiences, most recently my mom (heart attack). I absolutely struggle with the idea that no matter how good things seem, it could disappear in a second. I appreciate you describing the lead up to, the anniversary and the after-period. I definitely experienced a lot of stress in the lead up to the anniversary of my mom's death, some peace and release on the day of, but I've been very surprised by the tumultuous weeks after.

Lots of love to you. 5 years is both a lot and the blink of any eye.

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Karen, the grief after a death anniversary can be so sneaky! Sending love right back to you.

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Katie, whenever I read these, I want to send you that GIF of the scene in Monsters Inc., when John Goodman's big blue monster character James P. Sullivan hugs the little girl. I so feel for what you've gone through. I wish I had something to say that would make it all better, but all I can say is I see you and hear you -- and wish you, Billy and baby all the best.

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Oh, I love that GIF (and movie!). Thanks for the big Sully hug. It means a lot.

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Thank you for sharing your journey. I have a post-it note on my desk with a quote from Marie Forleo, as a reminder to myself (daily) to reevaluate the stories I'm telling myself: "Please do not waste time hurting yourself with made up stories. Stop using your imagination to harm yourself and make yourself feel like poo." Sometimes we think we are protecting ourselves and our loved ones by taking the "safe" approach. Kudos to you for doing the hard work of deep reflection on such a traumatic event and becoming more self-aware. <3

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What a good reminder! Thank you for sharing.

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Feb 8, 2022Liked by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Katie, I relate so well. I have always been completely “ process oriented”. Meaning I have always found the nirvana during the whole process of learning and creating. Reaching the finish line was actually a bit of a let down. It makes the journey itself “ the goal”. Maybe Jamie felt that too.

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Oh, I love that thought. Thank you ❤️

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That was an inspiring read and it sounds like you are finally on the road to recovery. Just keep going.

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Thanks, Pennie <3

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