27 Comments
User's avatar
Rebecca Shimkets's avatar

Katie, this piece moves me deeply and I'm still here absorbing the power of it. You describe a trigger in ways I haven't considered. Thank you! ❤️

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

That means so much, Rebecca! Thank YOU.

Kate's avatar

OK, now I'm getting thoroughly weepy about it all. But especially your daughter wanting to give you a hug first. Oy. Little people. You're doing some swell parenting there, Katie. Please let us know what happens.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

This is such a sweet comment! I read part of it to my kiddo and she said, “I’m famous!” (haha oh no)

Olivia Muenter's avatar

What a lovely essay.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thanks, friend!

Billy Wilcosky's avatar

At the social security office I would have held up my kid and said, “she’s alive, see!” Then probably cursed all the way home while wondering why we (humans) over complicate everything.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Hahah, I mean, if they try to turn us away tomorrow this is 100% my plan. Shew.

Josie's avatar

Well this walloped me right in the feels.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Success!!! (Ha. Love you, friend.)

Kelly Barrett's avatar

It’s such a powerful thing to not be able to numb out with screens. Letting the grief move through and surface itself.

Love this one 💙

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you, Kelly! That means so much.

Caroline's avatar

I really needed to read this today, thank you for sharing. And sending good frustrating admin vibes for your appointment!

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thanks, Caroline! 🤞

Chrissy Hennessey's avatar

Really beautiful. Sending you good vibes tomorrow! ❤️

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you! 🤞

Karen Davis's avatar

Oh Katie, sending so much love your way.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you, sweet Karen!

Hannah Iris's avatar

Oof. Katie, this is excellent writing. You gutted me with, "Beside me, my daughter blinked."

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you!

(that was my favorite line too)

Hannah Iris's avatar

Oh this makes me happy 💫

megggggggzy's avatar

This was such a wonderful piece: glad to have you back in my inbox. Hopefully third time is the charm at the Social Security office for y'all.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Thank you!! 🤞🤞

Elizabeth's avatar

“I will be grateful that I was given another chance.” ♥️

Your wisdom is my steady companion.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

That is such a kind thing to say! Thank you.

Crixcyon's avatar

By the time you retire, there will be wacko A/i robot assistants running the SS offices. Then the real fun will begin.

Katie Hawkins-Gaar's avatar

Whew. Can't wait! 🫠