27 Comments
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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

I’m not crying, you’re crying. What a gorgeous tribute to Bob, and your original family.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, Mary. Writing it made me cry, too. <3

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Ginni Simpson's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful and profound essay. Bob was most definitely a gift to you and your family. It is profound when we become adult orphans and our family of origin is gone, and you’ve offered some beautiful philosophical gems for readers to cherish as they move through their lives—and also spoken for those of us who’ve already walked some of those same paths. You’ve touched my heart. Thank you.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Such kind words, Ginni. Thank you. I appreciate you being here. <3

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Kari Roetman's avatar

Beautiful story and a beautiful tribute to Bob and to family - I loved reading this.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, Kari. <3

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Amy - The Tonic's avatar

RIP sweet Bob. Thank you for sharing him with us. And for your vulnerability and beautiful writing 🫶🏻

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thanks so much, friend. 💙

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Joy V. 🌵✨'s avatar

This was beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, Joy. <3

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Sarelle McCoard's avatar

Thank you Katrina, this essay moved me to tears. Such a beautiful tribute to your family, three generations of family. Bob sounds like a wonderful and patient man and I am sorry for your loss, all of the losses. I saw that fingernail moon the other night and now I will think about this essay when I see it again.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Oh, Sarelle, the fingernail moon. It's so magical, and it holds so much for me. Thank you for your sweet condolences. <3

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Wendy Wolf's avatar

The world is a darker place without your mom and Bob in it. Beautiful tribute.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

It most definitely is, Wendy. They were both sunshine. <3

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Heidi's avatar

This is a lovely tribute. Wishing you peace.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, Heidi. <3

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MsJamie's avatar

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your tribute was so beautiful it moved me to tears. Rest in peace, Bob.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, MsJamie. <3

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Julia Park Tracey's avatar

This is so lovely. And thank you for the lesson – my daughters have all grown and flown, and I feel bereft, however, you reminded me that I taught them to fly with their own wings and not count on me to carry them. Of course I’m here to catch them if they fall, But I appreciate the reminder. Thank you for sharing Bob with us. We saw that fingernail moon as well. Sending you much love.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, my friend. <3

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Joanie Madsen's avatar

Feeling your heart woven throughout. Easy and gentle care, Katrina. Dear Bob, such a gem. Big bear hugs. 🫂

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you so much, Joanie. <3

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Leslie Ann's avatar

Very nice, Katrina.

Sending Love. 🩵

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Thank you, Leslie Ann. <3

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Matt Bays's avatar

A lovely tribute. There are some really special people out there.

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Katrina Anne Willis's avatar

Some very special ones. Love you, Matty Matt Matt. <3

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Michele Peters's avatar

Thank you for sharing Bob with us. My heart aches in solidarity with you, Katrina. I understand being the oldest left in the family, and I understand having your children spread far and wide. The passage of time goes so quickly and, every once in awhile, my heart flutters in panic with many of the same thoughts: Do they know they can come to me at any time? Will they? Do they know how much I love them? Will they be okay when I am gone? So. Many. Thoughts.

Anyway, hugs to you for all the feelings. All of them.

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