28 Comments
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Mary Dean's avatar

So glad to hear from you, Rachel. Perhaps you know that in all the iterations of your joy, pain, love, and loss, you are a trusted voice, a courageous companion, a gentle comforting light. Thank you for telling your story with vulnerability. It reminds me I’m not alone. Grateful for you, my encouraging friend.

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Rachel Swan's avatar

MARY! Oh friend, we are not alone. Here is my hand. Let me hold yours for a little while. It's nice.

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Maggie Passmore's avatar

I have missed reading your words, so happy to read this. And I was literally just thinking of you this morning, it being barely a week until PI Day and all!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

It's funny, we made plans with a friend, for the 14th. She was the one who reminded us it was Pi day! The longest short 5 years ago I'll never forget. Hello friend.

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Suzanne's avatar

Sending big love to your big, tender heart. xo

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Rachel Swan's avatar

I need that, and my heart thanks you. And I thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

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Cathy's avatar

I thought the audio was going to be that stupid computer-generated voice (you know the one), and when it was YOUR very real very human self, I actually choked up. Made my day/week to "hear" from you. Love you, Rachel, and that awesome light of yours. Shine on.

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Oh friend, thank you for this. You know how when you were young, and you heard your own voice in a video someone took or a recording you had to make maybe for a homework assignment? That has ALWAYS been true for me. I have hated the sound of my voice. But sometime over the last year or so I have begun the practice of loving what I think I hate and just getting past my own body stuff, which in this case includes my voice. So truly, thank you for this validation to just get over myself.

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C. Kristian Clauser's avatar

So wonderful to hear your voice again, Rachel. I know you have much more that you could say. Here’s hoping that you keep on sharing… ❤️

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Rachel Swan's avatar

With encouragement like that, let the writing begin, again. Hello friend. ❤️

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Karen Tarbuck-Nelson's avatar

So wonderful to have you back again! You are such an inspiration and bring joy with your words and a smile to the faces of many - with or without pie!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Oh my heart. This has been the thing that has held me back. What could I possibly say without the pie strings attached that would have value? Truth: if people were only around for the pie, they weren't in it for the point of it anyway. Thank you for your heart and words.

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Kim Olstad's avatar

Sweet Pie Day, what a delightful bite this morsel is… so glad to catch a glimpse of you and share a bit of zoom space… loved hearing this in your own voice! Way to dive right in!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Thank you friend. Finding my voice, leaning in, so glad to have you in my life.

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Kim Olstad's avatar

Same!

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Wendi Zelkin Rosenstein's avatar

Hello Love,

Time heals, strengthens and shows us all what really matters and what to leave behind. I will always encourage you to find your bliss. XOXO

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Rachel Swan's avatar

And you, my dear friend, are one of my most favorite encouragers of all time. I love you so dear one. There is a HUGE hug in these words just for you.

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Sue Leibnitz's avatar

Great to see you back! I just got started in Substack yesterday!!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Congrats friend. Love seeing you here and anywhere.

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Cat Thompson's avatar

Welcome back honey. You've been missed. You are a bringer of joy, of love and beauty, and of pie. You don't need to be any more than that. I would be honored to be a step parent to you and give you all the accolades that are yours. You have been through so much, and have faced your choices with dignity, responsibility and an open heart. Who could not love you? You epitomize the best of your parents, and I know your dad is busting with pride at who you are. What can we do to support you? You are seen, loved and cherished for exactly who you are right now, no change needed. Much much love to you and Rachett, and maybe we can share pie this summer and watch cats play. xoxox

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Should I ever forget, I just need to say so. Your reminder is such a gift. Yes, you are a parent of mine, stepping alongside me. Yes, I promise to make it so. Cats, backyards, love. ❤️

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Irene Andersen's avatar

OMG! Just the other day realized I hadn’t heard your fun, thoughtful, intriguing voice in forever! I can’t believe it’s been a year. Hope you’ve been taking care of yourself! Looking forward to hearing what you’ve been up to. Peace, lady!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

Awwwww. My fun, thoughtful, even intriguing voice, you're sweet! What do you want, a pie or something? Thanks for the love. More to come surely. xo

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Henning Diane's avatar

I miss you too. God bless you and efforts made. You are very focused and will get through this.

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Rachel Swan's avatar

It's true--I will. And thank you for the blessing. God is good. I am loved. So are you.

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Willy's avatar

I was just thinking about you. Partly after eating a super cold orange after a sweaty snow removal session, but also as I start planning for my work Pi Day. Pi love you!

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Rachel Swan's avatar

I love this so much! And how could I forget: occasional SAUNA HOST! We'll get back to it and I just love you.

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Michelle Mascaro's avatar

Joy! So very glad to hear from you!

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