24 Comments
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Kimi Harris's avatar

A wise counselor in my life told me that the things the Lord has given to me to do may not be realized in my life, but could be fulfilled in my children or grandchildren’s lives. That thought has stayed with me when I’ve faced discouragement.

also: I hope for many more Smucker books to be found in bookstores — including your own!

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Kimi. You're very kind.

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Jan Yanello's avatar

Thank you for sharing your counselor’s words, Kimi. They are meaningful to me.

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Jody L. Collins's avatar

Oh my, Shawn..... thank you for this. The perspective of investment and time and what matters. So well said.

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Karen Anderson's avatar

Your line about how our children drive off to their new life that doesn't involve us really hit home. My son and step-daughters have been gone awhile. Their ages range from 38 to 44. Yet, as I watch their lives, or at least as much as I know about their lives, I still feel waves of nostalgia. In their lifetime, I've changed in little ways. But they have become new people many times. Sometimes I grieve the little people who are no more. I'm grateful God gave us the capacity to remember.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I love that phrase, Karen: "waves of nostalgia." I can definitely identify with that.

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Alysa Bajenaru's avatar

The Overstory is one I want to read again because of the beautiful perspective. Thank you for sharing this, my son will be leaving the nest soon.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I'm enjoying it so much.

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Josh Brake's avatar

What a sweet relationship continuing to develop with your son. I hope for the same someday, currently being in the stage of your cousins. Thank you for sharing.

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Brittany Tinsley's avatar

Poignant and beautiful!

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Kris Camealy's avatar

So timely and needed. Thank you, friend.

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Kelly Flanagan's avatar

"How can I ever completely understand the part I’m playing? . . . Redwoods work a plan that will take a thousand years to realize." I needed this more today than you could know. Thanks, Shawn.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for your encouragement, Kelly.

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Sherry V. Chidwick's avatar

And now I don't need to add my own comment. Kelly here has already written it, nearly verbatim. 💜

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Kristine Neeley's avatar

Appreciate this message, today.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading, Kristine.

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Catherine Johnson's avatar

You are a wonderful writer. Thank you !

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Catherine.

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Lucy S. R. Austen's avatar

Your conclusion--yes, that, exactly.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Lucy.

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Emily Barnett's avatar

This was so encouraging. And made me long for another Smucker novel, too. 😊

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

:)

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Kristen West McGuire's avatar

I needed this today...thank you

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I think I did, too. Thanks for reading, Kristen.

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