19 Comments
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Mary Ryherd's avatar

We live in Texas. Hours from the Hill Country where the catastrophic flooding occurred and yet it feels very close to home.

One of the 8 yr old girls who died was a classmate of my granddaughter. A dark world… Grief beyond description.

Let us all do what we can, when we can to bring a little light. Cherish your loved ones. Love your little ones. Read one more bedtime story. And yes, the nightlight

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for your words, Mary.

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JL Gerhardt's avatar

Your writing always makes me feel like the world is friendlier.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you.

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Dawn's avatar

This is lovely. Thank you.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Dawn.

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Tresta Payne's avatar

I sighed in agreement, feeling all the same things but not being able to put them to words like you. Just beautiful. The world is dark enough but this was good light.

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Sarah Bessey's avatar

Perfect, Shawn, exactly

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Sarah.

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Drew Brown's avatar

Wow, this is the type of writing I hope to read more of and someday produce. I'm so grateful for your words and your ability to let big questions remain big questions. These days I'm not interested in pat answers but in mystery, tragedy, and somehow finding beauty in the midst of it. Thank you for reminding me of this.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

You're very kind, Drew. Thanks.

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Lisa's avatar

Thank you for the quote. I often think about walking in the 'country of grief'. Your thoughts make me wish I lived near your bookstore so I could visit its shelves and space.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Well, you know where to find us. :)

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Linda MacKillop's avatar

Love your thoughtful writing.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thank you, Linda.

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Joan Stoneking's avatar

“Isn’t the world dark enough?” Indeed!! I love how you show us how to be light-bearers in our own little ways, in our own little worlds. Reading this was a deep sigh of gentle hope that I can actually make a difference too.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Joan.

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HJ Corning's avatar

You sound like an amazing dad!

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Well, I try. With plenty of mistakes along the way.

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