What a wonderful story. Modern communication technology is a real mixed bag from a social perspective. But your ability to reach out to someone who is fascinated by the world but cannot see it themselves is definitely a positive aspect of it.
Many of my Substack friends seem closer to me that those in my town that I see maybe once a week. This article shows how writing can become a very intimate bonding between people, where stories run deeper between people.
People who read my books and essays know me better than friends and family members who do not. It’s intimate to read someone else’s thoughts and not easy to be so clear and open in face to face conversations. Yes, we can bond through words alone.
Thanks for sharing that wonderful story, Claire! It’s been one of the best surprises about Substack, that I’ve found so many people willing to connect, even if briefly most of the time. Your travel stories have been a joy to read and savor the photos, and I always remember it was your story about your grandmother that first grabbed my attention. I’m so glad Robin is still enjoying your travels as well!
Thank you, Doc! It's a pleasure to have you on board. I love it, too, how people spontaneously respond to one another's stories: I've met so many interesting readers and writers this way.
Robin and i became friends in the 80s. When I am with her, listening to and absorbing her ideas, I feel smarter. She is one of those people who bring out the best in you.
Oh, to have a Robin is to have a treasure in your pocket, a secret knowledge that changes everything. Cheers to your friendship, one of beautiful words and inquisitiveness. 💜
Thank you, Jeanine. I think I should write a piece about riding bicycles everywhere in the world, Egypt, Vietnam, Japan, etc. I feel my freedom the best on two wheels.
Thank you for sharing this story with us but most of all, thank you and her for allowing the story to evolve. Oh, how we need others to encourage us, to show interest in what we have written as we pour out our life experience or simply share snippets of the day's happenings.
Yes. We need others to encourage us indeed, and Robin was a choir for me. She still travels with me in my mind to so many places, urging me to look more carefully and ask more questions.
Such a beautiful story. As a health care professional, I could see from your photo that Robin was unwell when you finally met. Is she still with us?
Yes, she is! She still has multiple health problems, but she is taking care of herself, with the help from her doctors, as best as she can.
Beautiful!
Thank you!
That's wonder to have such a great support like Robin. Sometimes writing for just one person is all that we need to keep going
Yes, indeed. It helps to write for an ideal reader. Mine happens to be real.
A truly beautiful and inspiring story!
Thank you, Kristin!
What a wonderful story. Modern communication technology is a real mixed bag from a social perspective. But your ability to reach out to someone who is fascinated by the world but cannot see it themselves is definitely a positive aspect of it.
Thank you, Brad! I agree about the mixed bag side of things. But I’m grateful that online networks can facilitate real connections between people.
great story
Thanks, Brent!
What a lovely lovely story about two lovely people.
Thank you, Michael ☺️❤️☀️
Many of my Substack friends seem closer to me that those in my town that I see maybe once a week. This article shows how writing can become a very intimate bonding between people, where stories run deeper between people.
People who read my books and essays know me better than friends and family members who do not. It’s intimate to read someone else’s thoughts and not easy to be so clear and open in face to face conversations. Yes, we can bond through words alone.
Thanks for sharing that wonderful story, Claire! It’s been one of the best surprises about Substack, that I’ve found so many people willing to connect, even if briefly most of the time. Your travel stories have been a joy to read and savor the photos, and I always remember it was your story about your grandmother that first grabbed my attention. I’m so glad Robin is still enjoying your travels as well!
Thank you, Doc! It's a pleasure to have you on board. I love it, too, how people spontaneously respond to one another's stories: I've met so many interesting readers and writers this way.
Very fortunate. Nice to meet you too.
Robin and i became friends in the 80s. When I am with her, listening to and absorbing her ideas, I feel smarter. She is one of those people who bring out the best in you.
Nice to meet you, Karen! And, yes, Robin brings out the best in people. How fortunate that you have been friends for so long.
Oh, to have a Robin is to have a treasure in your pocket, a secret knowledge that changes everything. Cheers to your friendship, one of beautiful words and inquisitiveness. 💜
Thanks Sherry! I like that metaphor—a secret treasure in my pocket!
I loved this essay the first time I read it, Claire, and it's wonderful again, second time. Also, your photo of you on bike at Angkor Watt, wow.
Thank you, Jeanine. I think I should write a piece about riding bicycles everywhere in the world, Egypt, Vietnam, Japan, etc. I feel my freedom the best on two wheels.
I really think you should, Claire! It’s inventive and would be fun.
Thanks, Jeanine!
Thank you for sharing this story with us but most of all, thank you and her for allowing the story to evolve. Oh, how we need others to encourage us, to show interest in what we have written as we pour out our life experience or simply share snippets of the day's happenings.
Yes. We need others to encourage us indeed, and Robin was a choir for me. She still travels with me in my mind to so many places, urging me to look more carefully and ask more questions.
This was soooooo, sooooooo beautiful. Here's to you and Robin--thank you both for this lovely post.....
Thank you, Diana!
Thank you, dear Claire. I am deeply touched by this.
And thank you, lieve Robin! You did more for me than I can express.