20 Comments
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Maggie Alderson's avatar

This is absolutely beautiful, Gabrielle. It made me laugh, it made me well up. Thank you xxx

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, Maggie, I'm glad you liked it!

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Sally's avatar

You certainly added warmth, fun, laughter (and ice-cream) to the lives of my children, Gabrielle xx

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

They're still special to both Mr. Los Angeles and me, Sally! xx

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Angela Mary Patrick's avatar

Thankyou for sharing

Honestly written in a positive way, that others can relate to,

and you spread sparkle through your blogs

Which I love

Ax

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, dear cousin, this brought a smile to my face!

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Anneke Campbell's avatar

Love this, Gabrielle. It reminded me of a couple of fabulous women who provided inspiration, solace and mentoring for me while growing up, and who were "career women," not mothers. And I imagine and empathize with your disappointment in not having become a mother yourself, but I am sure you provide those gifts for the children in your life.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thanks, Anneke, and here's to all the women who have lit the path for all of us as we have stumbled through our lives. There have been so many of them!

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Alan Hertz's avatar

Really touching piece this time, Gabrielle. Thanks so much!

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, Alan, I'm so glad you liked it!

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Patti Barber's avatar

You’ve always been so important to all our children.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, Patti, I'm pretty fond of them too!

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JSS's avatar

Oh Gabrielle, your words are food for the soul. As a friend of many years standing, I would say you have added sparkle aplenty to the lives of those of us

fortunate enough to know you. And that’s quite enough of that…

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

It is indeed, June, but lovely to know anyway! Thank you!

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Clare Wormell's avatar

This is beautiful Gabrielle.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thank you, Clare!

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K E Koblitz's avatar

Beautifully written and most generous in sharing your deepest feelings of disappointment in not having a family and how you have come to embrace it. Now I know who you named your cat after..... You are lucky to have had such amazing aunts and know you are just as great role model to the younger generation in your family.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thanks, Karen, we all have to find our way in this weary world and here's to doing so as best we can ...

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Patricia Danaher's avatar

Thank you for this honest and generous sharing of your experience, as well as those top aunts of yours.

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Gabrielle Donnelly's avatar

Thanks, Patricia, I'm a great fan of aunts, and indeed, cousins.

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