17 Comments
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Elaine Kasket's avatar

Lou, you’re like a little miracle. Thank you. Xoxoxo

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Louise Coghlan's avatar

Thank you sooooo much Elaine 💖💖💖 for reading all this & especially for this really lovely comment xxx

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Martha Dalton's avatar

Good morning. I’ve just finished listening to this - it’s tremendous. I love it. Well done. Thanks for sharing. You make the world a better place xx

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Kelly C's avatar

Yet another amazing post. Always gives us something to think about x

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Margaret's avatar

Hi Lou I'm always a bit behind with your substacks I like to listen so that means waiting until I get a chance to do it all in one go I never broke the word down into friend and ship but its very apt as the real friends are the ones who travel with you through the bumpy path that is life

They keep coming back keep the texts going until you can meet in person They keep secrets fears and worries to themselves and know when to offer advice And your so right it does take effort but it's worth it

I was told once ...don't give up if you get no replies because sometimes people can't even send a reply but keep the contact don't be the one to break the chain

God bless you always

Margaret (Granny Mags)💜💛

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Liz's avatar

Beautiful Louise well done hope your feeling a lot better

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imelda's avatar

Beautiful words louise well done

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Cathy's avatar

I loved this essay and it was a good reminder for me. Thank you.

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Ancestral Ephemera's avatar

Oh Louise! This was just beautiful! Brought me to tears! Your ship analogy brough to mind the word "buoy", as in our friends bouy us up through hard times. And gave me a moment to reflect on those amazing people in my life (like you!) who bring a ray of light into my life, and help me navigate the sad and hard times. And that dance mash-up! Love those old classic routines set to newer music!

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Tracy O’Brien's avatar

A wonderful letter, thank you Lou 🙏

I am so glad to count you as a friend, it is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to support you on this journey.

Lots of love my friend 😘😘

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Adeline Laird's avatar

Hi lou I really enjoy reading listening to this substack the are all brilliant 👏 well done

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Joan O'Hara's avatar

Thank you Louise for great reading on a grim Monday for everyone with a heart that is affected by such sad news stories & thank you for being my friend and helping me steer the ship when its rocky sending hugs and love to you I know how you feeling this week so happy Granny is showing you how close she is with all the signs God bless her and you everyday 🦋🌈💖💖

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Mary Fitzgerald's avatar

Beautiful Lou lovely to listen. Xx. Thank you for being you, ❤️

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lauren deborah | they/she 🌈🐆's avatar

Lovely Lou! What a beautiful letter to friendship, I loved every part of this and was sitting here feeling so grateful I get your words on Mondays. What a great start to the week. I am so thankful for your friendship!

P.S. Thank you for the shoutout. It was totally our pleasure to be there with you, you are a star and that session was pure joy xx

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Carmel Mctaggart's avatar

That was so beautiful Louise I have to thank god for that very special friend called Lynne in my life we have been there for eachother always without question and I am so lucky to have her in my life Lynne lives in Donegal but she has always been there for me over the last 27 years and meeting you Louise was wonderful your such a kind and caring person and you keep us all looking up thank you friend X

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Jane Cahane's avatar

Wonderful post Louise - thank you for your excellent demonstrations in our weekend writers' group of the giving & taking and open sharing that is the true nature of friendship! Was also great to see you referencing CS Lewis, who was also my inspiration at the beginning of my writing and spiritual journeys. Bless you!

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Kay's avatar

This is so beautiful. Thank you for putting words to it, and leaving them here where I could find them, and find you. Here's to old friends and new!

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