32 Comments
User's avatar
Lesly Pyle's avatar

I'm not crying, your scaffolding is crying.

Jacqueline Leak's avatar

Unbelievably beautiful. Life in transition is something so hard to grasp and you always capture its true destination. Thank you Debra.

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you so much, Jackie! xx

Louise Smith's avatar

This is so beautiful.

Debra Fried's avatar

Oh, thank you so much Louise!

Not Exactly Ana's avatar

The truth is, we never know what will happen tomorrow. Yes, it’s a fact that we go through awful things sometimes. I remember how years ago I was on the edge, and maybe I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t found the courage to keep going despite the pain. Today my life is beautiful, and it’s proof that there is always hope… even when you’re on life support, metaphorically and literally.

Jane Zamost's avatar

Your words always touch me — 💗

Debra Fried's avatar

Well, that means so much coming from you. Thank you. xx

Danielle Fried's avatar

❤️ I miss her.

Gayle Stafsky's avatar

Once again, I'm so tearful that I could not find the heart. This is one of my faves Debbie!!! Love you.

Debra Fried's avatar

Oh, I love you too, Gayley. Thank you so much. xx

Joan Voltz's avatar

This is so human and so beautiful.

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Joan! xx

Nikhil's avatar

Beautiful and moving. Your mother is smiling.

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Nikhil.

Karen McIntyre's avatar

"we pretended to be taking care of her while she took care of us." beautiful

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Karen. xx

Danny Shot's avatar

This is so beautiful. There's nothing more to say. Just beautiful.

Patricia's avatar

One of your finest, Fried. I will never look at scaffolding with scorn again.

Debra Fried's avatar

Ha - thanks, Steele. xx

Karen Brodman's avatar

This took my breath away and made me cry. It’s exactly 2 years today that she left us and it leaves a hole in my heart. It was such a journey and a heartfelt long goodbye taking care of our dear beautiful mother. Thank you for writing this. ❤️❤️

Debra Fried's avatar

Oh, Karen. I know. All of it. Thank you for being such a good sister. xx

Elizabeth Lucas's avatar

So close to my heart. Thank you!

Debra Fried's avatar

I know this topic close to your heart, Elizabeth. Sending love to you.

victoria azarian's avatar

Beautiful Debra. 😢🩷

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you so much, Victoria! xx

Jim Nolan's avatar

Wow, what a beautiful essay.

Debra Fried's avatar

Thank you, Jim.