39 Comments

Holly, I don't have the capacity to type all the 'Wows' that I'm wanting to wow at you, nor to describe to you the volume of very British English goosepimples I have from reading this post. EPIC. The whole thing. SUPERHERO. Amazeballs. WONDERFUL.

SO happy to have read this post, and to share in your delight for everything! 😊

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Thanks for sharing in my excitement and joy!

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I had to have that same conversation 'is it homelessness or rehab?' with my mum. It's a tough road, but she made the same decisio as your son. Thank God. All the best to you and yours.

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Such a hard thing to do, but I could not allow him to stay in his dad’s home (while he was on a job in Alaska) while he was in active addiction. I knew he was tired of the hamster wheel. Tired of the toxic relationship he was in. Tired of spending every day trying to figure out how he was going to pay for his next fix. He had people he could have gone to stay with, and I held my breath as I waited for him to decide which path he would take. And as thankful as I was that he chose rehab, it was still a very difficult day for me. I knew he was safe for the time being, but I also knew the days and weeks to come would be hell for him.

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Dec 3, 2022Liked by Holly Rabalais

❤️❤️❤️

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So happy for both of your sons as they are both taking important life steps. And yes, can we as a society focus on building longer tables instead of turning people away?

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Holly, What a post! So much to celebrate in your corner of the world and I'm so happy for you and your family. I love the idea of "building longer tables" you got me thinking. Thank you so much for sharing and my prayers continue for your brother Van. God Bless.

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If something got you thinking, then my job here is done! ;) Thanks for your prayers.

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Wow, Holly... this post just kept getting better and sweeter and more lovely with every paragraph! This is a true 'spirit of Thanksgiving' post and I can't wait to share it. I am so happy for your family and even Levi the dog! I'm so glad you shared these reflections. Thank you.

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Thanks for joining us in all the excitement, joy, and thanksgiving, John!

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Nov 28, 2022Liked by Holly Rabalais

Wow. Amazing post. Thank you!

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Glad you enjoyed it, Bryan--thanks for reading!

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What an amazing wave you're all riding right now! Congrats to both of your sons, and to your brother.

P.S. Be right back. Need to create a burner account to like this more than once.

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Thanks, Kevin! Definitely riding this one while we've got it!

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So much in one post! Congrats on your son and your brother. Both such beautiful pieces of news. Your stories continue to inspire and uplift, and I appreciate your sharing them. Here is to more longer tables!

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Thanks, Michael!

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Nov 26, 2022Liked by Holly Rabalais

I just loved sharing in all of your wonderful news! Recovery, a proposal, and a lovely family! This was so beautiful!

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Relishing it all!

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It’s wonderful to read these updates! So refreshing to have moments like this to breathe in the peace. And I love your heart for community and how that vibe is manifesting in your children. It’s exciting to watch them grow up and see what they glean from us, yeah?

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Oh yes--breathing in the peace. That's such a good way to frame it. That's exactly what this is! How fitting for the season that is upon us. God with us. All of the hard parts of parenting seem to melt away when you see your kids maturing and being wonderful adult humans. All the feels!

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"Mama, I have a future". Could there be anymore beautiful words, which a mother can hear from her child? I enjoyed this whole post for so many reasons. Thank you, for building longer tables and for raising humans who are doing the same thing!

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Best words ever, Mary!

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Great post Holly! I'm thankful to hear your brother is doing fine now. Congratulations to Noah and Pam. And good thoughts to Jonah for making it this far. What he said about having a future is everyone's goal.

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I agree! Thanks for the good thoughts!

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Holly, this was so beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your lovely family.

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Happy Thanksgiving, Sarah! I hope it's been a wonderful week for y'all!

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So happy to hear your good news, all of it. This post is a great reminder to recognize the blessings & opportunities available in the many ups & downs of life.

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Thanks for sharing in our stories--our challenges and our triumphs!

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Nov 26, 2022Liked by Holly Rabalais

I love the message of building a bigger table when we have more than enough. Thanks for sharing! 💜

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So often we think of sharing from our excess to mean sharing from our financial excess. Even when money is tight, we can share from other resources. Kindness and time don't cost a penny!

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