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Lisa Enqvist's avatar

Thank you, Anna. It is true that my aunt was the listener who helped me heal.

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Anna Smit's avatar

I have always loved this story of yours, Lisa. What struck me the most in it was the power of compassion to heal us.

The woman listening with such empathy reminds me of your poem about your Aunt Göta Wallenius:

Moving

Parting

Something new

Waits beyond the mountains

I refuse to hear

I refuse to see

Another world

Cannot replace

all that I am

losing

Someone listens, nods and smiles

Understands my pain

Torn up roots and broken branches

heal

and grow again

How beautifully you passed on her legacy of compassion, through the years thereafter, and you do even still, in the sharing of your stories. Your stories have always made me feel so seen, known and loved.

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Bente Müller's avatar

Lisa, this is such a fine picture of your life.

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Lisa Enqvist's avatar

Thank you, Bettie, for this comment. I did not realise its impact until I read it aloud to my fellow writers at the seminary. One of them exclaimed, "This is exactly what your life has been!"

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Bettie G's avatar

Lisa, that is such an incredible and beautiful allegory. It's even more special knowing that God gave it to you as a personal retelling for your own journey. Thank you for sharing it with us.

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