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Mary McNally's avatar

Sometimes it’s hard to remember what was going on 5 years ago. Oh, yeah, it was the Pandemic. At that time, I felt that I was clinging to a life raft. Since I’m not the greatest swimmer, I was searching for anything that would keep me from slipping under water. Then you were there, standing on the shore with a life preserver in hand. With your heartfelt and whimsical stories, peaceful Sundays by the water, and encouraging quotes; you created a community for which I am forever grateful. Thank you, Clara! 💕🌟💕

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Mya Martin-Glenn's avatar

I feel so fortunate to have been with you since the beginning of this respite journey. It is always a breath of fresh air in my day. Thank you for this video! It makes me remember how beautiful it can be to live in the moment.

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Grace Van Moer's avatar

I’m a recent Respite reader, but I look forward to the next five years. Your daily posts are the best way to start the day. Thank you!

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Clara Parkes's avatar

Thank you so much, Grace! I'm so happy you're here.

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Lindy's avatar

Congratulations Clara! Thank you for adding a little ray of sunshine into my daily email box all those days. 💕

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Clara Parkes's avatar

And thank YOU for giving me a coveted spot in your inbox!

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Judith Geisser's avatar

What a gift to those of us who read you daily! I can’t imagine how five years have elapsed. Thank you so much for building and nurturing this safe and kind place for us all. It means the world to me.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

Five very long years that passed in a blink, didn't they? I'm grateful for your company.

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Ginny Heckel's avatar

Thank you for your daily faithfulness. Your words help me navigate my days.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

I feel privileged to be a part of your life, Ginny.

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woolizard's avatar

I hope you realize just how much you're appreciated on the other side od your screen. It's always a joy to read your words. 💜

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Clara Parkes's avatar

I love that mental picture - thank you. I feel so lucky and grateful, too.

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Joanna's avatar

WOW! Five years already! The covid shutdown really messed with my sense of time.

Congratulations! On to the next 5,10 years👏🏻🎉❤️

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Clara Parkes's avatar

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Tamara's avatar

Happy Anniversary to all of us! Thank you, Clara, for creating spaces for people to come together from all over in a community that has come to mean so much to so many. I am grateful for this space and for all the beings (human and otherwise) that you bring.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

It's an honor, Tamara ❤️

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Alicia Navia's avatar

Thank you Clara for your steadfast dedication to the Respite. For me, from its start during that scary and uncertain time on to these scary and uncertain times (seriously!!?), your daily dose of serenity in pictures and words, has been vital and hope-filled. I'm sure it can be challenging to come up with daily inspiration, but you've done it and continue to do so. Happy 5 year anniversary! Gratefully, Alicia

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Clara Parkes's avatar

The honor is mine, Alicia. It IS being quite a ride, isn't it? Thank goodness we have each other here.

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Kathy Sieg's avatar

Happy Anniversary Clara! I have so much appreciation for your creativity and devotion to this community. I am just sorry I am so late in joining. I am always running from pillar to post and I forget to be aware in the moment. Today's quote is a necessary reminder that we don't get time back. Thank you Clara for bringing me and all of us to this place of calm and introspection.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

Thank you Kathy! And I am so happy that your inner navigational system finally led you to Respitopia. It's all the better with you in it.

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Megan Fortin's avatar

I can’t believe it’s already been five years!! Five years of looking forward to checking my email. Five years of discovering new favorite quotes. Five years and looking forward to the calm Sunday videos. Five years of learning new things. Five years of a beautiful community. Clara you most definitely keep me tethered. Thank you for this brilliant and supportive community that you’ve built on so happy to be apart of it!

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Clara Parkes's avatar

It is rather astonishing, when one takes it morning by morning like we do, to wake up one day and realize that we've been taking it morning by morning for FIVE years. Every bit of it has been a gift, and I feel lucky too. Thank you for being here, Megan.

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Helen Messerly's avatar

We are so lucky to have this every morning - a lovely, positive start to the day. Many thanks, Clara!

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Clara Parkes's avatar

I feel very much the same - thank you for being here, Helen!

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Gillian's avatar

Woah, f.i.v.e years. I mean I knew the time passed but to stop and reflect with your message today is something else. Thank goodness you did begin Respite. I am positively changed because of your wonderful work, through grim years. It gives me the jitters to think how easily we could all have missed each other. Phew! Glad, glad, glad we connected. Thank you.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

It's rather astonishing, isn't it? Five years that took forever yet passed in the blink of an eye. And those years have been made so much more palatable thanks to your company.

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Penny's avatar

Thank you, bless you and your dedication to us humans,thankful 🙏

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Clara Parkes's avatar

❤️

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Susan Hammond's avatar

Amen & Bravo. Many thanks for the wisdom & knowledge shared.

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Clara Parkes's avatar

😊

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