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Dec 25, 2022Liked by River Selby (they/them)

Very much enjoyed this piece and can completely relate. A wise woman once said to me that “places only exist in time”. How profound, how true, and yet how depressing.

For me, I think fondly of my high school. And like Seattle, yes, I can always go back. When I go back though, I can’t go back to the times that made me happy or even sad for that matter. I also can’t undo my regrets and ask out the girl in my economics class who is now by all accounts happily married with three small children living in Hawaii. That opportunity is lost forever.

They say you can relive the memories, but you really can’t. The people are different, the times are different, and most depressing is the fact that we’re all older. I wish I wasn’t such a nostalgic person and could move on with life.

Places only exist in time and time marches on regardless of how we feel about it.

I hope you’re doing well in Florida!

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Ah yes, nostalgia. And aging. They go hand in hand. Thanks so much for reading and reflecting. I hope you're having a wonderful (and not too nostalgic) holiday.

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by River Selby (they/them)

I left Seattle last May and this...is the piece I wish I'd written if I hadn't been running from...everything. It's just beautiful and filled with deep, life-giving bittersweetness. I shed a few tears for you and me while reading it. Wishing you safe travels.

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this means so much to me. I have left this place more than once and this is the first time I’ve actually been present for it. It hurts. I hope what you ran towards is holding you. 💜

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Jul 27, 2022Liked by River Selby (they/them)

Beautifully expressed, Jan. And so true. Love the blend of sadness and somewhat hesitant hope here. It’s real.

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Thank you so much, Linda. It is so wonderful to know someone sees and feels and has felt this. 💜

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