18 Comments

Radley,

I am in tears. Through your writing, so infused with love, admiration and respect, your aunt feels astonishingly real and I grieve for your loss. She was absolutely wonderful. You are correct, every child should have an Aunt Bobbie. Every single one.

Thank you for sharing her with us.

Kasumii

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What a wonderful tribute to someone who meant so much to you. All we can do in this life is hope we leave it better for the people we leave behind.

So sorry for your loss.

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Lovely.

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Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story!

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I finally subscribed because of this post. I had my own Aunt Bobbie and I miss her.

I suspect if we talked, we would agree on very few things; generally speaking libertarians make me want to pound my head against a wall. But you are one of the few writers I read that make me feel guilt for not supporting. Your work is what journalism should be and I'm not willing to freeride any longer.

However, I can't promise to continue my subscription. The biggest factor in holding me back in the past was that there is no ability to select your contribution. Why not? Is it a Substack thing? I would be much happier contributing if I had ANY control over the amount. Ironically, that's kind of a libertarian beef.

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What a lovely tribute Radley

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This was a wonderful story.

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What a lovely reminiscence. Thank you for introducing us to such an interesting person.

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That is a beautiful story. You were lucky to know her.

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What a moving tribute.

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I read this while I was just north of Ft. Myers on Sunday at the memorial service for a great friend's husband. The service was in a church that had lots of very engaged members in the audience of mourners. I had flown in from out of state, and I found similar folks who felt awkward in the church to join in grief. I read this while the church people sung songs and said prayers.

I didn't realize what you were writing about when I started, but it felt very poetic given the timing. My husband and I are like you. No kids. We want to be the cool uncle/aunt that leaves those around us with great memories such as your Bobbie.

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What a wonderful reminiscence. What a good way to memorialize someone.

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I'm so sorry, man. Thanks for sharing about your awesome Aunt :(

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So moving. Yes, every kid needs that adult that believes in them. I had one (two actually, a couple) and insofar as I am able to give to others, the inner fortitude they gave me is much of the source.

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thank you for sharing this.

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Beautiful tribute. She sounded so fun and vibrant, and I'm happy for you that she was an important part of your life. My condolences for your loss.

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