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Oct 1, 2023Liked by Simon Haisell

I’ve just discovered your substack (I follow you on Instagram as ynott59). This is such beautiful writing, and reminds me of my own feelings of becoming a parent many years ago. I’m now experiencing the pleasures of being a grandparent, which are very different but just as astonishing. Thank you.

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Ah that's lovely Tony, thanks for commenting. Someone else said this, also becoming a grandparent. Seems strange to imagine these little ones with children of their own, but it is possible one day!

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Sep 7, 2023Liked by Simon Haisell

Simon, this is utterly beautiful.

I read, then l listened, with a tear in my eye, and felt the hard edges I'm carrying today soften. The way they do when l listen to Richard Burton read Dylan Thomas.

A word we've both been using: tender. This is just so tender and moving.

And just another level altogether to hear it read.

Happy birthday Zack!

What a lot he's had to deal with in his young life.

It's time for cake! 🎂💓

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Thank you! Definitely time for cake! And a lovely comparison. Tolstoy is softening my edges this year, as he always does. Hopefully the weather will hold out until Zack's birthday proper and then we can dive boldly into autumn.

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What a lovely read Simon. Hope Zack is enjoyed his 4th birthday today just as much 😊

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I think he loved it more. He's a bit overwhelmed about being four!

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Such beauty in this Simon, a very lovely read. Happy birthday to Zack, more cake! 🎂

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Thanks Margaret!

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Beautifully written portrait, Simon. Thank you for sharing :)

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I can't believe that it's three years! And what a rollercoaster of time, that elastic concept that either runs or crawls. You've been through so much together, already.

Happy September Birthday, Zack. Always listen to your dad's stories, because they're great.

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I think he's already making up his own stories. So maybe soon I'll just listen to his. ❤️

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I love thus essay. Thank you for sharing it again! It has been hot and dry here most of the month, and so it doesn't feel like September. More like the ragged end of August. But the heat is supposed to break tomorrow, and then fall will be here, and it will be a proper September.

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