42 Comments

VA Carlos, you’re an exceptional writer too!

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My name is VA Carlos, and I am his proud mother. Eric has a gift of writing, just like his Dad had. We need a publisher who is willing to invest in his talent. People would love to read that type of writing to escape this crazy world.

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As always your detailed observation of a particular situation/dream is absolutely breathtaking. I would like to see more of that type of short stories, I know you have many of them, combined in a short story book. Many people would enjoy your writing. Does that sound like a proud Mom? Of course, I am.

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I love you, Eric. And I will love you for all the rest of time.

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Ahhh…I totally enjoyed this blog & am so glad someone else understands this feeling that I have often attempted to describe. A sense of freedom that is seldom felt in life…much like stepping off the bus on the last day of school with a whole summer of endless adventures lying ahead. There’s simply nothing like those feelings as evidenced by the fact that we still long for them some 60 years later.😊

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Magnificent writing. Enjoyed thoroughly.

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Brought back lots of memories of snow days in Indianapolis when I was a kid. As a young man, the blizzard of 1978 was special. A lot of fun bundling up and hoofing it to friends houses. Thanks for writing it.

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The inspiration for this essay was the time I spent in Indianapolis from 1981-1989.

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AMEN! I was not prepared for southern summers…even after 30 years here. I truly understand being crazy for fall; that’s why we’re in my home state of Kansas for Thanksgiving with a current 20 to contemplate!🥶😀. Gardening, though, is nice for a long time here (AL).

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That’s beautiful, sir. And timeless.

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The people in Buffalo NY have over Four Feet of comforting snow day today !

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Those of us who grew up in the Midwest totally get it. You brought me back.

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OMG- what a beautiful, imagination-stimulating piece that is! I loved it. I saw it all and felt it all in my inner spirit.

I grew up without one snow day in a communist country - but I understood exactly what you meant. I was a single mom for 20 years, and I understand the longing for being loved. God did not fail me. I’m now married to the man that loves me more than I’ve ever imagined possible. Just tell Him exactly what kind of a person you’re longing for - He won’t fail you either !❤️🙏😊

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He didn't fail me! I found her; her name is Grace (@hgraceQ on Truth Social) and she's in this comment thread.

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Oh! That’s great! 😀 I apologize for assuming that you were looking for a loving mate. I interpreted it that way.

I’m very happy that you found your love and wish you all the best! ❤️🙏🌺

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Beautiful. You brought tears to my eyes, fellow Midwesterner.

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Loved "snow days" Being from Massachusetts, we got our fair share of them. After snuggling back down to sleep in, I'd awaken, grab my sled or skates and head out for a blissful day of fun!!

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You’re a very gifted writer…I love this. Absolutely beautiful and you bring us all back to those days. The falling snow seems to purify our world and soothe the soul. I’ll read this one many times. God bless you. 🙏💕

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Kathleen, I agree with you so much. CognitiveCarbon is talented and blessed with many gifts, like writing. It’s stories like this we need more of, timeless and for all ages.

I’d like to bring back the age of nostalgia and family. Where sitting together as a family in the same room listening to stories and reminiscing is common practice. It would be great to have a revival of Paul Harvey type content. The stories of real people in real time, ones that lift your spirits.

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My stepfather was stationed at Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts in my early school days. I know very well all the descriptive details you gave regarding the wait by the radio listening for my elementary school to be announced "closed" due to that nights snowfall. We have a day coming in the next week that can be our "snow day"--at least it is for me. On Thanksgiving Day, 1970, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. So, Thanksgiving has become my annual oasis to shed the demonic insanity that surrounds my living here in SoCal (no snow days there). This is my special day to give thanks. It can be yours as well. I have always rejoiced at that special moment when my etherial "God" became a personal "Father".

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It’s so funny to compare to past time. Where the “normal” way was to tune into the radio and wait (*patiently) for your county to list all the schools off for the day in alphabetical order.

Now, we cling to our phones tuning into social media or the “news” while we also watch the tube and names of schools scroll along the bottom of the screen. We wait for the texts to come in from our district, all for that confirmation.

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Oh yes... waiting to hear if your school closed, and hearing the surrounding school districts close, so you KNEW yours HAD to be closed... but nothing sweeter than hearing it or seeing it scroll by on the news.

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