19 Comments
15 hrs agoLiked by Michael Thompson

"The journey it took me on was worth every penny." This may well be true, but bet you'd cut your left leg off to have that back in your bank ;)

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Ask me tomorrow when either Luc or Liam is throwing up on me;).

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16 hrs agoLiked by Michael Thompson

Pfffff best stories on the internet. The last few paragraphs leveled me.

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Thank you Lala.

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Such great storytelling Michael! You and @Brian Wiesner have me convinced that Barcelona is a magical town!

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Great shout as hoping to link up with Brian at some point. I'm up the coast now in a small beach town outside of Girona. Do hit me up if you make it this way.

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I woke up piling expectations for a "productive day" on myself. This led to a depressive feeling. Then I read your story. Thanks for reminding me of what's important.

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The way you share so much in so few words is masterful.

You not only observed the kairos moment when your beloved lifted her face to the sun, but you took action on it, and are now still with her. And? Sharing this lovely story with me and everyone else spreads the courage and joy to us all.

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Thanks Michael...such a beautiful story.

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That’s a beautiful essay, Michael. Congratulations on finding a fulfilling life. Wonderful to read.

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Wow, Michael. My jaw was on the floor when you described what happened with the investment property! I'll never understand how such horrible people can exist. I do believe you've had the last laugh, though. Your life seems filled with love and magic! :)

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This -> "But we have each other and we have our two little boys."

Gold 👏

Success means a different thing for each of us.

Thanks for sharing this amazing story.

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What a gorgeoys rising from the ashes story. Dark times of betrayal into sunshine and love. Can't beat that.

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Your storytelling is a realm of magic Michael where you turn your own losses into our good fortune.

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"some people travel because they’re running toward something, while others travel because they’re running away from something" I'm in the second category as well and wonder if some of us have to get to a point where we can go no further before we can come home to who we are. Love the trajectory of your story.

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This is an inspiring story Michael. Most importantly, I am recovering from a financial investment that never was (duped by an old friend). This gives me a lot of hope and encouragement. It reminds how sharing how our stories of moving from struggle to strength can truly uplift someone.

Thank you for sharing this. God's blessings unto you.

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I can't remember the last time I bought new clothes either. Even though now I can afford them, I still choose to buy used. In fact, I furnished our entire house from estate sales. . . by choice. I wonder if almost everyone who has a "lost everything" story like yours comes to a similar set of values. I lived out of my Prius as I climbed back up from my second episode of "lost everything". I lived in a backyard tiny home faerie cottage as I climbed back up from my third episode of "lost everything". My husband and I now share one car, and some of our favorite dates are shopping at estate sales and thrift stores.

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Forever one of my favourite reads.

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