22 Comments

This is so good, Jodie. I've lived in the same place for 11 years now so I've been the one whose friends have moved away and it's good to remember that we've gotta keep putting ourselves out there ♥️. And I loved hearing the backstory on SLRC!! I love seeing those runs!

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Thanks Amy! Now that I like running with people, I can genuinely say I really hope we get to run together someday!

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I’ve lived in the same small town for 14 years now and still needed to hear this 💛 Always love reading your words, Jodie.

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Thanks, Cara!

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Oh Jodie, you have NO idea how much I needed this. Still my “mom” all these 21 years later 💙❤️

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So glad it resonated, Meaghan! Sending you a big GEL mom hug! ;)

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This brings me back to my first several months in Ann Arbor after we moved from DC. And it also brings me back to the conversation you, Rachel, and I had about the trauma of moving. I remember how relieved I was to know other women understood what it's like walking along a tightrope twined together in heartache and joy.

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Thank you, Callie! It is definitely a tightrope of heartache & joy. That conversation with you and Rachel meant a lot to me, too. Definitely heavy on the joy side!

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Loved this, Jodie ❤️ and immediately forwarding to a friend of mine who just moved and has been struggling with loneliness.

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Thank you, Ashlee! I hope your friend feels seen. Thanks for sharing.

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I love reading your words again. This was convicting…two years after moving and I feel like I haven’t been as brave as you and Norah. Thanks for sharing this encouragement. ❤️Also…Ben Platt! 🤩

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Thanks, Melissa! Norah was definitely the brave one first. And yes, Ben Platt was so wonderful!!

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I love so much about this! Norah is so brave! I need that reminder too. I have a friend in Utah named Carly, I hope it’s the same one. 😆😆

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Ah! Wouldn't that be a fun connection?!? I'll have to ask her if she knows you. ;)

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Haha that would be fun!! She moved there from Bozeman!

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Oh, it's a different Carly then. But if she's from Bozeman she must be awesome. ;)

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I've always loved the way you put words together. Unfortunately, after you guys moved out of our building last year - Olivia, Odette, and I vowed to never speak to another neighbor and have stayed inside the apartment 24/7 to mitigate the risk of falling for another family the way we fell for you guys.

All kidding aside, reading this reminded me of how masterfully you capture snackable vignettes; often lensed through the eyes of Norah, Conor, and Brett. So glad to see Salt Lake City hasn't made you any less phenomenal. Sniffling, Juan Patino

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Oh Juan, how I miss you & your girls! You have always been the best encourager. I just can't imagine you ever sitting inside your apartment and NOT lighting the world with your joy & optimism & general loveliness. Hoping to see you all when we visit in October!

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I bought Tom Lake for my mom from that fantastic book store we visited with you in SLC. Sadly, she never got a chance to read it but I brought it home with me to New York. When I feel like I can start reading again, it’s going to be my first one. My mom was an avid reader. I want to turn into her in many ways and hope that my kids will also describe me as an avid reader someday. Sending hugs.

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I remember you picking that one out for her. I think you'll love it once your heart is ready to pick it up. I'm sure your mom would have loved it as well. And I am certain your kids will describe you as an avid reader. You're already rubbing off on them in that way. Sending so much love to you.

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Love.

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Norah. Wise beyond her years. 🩷

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