12 Comments
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Brian D Smith's avatar

Jane, that's a lot for anyone to endure. That question of "How many children do you have?" hits all of us parents who have lost them hard. My answer depends. Who's asking? Why do you need to know? Are we in a relationship or likely to be? But I never deny Shayna. The number is always two, what I add after that, depends.

It was wild to read about your experience with Jizo. I think that's the first reference I've ever come across. I was in a "woo woo" shop many years ago and drawn to the cute little Buddha statue that I purchased and later found out was Jizo. How serendipitous! It still sits on the altar in my house.

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Jane Mundy's avatar

OMG Brian, I am so sorry about your beautiful daughter Shayna passing just 10 years ago. My son died in 1992, and the pain has gotten softer, but as you know, it is always there.

I just visited your 'about' page and your video, which got me teary-eyed. And amazing about Jizo!

And you just gave me the courage to open Jarret's 'treasure chest" and post pics of his bootees and hat. Let's stay in touch...

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Abigail Thomas's avatar

My God. You have been through hell. Some pain never goes away, but writing can give you clarity, and clarity, I keep saying, is comfort. I hope the clarity which shines through in what you’ve written, is a help. How very hard. And how very brave of you to write this, while still facing it. Astonishingly good, and very moving.

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Jane Mundy's avatar

Wow, thanks so much for your compliment, means a lot coming from you. I’m just finishing a story about my Mum. She died last week and I didn’t cry. Sobbed for months when dogs died.

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Abigail Thomas's avatar

Dogs are differeht. The best part if us dies with them. The part that was able to love unconditionally. Harder with humans. So much gets mixed up

to muddy the water. Lookingr forward to your new post.

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Brian Becker's avatar

You have shared Jarrett’s story with me many years ago. You fleshed it out so beautifully here and dare I say gave his and your story “ life “ . I am in awe of your courage to write this Janey. Thankyou ❤️😘

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Jane Mundy's avatar

thank you Brian for remembering Jarrett. And your kind words.

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This Traveling Life's avatar

This is such a sad story, so bravely told.

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Jane Mundy's avatar

thanks, writing about it helped — a lot.

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Val Lawton's avatar

Such a moving story— thanks for sharing this experience, Jane

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Jane for telling this story. I'm glad you say yes now to that question. Even if it hurts, because it's the truth. And life hurts a lot sometimes. I'm glad you had that experience in Japan. Rituals are important. I'm very sorry for your loss, from the bottom of my heart. xo

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Jane Mundy's avatar

thanks Nan.

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