Deb, wow -- these are the responses that make our stories come alive and give us, the authors, an opportunity to grow beyond the words we lay in the story written.

Thank you for trusting me to hear what you had to share and how it shaped your viewpoint of caring for animals vs children. First of all - let me say as someone who has witnessed the caring of elderly and disabled, you helped with one of the hardest levels of care most are unaware of.

As a fellow teacher -- I know you fully see and understand about children far more that the average person who has no kids -- most of our children spend more time with teachers than in our own homes!!!! And i know without a doubt, many of your students loved you as a mom!!!

Your case is unique and special - and I'm sorry to hear that some were insenstive to throw that in your face as though you are completely oblivious to what it means to raise children.

It's sad that we are too easily prone to pass judgement on others we place in "boxes" without taking the time to hear exactly what their life experiences are composed of.

Our world is a better place with you in it -- and I feel you have greater empathy and care for the ways you chose to help in all the ways you did.

Thank you again for reading and engaging with me💜