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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

What a love story! Your post hooked me as soon as you mentioned your age difference, and then took me in surprising directions. I loved that you both stumbled upon the Clarina project and she developed it. I’m looking forward to Part 2 and learning more about Diane.

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Aaron Barnhart's avatar

Thanks, Sarah -- looking forward to video of your wild horses!

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Linda Shelly's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing about you and Diane's story. I love learning about how others have navigated through the good and the not so good times. Seems particularly relevant in these current days. I attended Rainbow Mennonite Church and crossed paths with you. Sending you and Diane peace and joy in your day to day. Thanks again.

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Amanda Lindahl's avatar

What a fascinating story. Thanks for sharing.

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Ginny Beall's avatar

Diane was a much loved and remarkable contributor to our KC book group...and then you moved away. Thank you so much for writing so beautifully about your relationship and for keeping us up to date on Diane's health and happiness. Ginny Beall

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Tammy Eickhoff's avatar

I love reading about you two. Makes me happy.

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Chuck Janczy's avatar

Great to read about your life with Diane. Thanks

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Lynn McReynolds's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to Diane this is. Aaron, and I am sure it is already serving to be a blessing for those who are experiencing a similar situation with their spouse or loved one. At the moment, I am reading this because it’s a fascinating story, and I may have friends who could find it useful, but none of us ever really know when a health situation like this could upend our lives. And I am enjoying learning about Diane’s life and work.

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Deborah A. Edwards's avatar

Aaron, You are immensely gifted in writing…add in the Long Love you and Diane continue to experience together, your Souls sing this gift to the World. I watched the business of your creative natures, I attended your 1040 celebration and brought a pumpkin pie to your Thanks giving one year. I came to see performances and was gifted by your friendly inclusion. I only stumbled in tonight by accident and now know about the journey you and Diane have been on. My heart is warmed by your honest, open, and willing disclosures. She’s in there, I can see how you sense that, how you love her in ways that are new, yet anchored firmly to the early bonding. I send much love to the both of you. I am strengthened by your story. I was gifted with the Grace of God to be able to love my Mother backwards with her Dementia. I got to love her back to young adult to teenager, child, toddler, helpless infant, to her moving free of her Body. She died a year ago. I still talk to her and I always will.

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