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Jess's avatar

While I know your family hasn't made things easy, I think a lot of being an adult is just showing up. That seems to be how life is. Hang in there, and know you have lots of people who care. I do think that's worth a lot in the grand scheme.

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Ernie Hsiung's avatar

Thanks for this, Jess. It really means a lot. You’re right—just showing up counts for more than we realize, and I’m grateful for the people who’ve shown up for me, too.

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Katie Johnston's avatar

This was so beautifully written and conveyed, Ernie! Thanks for sharing. It was a nice gut punch and yet also comforting at the same time. Sending you and yours extra hugs and good health, my friend!

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Ernie Hsiung's avatar

Hey Katie - appreciate you, truly. I’ll take “gut punch but comforting” as a weirdly perfect compliment. Thanks for being here for it.

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Stephanie's avatar

This is beautiful. Thank you for writing and sharing it. I am 36 and my mom is only 65, yet I relate so much to the dynamic you described here. It's a lot to carry. I'm going to try just showing up and giving myself more credit for that.

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Ernie Hsiung's avatar

Thank you, Stephanie—that really means a lot. It is a lot to carry, and I’m glad the piece gave you even a tiny space to feel seen in it. “Just showing up” sounds simple, but it takes everything some days. You deserve credit for that—every time.

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