12 Comments
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Kara Norman's avatar

I hope you write about him forever if it feels right. It helps melt the world’s lines so we can hear the whole connection. Sending extra soft silence to hear him and prayers for comfort on the line✨

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thank you so much Kara! “Extra soft silence to hear him” = stunning. You are a poet.

Allison Wolcott's avatar

I'm just seeing this now. Ordinarily I see your emails in the morning on the train into the city, but I'm on vacation and everything's upside down. Thank you for writing about Matt. Every time you do, he comes to life again, as he was, as he could have been. It's the love element of grief peeking through, and it matters.

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thank you so much! I sent this one out late. I actually wrote it after our text thread! It felt important to get it out right away.

Bonnie DiLo's avatar

This was a beautiful tribute and my heart aches for you and your loss. Going to hug my brothers a little tighter next time I see them and make that time come a bit sooner if I can. Grief never really lets us go, especially when those we love deeply are gone way too soon. ❤️

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thank you so much, Bonnie. Yes, give them an extra squeeze for me!

Debi Lewis's avatar

I know you talk to your children about him, and if they talk to their children about him and so on, he won't fade completely away. That's a cliche, of course, but it's also true. My grandfather had a brother who died suddenly at 23, before marrying or having kids, and 75 years later, I named my younger daughter after him. She knows the limited, tiny version of his story. So will your kids and theirs about your brother.

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thank you so much for this lovely reminder!

A. Wilder Westgate (she/they)'s avatar

This is a beautiful tribute, Kelley. I'm looking forward to reading your book. Sending love to you and to him. 🧡

Kelley Clink (they/she)'s avatar

Thank you so much! ❤️

madi snow-gould's avatar

i’m so glad to hear a little about your brother, kelley — thank you for sharing a little about the things he loved, and about what you shared together. thinking of you and everyone who loves him tonight. ❤️