26 Comments
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Sue Cauhape's avatar

That is epic. An Iliad of despair and passion and finally redemption. Congratulations to you both. I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday. Via con Dios!

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Sue, you have been so kind and supportive. I cannot than you enough. Until we hit the eastern slope of the Sierras!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

❣️

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks, Sue!

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Kathryn Reiss's avatar

What a moving piece. Brought me to tears -- of happiness! that you two finally came together must feel like a gift. I love the story of how you've breathed a whole new kind of life into being. Congratulations on your wedding --and best wishes for many decades of happiness-- and writing --together!

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Constance's avatar

Me, too. The tears. Grinning like a boob, too.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Thanks, Connie, and sending love. You have always been there for me. xox

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Kathryn!!

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Jeffrey Foster's avatar

Congratulations to you both! And many more happy years together.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Thanks, Jeff!!!

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Ellen Fagan's avatar

Such an exquisite story to wake up to! Yours is a love story for the ages...two wonderful souls with integrity & nuance allowing themselves to experience the hard-earned love you both deserved. Tonya, I knew you were Paul's editor & he would allude to you in that context. Over a lot of time it became abundantly clear to me how much he cared for you; I have been rooting for you guys ever since. So delighted for you both & everlastingly grateful for our friendship. Kudos & love!

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Tonya Morton's avatar

One of the big reasons I was so excited to move to New York was knowing I would finally meet Paul's amazing friends, and you chief among them. You all had been this running cast of characters in his emails for years. I'll never stop being grateful for the welcome you gave me, and for the fact that I get to call you my friend.

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Thanks, El! xoxox

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The Magpie Chronicles's avatar

Well it’s about time…Paul

I sensed you might be the one Tonya

You both seemed to be already a couple

When we met.

Congratulations to you both.

When you decide to land on that porch together

I’ll find you both the perfect rockers

Remember Vermont has many porches

Just waiting …

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Tonya Morton's avatar

We may take you up on that offer, Sebastian. The rockers are more likely to end up in New York, but I’ll admit that Vermont may have the more beautiful porches and country roads. We’ll have to get up there again soon.

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Alan Mikuni's avatar

Congratulations to you both!

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Andrew DiRemiggio Stoltz's avatar

This was beautiful and exactly what I needed to read today. Love and guilt and yearning and despair and regret and contentment all rolled into one mood. Thank you for sharing and congratulations!

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Thank you or, in Greek - Σας ευχαριστώ!

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carla gilders's avatar

So touching and affirming that love exists!!

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thank you so much, Carla!

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Jodie Meyn's avatar

Well, we MUST have a part two, and maybe three? And here's to many more. This is amazing. Thank you for letting us in! Letters are the perfect format for you two too eloquent artists.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Jodie! And I'm happy to have another vote for a part two! It'll definitely happen.

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Kaitlyn Pacheco's avatar

such a moving love story! the connection born through words is especially inspiring. thank you for sharing!

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thank you, Kaitlyn!

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Constance's avatar

Tonya and Paul. Fantastic. Is there anything better than a good happy cry? One that starts with a glad tear, then is coaxed further in, as the ante is raised. I have to wipe my cheeks. The scramble of true perfection. There's no way out. Just the road in. Love and marriage. This is a very funny dialogue. Have to find a tissue box. Howling. Blow my nose. Thank you both. So happy for you and Santo and our families. "Love is a blessing, not a treasure hunt." A phrase that worked in a long story published way back. It's not always lightning, but that electricity. There's nothing else like it. Even beats a donut. Such a pleasure. C.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Connie. I'm so happy, here in a couple days, we will officially be family!

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