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Sue Cauhape's avatar

He probably visits often and follows you around, tapping on your shoulder occasionally. I'd be interested in what your psychic would say if you just sat before her and waited for her to see something about you that needs to be said. Questions are kind of a giveaway and help the psychic give answers they think you'll like. My daughter gifted me a reading with her psychic and it was weird. She said she saw faeries around me. Hmmmmm. Maybe. Maybe not. Faeries.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

That's why I've held back from going to a psychic for years--I didn't want another experience that left me feeling like I was taken for a ride. That said, who am I to say where there are or are not faeries?

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

If we were from the U.K., we'd probably believe in the faery folk. I attended a two-day workshop with storyteller Ashley Ramsdon who spent about an hour going through all the ethereal beings and the functions they fulfilled in the natural world. I think he actually believed in these as real. Meanwhile, back in the Minden Walmart yesterday, I had the blessing of angels when my debit card didn't work and a young woman stepped up with cash in hand and said, "Will this help?" They're out there, Tonya, either in human form or working in the mysterious, serendipity events of the day. Personally, I believe in two gods, Serendipity and Murphy.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

That's so perfect! The angel of the Minden Walmart. Maybe there are a few faeries around you, and a few of the trickster gods too.

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

😂 True, Murphy has been having a field day with me lately.

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Tabby Ivy's avatar

I so loved this piece. your Dad sounds like a wonderful person and father. beautiful writing as always, Tonya.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Tabby

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Paul Vlachos's avatar

Thanks, T.

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Dan McGuire's avatar

I of course got to know your dad better when he came back to Tulsa for a bit and also met your mom before they moved to Sturgis. We were like brothers because we both had similar interests during that period of time.

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Constance's avatar

Lovely to hear, Dan. A brother in kind. Constance

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Nicholas's avatar

I read your very moving and beautifully elegiac piece about your father this morning and felt you had allowed me, in the best possible way, to be in his presence, to see him and to hear his voice, his piano playing, his loving advice, and his wonderful wit. And, most of all, to feel his spirit. Of course I was in your presence as well, throughout, seeing and hearing this special, sensitive and brilliant man through your eyes and ears. And your heart. I understood the rage you felt over such a loss. How could it be otherwise? Great elegies bring a person to life for all who knew him, and perhaps especially, for all who didn’t and would have liked to. Thank you for that, for writing this and sharing it. I really love and admire it so much.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much for this kind and beautiful comment, Nic. I'm so glad it spoke to you.

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Constance's avatar

I could read this every day for the rest of my life, Tonya. It has the simplicity I hope for on death and loss, at the same time it is breathtaking. So much gone, graced, loved, and peaceful, too, not just the sweeping anger. Always, we can hear and see where you are. So close and so far away in this confrontational state. Sorry. I know I go on and on. Writing is not always so beautiful as this, my friend. Thanks again. C.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Such an extraordinary comment, Connie. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and your kindness. I'm so grateful to have you as a reader.

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Steven Zani's avatar

I am visiting my parents right now. I was so charmed by the little "Claudia Schiffer" section that I stopped and read it out loud to my mother. I'm trying to convince her that she needs to get a Juke subscription... maybe I'll try to gift her with one...

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Tonya Morton's avatar

What an awesome gift! Thank you so much, Steven, both for the Juke support and for sharing it with your mom. I'm so glad that scene spoke to you. It's one of my favorite memories of my dad.

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Jim Waitzman's avatar

I wish that you had more time with your dad too. I often wonder what my dad is up to these past 13 years. A beautifully written testament of the love you both shared.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks, Jim!

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Constance's avatar

I think we know to whom he handed his reins. Thank you with all my heart. Connie

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thank you, Connie!

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Benjamin's avatar

Grief is a great slippery subject

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Ellen Fagan's avatar

Ahh, Tonya...so poignant & wonderful to learn more about your dear dad, who sounded like a witty powerhouse of goodness & quiet strength. I love his notion of the afterlife & trust he is spiritedly tap dancing his way down those corridors of learning.

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Tonya Morton's avatar

Thanks so much, Ellen!

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