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Veronica's avatar

One time, I was on an Art Walk, a monthly community event where we could admire works of art up and down Main Street. Going north, I spotted a boutique and went in. The owner was a pretty friendly guy and so we started talking. Then, out of the blue, he said, "You have strength." Up until then, I didn't know I had it. But that's a moment I have never forgotten. He was right: I DO have strength, and I have relied on it numerous times since then.

The point of this, Alex, is that there's no explaining moments like these. They happen just when we need them. You needed to hear the words at just the right time, regardless of who the messenger was. And they made all the difference.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Love that story. Those little moments - like yours - can land right when and where we need them.

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Niki Elle's avatar

Thanks for the story! I'm going to say something pretty mean, but it sounds like karma finally got her: her son is dealing with the same cancer you had while she toyed with your mind and messed with your heart. I'm a death doula, and we and other hospice workers have a similar mantra: we work with the vulnerable. With at-risk populations. Do not take advantage of their vulnerability.

That's what that woman did to you. But I'm glad it's over, and that you found peace with it all.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I can't lie, I've had thoughts about that word and what it all meant. In the end, I just wish her and her family well.

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kaylen alexandra's avatar

Oh no. Not her innocent son. How rough. I have to say, I'm learning about getting closure on my end right now in a very different situation but your words resonate. It's not up to them to heal us. It never was. Thanks so much for sharing yet another riveting, personal story with deeply meaningful messages for those of us ready to receive them. 10/10

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I hope you find calm waters in whatever challenges are throwing you about! Thanks (as always!!!) for the sweet words 😊 😊 😊

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John Mullen's avatar

Great story Alex. I remember reading bits and pieces from your Quora days. Nice to finally read the whole story.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Ah, those halcyon Quora days. Glad to finally put the whole story to bed 😊

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Chris Stanton's avatar

I read this scrolling a paragraph at a time so I couldn’t read ahead. That’s how enthralled I was. I’ve been fascinated by this crazy three-part journey, and the ending was magnificent. Great stuff, man.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

In an age of skimming and scanning and scrolling, that's the highest possible praise, Chris! Appreciate you brother.

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Ginjure's avatar

Oh my goodness. You definitely need to sell this to Hollywood.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

You feeling like we could squeeze a Netflix 3-parter out of this?!?!

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Ginjure's avatar

That or at least one of those Hulu documentaries.

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Ororo Munroe's avatar

Wow. IIIIIIII was not expecting that (not jaw-dropping, just stunned blinking). How sad that her son is going through the same thing you did. I don't know what you two talked about during that time, but I hope she remembers everything and can apply that to her son. And I hope he survives.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Same here, it's a hell of a journey in front of them and I wish them the best.

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Andee Scarantino's avatar

This was great, start to finish. Interestingly - the universe likes to toss in Easter Eggs like that. It seems (and you don't have to believe this stuff) - but that you and miss Saylor had some sort of soul contract. While she helped you, you most certainly helped her as well.

I think it's beautiful you left it as is.

The Tao says "Free from desire, you realize the mystery."

This is a great example of that playing out.

Love,

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

You know what... I kind of totally agree with you. We needed each other at that time in our lives, and trealising hat was enough for me to finally move on.

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Andee Scarantino's avatar

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Lee Bacon's avatar

Great story! Sorry you had to go through this turmoil, but it sounds like you made it through the other side ok.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

Learned a lot and now I can laugh a lot at it. Win-win, I'd say. 😊

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Meg Jonson's avatar

Oh. My. God. - What a wild ride you just took me on. So glad I came across you once all 3 parts had been published and I didn't have to wait. The suspense would have wrecked me.

Thank you for sharing this story!

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I appreciate you so much for coming on the ride with me, Meg!!! 😊

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Ofifoto's avatar

Thanks for sharing the story, Alex. Great that you got some sort of closure on your own.

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Alexander J. Porter's avatar

I think that's the best way to find it, from yourself :)

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