14 Comments
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Yolanda Valdés's avatar

First of all Odinakashi, thank you for your courage writing this piece. My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have been where you are many times, until I realize that what’s happening around me was only strengthening me; preparing me to live a transformative life. Ready to face the most difficult times. I bow to your presence of resilience and strength. 🙏🏽✨

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Oh my! Thank you so much for your kind words. Thank you. I bow to your resilience as well. Continue to thrive and grow above your losses. 🫶🏾

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Harun Kewa's avatar

Calling you strong would be an understatement, my friend.

The greatest art comes from pain, they say. But it doesn’t have to be art that encourages more pain, it can be art that inspires us and makes us believe that life is worth living. This was a truly riveting and touching read, Odi.

Thank you for sharing this with us 🫶🏾.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Ah! You’re way too kind, Harun. Thank you so much. And you’re very correct, art produced from pain doesn’t have to encourage more pain.

Again, thanks for engaging. 🫶🏾

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Patrick Muindi's avatar

Wonderful and powerful essay, Odi. Sorry for these losses you've taken over time, I know how they feel because I've dealt with them too. There's no formula for grief; there's no experience. We just go through it every time it happens, and we wait for the next time, all while appreciating that life is beautiful still.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

You’ve summarized it so aptly, Patrick. There’s really no manual for grief. No formula at all.

Sorry for you’ve also incurred. May you always find the strength to rise above the rubble.

Thanks for engaging.

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Mohika Mudgal's avatar

Thank you for sharing your light, even on the broken days. This piece had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I cried, & I am lucky to be reading your words!

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Oh Mohika! You just made me teary. Thank you so much for your support. I’m so happy to be acquainted with you on this space. 😭🫶🏾

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Josh Rivers's avatar

I could just burst with the delight of recognition. This landed so damn beautifully, fam. Thank you 🥹

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

Oh my! I’m happy to hear that. Very!

You’re most welcome, Josh. Thank you.🙏🏾

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Precious Stephens's avatar

I loved every word of this, and I’m going to have to read it at least two more times.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

This melted my heart in so many different ways. I’m glad it found you, Precious. 🫶🏾

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Sasha's avatar

I’m so sorry for your losses. It’s funny how death steals people away from us.

You wrote this in a most beautiful way, touching yet lesson packed. Thank you, don’t stop writing.

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Odinakachi Nwonu's avatar

God bless you, Sasha. Your words just wrapped me up like a hug. I will remember them whenever I start to question my time here. 🫶🏾

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