21 Comments
User's avatar
Jane Pratt's avatar

Emma, Thank you for another enticing piece and thanks for giving me an image of Bobo, the cutest, so I could run his picture with this story also!

Emma's avatar

He is very cute, we agree! Thank you Jane, for running this as an add on.

Jane Pratt's avatar

I am so happy that one of us actually keeps up with dates and holidays to think of sending me this right on time for this one! Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Maria's avatar

Happy Birthday🎁! I am here at my apartment not looking at the fire works over the beach because I just keep thinking about the seagulls, marine animals, pets, and how in my neighborhood the fireworks will keep going through the night. And in the past I have celebrated but just can't the way things are right now. I do have hope for the future because I have to, your writing added to my hope and thank you for that.

Jane Pratt's avatar

What a beautiful and uplifting in spite of it all comment. Thank you.

Emma's avatar

Ugh, I know. My dogs hate them and where we are it’s been really dry so we worry about fire. But hope is a good thing and I am glad we can share some with each other.

A Long Story's avatar

I just volunteered to watch the polls on Election Day thanks to this article! IMPACT! And I hate fireworks.

Emma's avatar

Omg I love that! Thank you for doing that.

Jane Pratt's avatar

Thank you for inspiring her! And me!

Lisa L. Owens's avatar

Oh, gosh, happy birthday and thanks for sharing this, Emma. I can identify with that characterization of choosing not to show up at times (especially when younger) if feeling emotionally unsafe or that I couldn't "win." That self-protection instinct serves a purpose while you need it and until you don't.

Emma's avatar

Right? It's an evolution.

Perfect Fool.'s avatar

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Dana Walker Inskeep's avatar

Happy belated birthday, Emma!

Which Jersey shore? I grew up in Bucks County, PA and spent a week every summer of my teen years in Ocean City, NJ.

Jane Pratt's avatar

PS Dana, you're really the best. So supportive and always curious and such a part of keeping this community a community. Thank you always.

Dana Walker Inskeep's avatar

I do what I can, Jane. Glad to be a part of this space. ❤️

Emma's avatar

Thank you! Bay Head, a very small town next to Point Pleasant - my grandmother lived in ocean city at one point!

Dana Walker Inskeep's avatar

The Jersey Shore in the ‘80s was an interesting vibe, wasn’t it? 😆

Emma's avatar

It really was :). The bakery where we used to get crumb cake will now ship it anywhere in the states and I order it once a year or so. Unbelievably sweet, lol. But it brings the vibe right back to me.

Dana Walker Inskeep's avatar

I love that! There are very few things that eclipse the feeling a good childhood memory can evoke.

Alyssa Krawczyk's avatar

Happy birthday, Emma! I hope you had a wonderful, fireworks-free celebration!