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Akoth Otieno's avatar

Such a beautiful story! Happy holidays. ❤️

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Caroline Pankhurst's avatar

I recognise a lot of this. My son is nowhere near university yet, but he isn’t with my this Christmas and I hate it so much.

Sending love x

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Such a tough time to be without our kids. Sending love ❤️

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Caroline Pankhurst's avatar

I loved your post for preparing me for the empty nest. I learn so much about what to expect emotionally and mentally in my solo parenting journey from the other women in the Be Braver Collective who are a bit ahead.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

It took me by surprise. Just enjoy every second with them now. ❤️

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Caroline Pankhurst's avatar

I totally do.

We have to travel at our own speed depending on what opportunities life presents to us don’t we?

Recognise that of course, we choose how we respond to what life offers.

Some aspects of my life may move slower than they might otherwise. But my choice is not for it to be otherwise. Because the moments, memories and meaning I find in our life together now, is everything. So I’m savouring every minute and will never have any regrets about my parenting role that’s one thing I’ve made an intentional commitment to.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Savouring! Yes! I know it sounds a little mad but I just didn't realise Charlie's childhood would come to an end—that one day, he would just fly the nest and that was it—all our rhythms and routines would just stop overnight. In the bun fight that is puberty/getting them through exams etc it's easy to forget to hold them. close. x

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Lynn Hanford-Day's avatar

I love your story and I’d love to come to the festival- so many of my favourite writers - but the dates clash on two days ☹️

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Suzy Walker's avatar

So sorry we will miss you - next year! 💕

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Lynn Hanford-Day's avatar

I hope so

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Hannah Ashe's avatar

This is such an inspiring story, Suzy! I hope to be able to attend the festival one day 😊

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Suzy Walker's avatar

It’s such a fun, brilliant festival - do come! ✨⭐️

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Emma Simpson's avatar

come along!! I'm going to go in Feb xx

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Hannah Ashe's avatar

Unfortunately we’re away in Devon that week so maybe next year!

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Nicole Costello's avatar

what a beautiful story thank you ❤️

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Thank you! ✨

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Jo Linney's avatar

Such an uplifting story. You made me want to move up to Northumberland. But that's not practical, but I do need to seek out similar-minded people in my area. Maybe a Writing Fedtival. But all our bookshops have closed 😢 and we are very much a commuter village. Thinking cap on, I will keep the feeling you generated in me up. Thank you

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Move to Northumberland! ❤️

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Stephanie's avatar

Oh, thank you for this. I just went through a breakup that really hurt. (Wrote a piece I love about it on my substack called Pieces of a Heart!) I'm still balancing between misery and the kind of empty that breeds magic and big projects. I feel like I'm dipping my toes on each side. This gives me a lot of hope for when I finally swing both legs over.

This especially resonated, "It’s amazing what trying to escape misery and following the signs can achieve."

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Ah, Stephanie - sending huge hugs. Breaking. up just hurts so much. Muchlove. xx

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Stephanie's avatar

PS - any chance you're looking for help or volunteers for the festival? My background is actually in theatre and events and I'm now thinking a little pop over to the UK might be in order.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Always can do with extra volunteers. https://alnwickstoryfest.com/volunteering

Where are you based?

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Stephanie's avatar

NYC 😂 Looking into work logistics so we will see!

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Suzy Walker's avatar

I was just in NYC this year. I wrote a post about it here.

https://heartleap.substack.com/p/your-darkest-hour

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Gabrielle Treanor's avatar

I already loved the sound of Alnwick Story Fest but now I love the story of how the idea was born in conversation in the restaurant that book launch night 😍

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Jackee Holder's avatar

Really could relate to every part of this Suzy. Thanks so much for sharing your journey. Have a wonderful festival and wishing you a nourishing Christmas.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Happy Christmas Jackee! ❤️

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Naren Keshav's avatar

Such a good post. Thank you.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Thank you Naren 💕

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Caroline Ferguson's avatar

Oh, this resonates. I ended 2021 heartbroken and having to imagine a new future too. You are an inspiration, Suzy. I'm excited about what you're building and can't wait for the festival.

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Heartbreaker is a f@&ker but we heal and move on. If only we knows that at the time. Much love Caroline

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Suzy Walker's avatar

It is a total f&@ker but yes, you do heal and you do move on. x

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Emma Simpson's avatar

Oh Suzy this is such a gorgeous story!! Lots of sprinkles of serendipity. So excited to be coming to the story fest in 2024 ❤️

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Suzy Walker's avatar

Can’t wait to meet you in the flesh! Just started reading your book and love it. ❤️

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Emma Simpson's avatar

Oh it arrived!!! Yaay!!! Much love and Merry Christmas ❤️🎄🙏

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Stephanie's avatar

I'm impulsively now looking at flights! Just glanced at your stack (looking forward to reading more) and would love to meet up if I end up there!

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Suzy Walker's avatar

yes, yes, yes, of course. xxx

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