Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here, a short, weekly pod to remind us of the many

essential and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday, I'll read a submission

from a listener, Kelly Corrigan-Wonders, could be wedding vows or about mitzvah toast,

a eulogy, or retirement speech. We believe this is probably the loveliest way to tap into

our better selves and remember our highest values. We encourage you to share this podcast

each week with one person you love. Maybe someone you miss need to bring closer,

someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration or both. This is thanks for being here.

This week's thanks for being here is great. It's written by a woman named Barbara Michaelman,

dear Kelly, I just saw your Facebook post calling for submissions from moms like me.

One year ago, on February 3rd, I lost my 89-year-old mom, Dorothy, and I wrote a love letter to her

after she died. I asked my minister if I could read it in front of my church. My mom was not one

for public displays of emotions, so she would have hated me crying at her own service.

So I didn't read this at a funeral. Instead, I stood in front of my church family and cried

while reading it. You asked for one great story, why I loved her or something specific, I really

appreciated it about her. I guess I offered up all of those in this letter. Thanks so much for the

thoughtful work. You offered a grateful listeners like me. I discovered your podcast toward the end

of 2022 by listening to the episodes you did on Kate Bowler's podcast, which were so good,

and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate bringing it with me into the new year, with gratitude,

Barbara. This is the letter Barbara wrote to her mom, dear Dunbarton friends. On Thursday,

February 3rd, my mother died, and her transition was so peaceful, it was a privilege to be present

during the last hour of her life. I asked Reverend Rachel if I could eulogize my mother here today,

supported by my church community, because you have always allowed me to show up wholly as myself

...