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 from a woman named Shana Moore.

Dear Kelly, my beloved mom, Marsha Livese McLean, was my life's version of Greenie, which is what I called my dad.

She passed away this past December after five and a half years disappearing from us due to the

ravages of Alzheimer's. My heart is warmed by your thanks for being here reading so I thought I

would share the words I used to try to convey my immense good fortune in being raised and adored by her.

My hope is that you and your listeners might find them to be good company for the other sentiments

shared in this beautiful space that is your podcast. With gratitude, Shana Moore.

Shana's peace is called for the love of Marsha.

When I think of my mom, I think about privilege and what this word means to me after being raised by

her and my dad. The word used to only carry a connotation of living fancy but has now been broad

and to reflect the absence of barriers in one's life that impede a person's path to success.

Mom represents yet another way for me to understand privilege. As I mourn the loss of my mom,

I am overwhelmed by what I feel is the ultimate privilege of having someone in my life who was

there for me with bells on, no matter what. Having a person like Marsha and Livese McLean by

your side, who gives you the priceless sense of security, stability, and utter adoration your

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