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

of Kelly Corrigan Wonders. Could be wedding vows or a bat 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 and need to bring closer, someone you want to feel

your appreciation or admiration or both. This is thanks for being here.

Claire worked in the marketing department for an up-and-coming artisan bakery. Unfortunately,

the artisan bakery in question was so up and coming.

Nobody actually knew it existed.

But then she had the really good idea to use Canva to create a business plan.

It looked good. Really, really good.

Their investors thought so too.

And now their hot cakes are selling like, well,

exactly. Thanks, Canber. Today's thanks for being here is from a woman named Julia Ogden. She says,

Hi, Kelly. A dear friend of mine introduced me to the middle place years ago, and I've been following

your written work ever since.

I admire the way you weave sorrow, laughter, and awe into narratives about the human experience.

Your work is as relatable as it is inspiring, and I thank you for putting it into the world.

I am reading Life Worth Living and recently tuned into your book club podcast, Great Series.

I also stumbled onto the thanks for being here episodes and i loved the life-affirming prose condensed into short form segments

after wiping away some tears brought on by hearing a recent eulogy by keith romano i realized i may have an

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