Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here, a short weekly pad 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 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 and need to bring closer,

someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration or both.

This is thanks for being here comes from a listener named Alicia Goldblatt.

We have been holding this in the queue for so long,

and I'm so happy to finally be sharing it.

Here's her note.

Dear Kelly, I am the parent of a high-flying daughter in high school and a gorgeous 13-year-old boy with a rare

chromosomal disorder. On your podcast you've likely featured parents whose children have disabilities.

You might know that parenting children with such vastly different needs and experiences

is a hard, hard task.

But it's truly an opportunity for growth for all of us, at least on a good day.

Some days it's crushing, but we go on anyway.

I was listening to your book club in conversation about a life well lived as I was

walking the dog and you made a comment about editing that struck me because it was almost

identical to a phrase from a recent poem I wrote. I thought I'd share the poem here.

Thank you for being a source of wisdom and comfort to all your listeners. All the best,

Alisha. So this is a Alicia Goldblatt's poem. It's called Parenting 101.

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