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Susan Niemann's avatar

Well said... my father was horribly abusive to my mother and to me. I was determined to be a good parent and had a fabulous daughter. Let's just say we do the best we can....and being a good human to ALL beings is what it's about. Now, I will go give the two pups (spoiled beyond belief!) here at the farm a treat and tell them it was from you, Jena! ✌️❤️

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Jena Ball's avatar

So you know about how abuse can shape a life. I love that I get to do some long distance spoiling of your pups. Hugs to you as well (((Susan))).

P.S. were you on the Rural Dems call tonight? So inspiring!

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Oh, I do know. My father was a sad, angry man. My doggos thank you! 😂 And I missed the cal, but damn, I'm so inspired! 💙💙

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

Hi Jena,

I love this article. Thank you, beautiful heart for treating all children as your own and for the special care that you have given to unique children with special needs. We’re all special though aren’t we.

I get the alcoholic tornadoes.

I’ve been thinking about something that I may or may not write about, but I have a feeling that in our blood lines there is a collective genetic carryover of the treatment of women throughout all of history.

I think it’s really powerful not to have children

I thought about it a lot, but I don’t have all the words to express yet.

More women are not having children and I think there’s a really good reason for that

On the other hand, what you are encouraging is beautiful

And we have a service animal. I’m gonna come back and look at more of your kin critters

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Jena Ball's avatar

I agree with you here: "...a feeling that in our blood lines there is a collective genetic carryover of the treatment of women throughout all of history," and hope you will eventually find what you'd like to express in words. I'd love to read it.

In addition to CritterKin, I worked on a project to help the Ukranian children displaced by the war for more than a year. I called it Song Flight. My goal was to allow others in the world to help them recover and grow into kind, loving adults who work to prevent wars. If you'd like to see what I did, visit: https://songflight.substack.com/

Hugs and many thanks for the encouragement!

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Prajna O'Hara's avatar

I will check it out! Thank you!

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Jena Ball's avatar

I wish we didn’t have that in common, but at least we also know we aren’t alone. The call was fantastic! So much diversity. So much positive energy. Here’s a link to the recording. It’s worth it: https://streamyard.com/watch/YQ5T7SwfTDpR

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Susan Niemann's avatar

Hey thanks! 😘

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Malcolm J McKinney's avatar

All creatures great and small deserve respect, but not necessarily appreciation for all their actions.

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Sharon Flynn's avatar

You make many excellent points. Not having biological children does not mean ‘childless’. There are so many ways we can intersect with children ( and animals) who need someone. I loved your thoughtful message and the fact that it is inclusive rather than exclusive. 💕

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Jena Ball's avatar

Thank you, Sharon.

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Marian Fried's avatar

Oh ! I just noticed Bosco Butterbeans following up from the rear.

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Jena Ball's avatar

Of course! Couldn’t leave Bosco out :-)

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Marian Fried's avatar

Thank you Jena!

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