31 Comments
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Harriet scott's avatar

Boundless love from London. And we will keep an eye out for real estate 🧡

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Amy Gottlieb's avatar

Even in the midst of bad news, you're a beacon of creativity. You're welcome to stay with us in NYC if you want to come for a culture-filled respite. We have room for the 3 of you. Meanwhile I'm thinking of you and hoping a new trial comes your way. Sending love.

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Elissa Lash's avatar

Keep reading Prep. I loved it. Thought she captured teen head space and boarding school so well!

I love you and wish I had an apartment for you.

I also believe in the power of crying.

And gardens.

Big huge hugs

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Abby Gross's avatar

Jennifer—I am so sorry to hear about your news. My fingers are crossed for a new trial drug to become available. In the meantime have you thought about doing HomeExchange or one the other home swapping websites? I can’t imagine some city dweller wouldn’t want to spend some time in Your beautiful medieval village. I am glad you got to see your sister. Know that there is a big network of people around the world utterly rooting for you and sending out love. Wishing you the smoothest moving bowels and finding some brief moments of joy during this rough time.xo abby

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Saleh Farajat's avatar

I am so proud of you my friend and reading through what you have shared did really put me in tears. I hope we will get to catch up sometime soon in NYC! Please create a go fund me link - happy to chip in some money for your move. Thinking of you, Tim and Theo! Warmest regards to all.

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Saleh Farajat's avatar

I am so proud of you my friend and reading through what you have shared did really put me in tears. I hope we will get to catch up sometime soon in NYC! Please create a go fund me link - happy to chip in some money for your move. Thinking of you, Tim and Theo! Warmest regards to all.

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Saleh Farajat's avatar

I am so proud of you my friend and reading through what you have shared did really put me in tears. I hope we will get to catch up sometime soon in NYC! Please create a go fund me link - happy to chip in some money for your move. Thinking of you, Tim and Theo! Warmest regards to all.

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Saleh Farajat's avatar

I am so proud of you my friend and reading through what you have shared did really put me in tears. I hope we will get to catch up sometime soon in NYC! Please create a go fund me link - happy to chip in some money for your move. Thinking of you, Tim and Theo! Warmest regards to all.

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Beth Kephart's avatar

Oh, Jennifer. My heart aches. So much. I don't know what to say, I have no words, I send my love, I am so sorry.

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Claire Layrisson's avatar

Jennifer, mi retreat house es su retreat house if you want to come to Mississippi! But it’s definitely not a vibrant city 😂 . Your flowers are lovely and thank you for sharing your stories. You are alive and continuously creative and a treasure loved from around the world.

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Jennifer Steil's avatar

Thank you, Claire. Your place in Mississippi sounds beautiful. I long to be in New Orleans and see all of my friends there! I could see living in that city, for the people alone... I miss you! Come visit! xoxo

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V Crawford's avatar

Anytime you want a US break with endless old-English-prof bookshelves and 4 rocking chairs on a piney Minnesota river -- I will take your family's visit as an excuse to go travel myself! Cities aren't close but doable for culture, museums, care, a cool nuns' motel... Some people like Fargo (90 minutes) but Duluth is prettier than mega-sprawl MSP.

Sending big love & hopes you get your cities wish! (My own "topophilia" has me checking Taiwan fares every day, the slot machine of my heart -- Tuan wrote his 1974 book on love of places with my ilha Formosa in mind)

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Jennifer Steil's avatar

Thank you for introducing me to the word topophilia! I didn't know it, but having looked it up, it so perfectly describes how I feel about specific places. No wonder it was used by poets. Thank you so much for your kind invitation. The biggest hurdle about going to the US (other than the current administration!) is the healthcare issue. We can't afford it in the US. And of course my husband is not a US citizen, so who knows if the country would let him stay!

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Elizabeth Rynecki's avatar

Wishing you hope and strength as you navigate this difficult time.

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Tanya Ward Goodman's avatar

Much love to you.

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Pia Hinckle's avatar

I love the "cry, and then fight again" advice. It's all too much to hold ALL the time. All so beautiful and terrifying Jennifer. Praying you get a miracle in housing AND health!

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CJ Spataro's avatar

All I can do is make a pitch for Philadelphia, which is still a very affordable city with world class hospitals. And I can say unequivocally, it is s city filled with people who love you. We also have an outstanding Performing Arts High School in Center City for Theo and we're only an hour and a half way from NYC by train. As for the crying. I am a big crier. Everything makes me cray. Sometimes I watch sad shows or listen to sad music because I know it will make me cry and then I just have at it for awhile. But I try not to do this in front of Vinny. Last week, I had a mini meltdown and he ended up comforting me, which I really try to avoid. If you want to have a conversation about moving back to the US and maybe considering Philly it would be a good excuse for us to talk - although I need no excuse to want to talk to you! As always, holding you and Tim and Theo in our hearts.

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Jennifer Steil's avatar

Oh yes, Carla, let's talk. It always does me good to hear you and see your face. I am thinking of you and Vinny. I am sure I would love Philadelphia, especially as I know so many amazing people and writers there! It's the whole cost of healthcare thing that is daunting..... both financially and in terms of paperwork... Let's make a date?

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CJ Spataro's avatar

I'll message you on WhatsApp!

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Charles Holdefer's avatar

Will keep my ear to the ground about possible real estate.

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Jennifer Steil's avatar

Merci! I hope all is well with you Charles! xo

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