Thank you for sharing this, Margaret. Your words carry such strength and truth that it takes incredible courage to walk through such pain and still find your way back to the light. Writing can be a powerful way to heal, reclaim breath, and find meaning after silence. I’m so glad you’re ready to share again. Your voice matters, and I’ll be here, grateful to read whatever comes next.
Thank you, Liliane. It isn't easy to find the light after being shadowed by many things, but sometimes we come back stronger than before. Or, maybe we always do! Thank you for reminding me that my voice matters. Sometimes it is easy to forget this. I hope to share words that will keep you grateful for reading!
I think you’ve already done exactly that; your words carry both courage and grace. The light you’ve fought for now shines through every line you write. I’ll be reading with gratitude, truly
Margaret, what a time it's been for you. As I read my feeling was that of an exorcism. You have so much courage to share with us. Very glad to be connected with you through Substack and look forward to reading more of your writing.
Thank you so much for reading. Muito obrigada! It has been a bit of an exorcism. Without the spinning head and green vomit. 😂 I will be sharing more soon!
Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal and tender reflection. It feels like you’ve been carrying so much over these last few years — and perhaps even longer — yet there’s such quiet strength in the way you write about it.
I’m really glad that what you’ve been holding is starting to feel a little lighter now, and that you’re finding space again to breathe, write, and smile.
That photo— that smile — says it beautifully.
There’s a calm, thoughtful rhythm to your storytelling that feels like walking slowly through Iberia — noticing the light, the colours, the textures, the small details that remind us life can still be vibrant and exciting.
I’m so looking forward to seeing where you take us next.
This community really is special, and I’m grateful you’re part of it.
Sorry to hear you have been through so much Margaret, and I hope that in time things get easier, not always the case in my experience. I am very envious of that beach and the 25 degrees. 😀
Wow. Tú sí eres valiente. I am so sorry for your losses. Losing both parents es tan difícil. I admire how you prioritized your healing, amiga querida. I love your stories and look forward to reading more! ❤️❤️
It's almost unfair that life keeps rushing down on some of us like it did there on you, whereas this little one of me only travelled along those happy paths, most of the time at least.
Margaret, this piece feels like sunlight breaking through after a long, gray storm. You can feel the warmth of your recovery between every line. What you’ve shared here isn’t just a story of grief and survival it’s proof of what happens when a soul refuses to stay buried. The courage it takes to keep showing up, to keep writing, to keep breathing through that weight honestly, it’s extraordinary. You didn’t just resurface you rose like something ancient and strong that remembered how to float when it mattered most. And reading this, one can’t help but feel grateful right alongside you. You’ve turned your pain into connection, your therapy into testimony, and your healing into an open hand for others who are still underwater. The fact that you’re ready to share again is a gift not just to your readers, but to everyone who believes in the redemptive power of words. You have some powerful content on your page im enjoying it very much glad I found your Substack
Thank you very much. What touching words that went straight to my heart. I am looking forward to reading more on your page. I have started but there is so much more!! Thanks for being here.
Margaret, reading this felt like witnessing someone breathe again after a long time underwater. The strength it takes to face such loss and still find the will to keep creating—it moved me deeply. Your honesty carries a quiet grace, and it reminds me how courage often looks like simply choosing to keep showing up. I’m so grateful you’re here and sharing again. The light in your words reaches farther than you think…
Your words also reach farther than you think! It is difficult to find grace in trauma and grief, and it has not been a pretty path. I do feel like I was underwater and just reached the surface. Time to fly now! Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I can feel that lift in your words, Margaret — like you’ve truly surfaced. I’m so glad you’re here, still creating, still flying forward with light in your wings, my friend~
Thank you for sharing your story and for being so raw and vulnerable. It’s really inspiring. I look forward to following your journey!
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am happy to have you on my journey. We are all in this together.
You are such an inspiration Margaret! Thank you for sharing openly. It no doubt encourages others to go done the path of healing.
If I can touch just one person, then my work is done. Thank you for your words, and for also being an inspiration!!
Thank you for sharing this, Margaret. Your words carry such strength and truth that it takes incredible courage to walk through such pain and still find your way back to the light. Writing can be a powerful way to heal, reclaim breath, and find meaning after silence. I’m so glad you’re ready to share again. Your voice matters, and I’ll be here, grateful to read whatever comes next.
Thank you, Liliane. It isn't easy to find the light after being shadowed by many things, but sometimes we come back stronger than before. Or, maybe we always do! Thank you for reminding me that my voice matters. Sometimes it is easy to forget this. I hope to share words that will keep you grateful for reading!
I think you’ve already done exactly that; your words carry both courage and grace. The light you’ve fought for now shines through every line you write. I’ll be reading with gratitude, truly
Margaret, what a time it's been for you. As I read my feeling was that of an exorcism. You have so much courage to share with us. Very glad to be connected with you through Substack and look forward to reading more of your writing.
Thank you so much for reading. Muito obrigada! It has been a bit of an exorcism. Without the spinning head and green vomit. 😂 I will be sharing more soon!
Well, my friend, I'm now priveleged to hear the 'rest of your story.'
You have been keeping much secret. I understand.
When we finally meet, there will be so much to share and commiserate on.
Your share was raw and obviously emotionally revealing. I hope it was relieving, as well.
You had me at 'enough.' I'll share why soon.
¡Gracias, senora! Muy bien!
I can wait for you to share! I look forward to our meeting! You are always welcome in Granada as well . All of you! Thanks for being "here"!
Road trip? What would our drive time be?
¡De nada!
Just the whole peninsula 😂. A bit over 1,000 kilometer, I believe.
Hi Margaret,
Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal and tender reflection. It feels like you’ve been carrying so much over these last few years — and perhaps even longer — yet there’s such quiet strength in the way you write about it.
I’m really glad that what you’ve been holding is starting to feel a little lighter now, and that you’re finding space again to breathe, write, and smile.
That photo— that smile — says it beautifully.
There’s a calm, thoughtful rhythm to your storytelling that feels like walking slowly through Iberia — noticing the light, the colours, the textures, the small details that remind us life can still be vibrant and exciting.
I’m so looking forward to seeing where you take us next.
This community really is special, and I’m grateful you’re part of it.
All the best,
Mark
Thank you, Mark. Strength tends to cover our struggles in a mysterious way. I am ready to breathe and write!
☺️☺️☺️
Sorry to hear you have been through so much Margaret, and I hope that in time things get easier, not always the case in my experience. I am very envious of that beach and the 25 degrees. 😀
Thank you, John. I am not sure if it gets easier or more bareable. Lighter is a feeling for sure!!
Wow. Tú sí eres valiente. I am so sorry for your losses. Losing both parents es tan difícil. I admire how you prioritized your healing, amiga querida. I love your stories and look forward to reading more! ❤️❤️
Gracias, querida! Llevo unos años bastante difíciles pero ya se va apareciendo la luz, poco a poco!! Un abrazo.
It's almost unfair that life keeps rushing down on some of us like it did there on you, whereas this little one of me only travelled along those happy paths, most of the time at least.
The most important is to stay as positive and happy as possible and keep moving forward! Enjoy the happiness! That is a good thing.
Margaret, this piece feels like sunlight breaking through after a long, gray storm. You can feel the warmth of your recovery between every line. What you’ve shared here isn’t just a story of grief and survival it’s proof of what happens when a soul refuses to stay buried. The courage it takes to keep showing up, to keep writing, to keep breathing through that weight honestly, it’s extraordinary. You didn’t just resurface you rose like something ancient and strong that remembered how to float when it mattered most. And reading this, one can’t help but feel grateful right alongside you. You’ve turned your pain into connection, your therapy into testimony, and your healing into an open hand for others who are still underwater. The fact that you’re ready to share again is a gift not just to your readers, but to everyone who believes in the redemptive power of words. You have some powerful content on your page im enjoying it very much glad I found your Substack
Thank you very much. What touching words that went straight to my heart. I am looking forward to reading more on your page. I have started but there is so much more!! Thanks for being here.
Onward. Take care.
Margaret, reading this felt like witnessing someone breathe again after a long time underwater. The strength it takes to face such loss and still find the will to keep creating—it moved me deeply. Your honesty carries a quiet grace, and it reminds me how courage often looks like simply choosing to keep showing up. I’m so grateful you’re here and sharing again. The light in your words reaches farther than you think…
Your words also reach farther than you think! It is difficult to find grace in trauma and grief, and it has not been a pretty path. I do feel like I was underwater and just reached the surface. Time to fly now! Thank you for your beautiful comment.
I can feel that lift in your words, Margaret — like you’ve truly surfaced. I’m so glad you’re here, still creating, still flying forward with light in your wings, my friend~
Margaret, I’m so moved by your courage. I’m glad you’ve resurfaced and found this space to share again. Can’t wait to read more of your stories 💛