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Becky Haystar's avatar

The start of this post really hit me, having gone through the same experience a year ago. It's been long enough now that my mind has processed it all, but seeing a similar experience written down by someone else brought it back. I read a lot of experiences of people who'd gone through that, before I did, as a mental preparation. I think it helped, like in a small way I'd already gone through it in my mind. And reading about others' experiences, those I'll never go through - even experiences of fictional people - makes me feel connected to the rest of the world in a way nothing else can. I'm very glad I can read, that I can absorb others' thoughts in such an efficient way. Including the thoughts in this post!

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thanks, Becky! Yes I think it can really help to read about other people's experiences with something unfamiliar to guide us through. And I agree that we are lucky that through reading we can read and gain access to others' thoughts and experiences--for insight, guidance, and healing. And there's a comfort in connecting with people who have shared similar experiences too, like you.

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Cara Gormally's avatar

Both the unfamiliarizing and familiarizing are so important. This is such good food for thought. Thank you.

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thank you, Cara! Your WaPo comic is a great example of a work that gave me insight into an experience I am fortunate not to have had. Thank you for sharing it. xo

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Cara Gormally's avatar

Thanks, Kelcey. That means a lot 💕

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Christa Clark's avatar

I'm sorry for your loss, Kelcey. I also had to put my 19 yr old cat down last November - the grief is real. This also resonates, because I've searched for other people's words or experiences every time I've gone through difficulties, and that's always helped me come to terms with the unavoidable slings we have to go through in life! It's a perspective that I think can be healing for both artist and audience. 💕

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thanks, Christa. Yes, we've lost two beloved cats in the last two years and, as you say, the grief is real. I wrote several more paragraphs about it but didn't want the whole post to be about that. You're so right that we turn to art to get us through these sorts of experiences!

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Teresa Wong's avatar

I’m sorry for your loss, Kelcey. ❤️❤️

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thanks, Teresa. xo

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Sumayya Ansari's avatar

Arghh. Loved this post so much. So sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is such a hard experience and sometimes we feel like with all the suffering around there is no space for it. So sorry for your loss. You are completely right about reading other people’s experiences. Even if it is to remind us something we already know. Sending you love.

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thank you so much, Sumayya. I love what you say here: "Even if it is to remind us something we already know." xo

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Bil Murray's avatar

This is so insightful, Kelcey. It is such a challenge that the power of the artist is filled with and, and and, and also this and that and then more and more. It is the gift of the artist to connect those ands and make them into something that is a distinct way beautiful and inspirational.

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Kelcey Ervick's avatar

Thanks, Bil! You say it perfectly: "and, and and, and also this and that and then more and more."

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