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Sharron Bassano's avatar

"...And let go of the rope / and let go of the worries..." You took me back to the insecurities, the self-loathing and the embarrassment of adolescence here, Sharon. Thank all the gods, girl! We were able to lose the reality of our lives for a while and just PLAY ... swimming, bike riding, roller skating down the sidewalk -- all were ways of giving our psyches a rest. This is beautiful writing that so many men and women can relate to.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Thanks, Sharron! We can all relate to the struggle of those years…no matter what your social standing, being 13 is just so 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙!!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I remember crying in my room A LOT. Over what? I could not have told you. Just hormones...

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Letting go!

Sometimes the toughest challenge of all.

Thirteen--do you still have thirteen inside???

I hope so.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

I still 𝘿𝙊, Jill! And I let go on a regular basis. My husband and I are still children, and we have a little silliness every day. How else are you gonna navigate this silly world? Thanks for reading, and for your (always) welcome comments!

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Jill CampbellMason's avatar

Yeppers! Humor and silliness are all part of what we need to let ourselves BE human: mistakes are fine. I make more than my share. Maybe I make up for all my husband doesn't make??? And so many others??

I know how to bend the words until a smile creases

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Making smiles is a lovely talent! Humor has always been my favorite coping mechanism. “Comic relief,” they call it. Sunny days and rain…it takes both to make a rainbow. 🌈☀️

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Yael Gelardin's avatar

‘twas tough being 13! Summers were great. Spent a lot of hours underwater. Dreaded the start of the school year.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

I’m with you, Yael! Water was a great escape! Thanks for reading my story!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

A rope swing tested my courage when I was thirteen. The whole year, seventh grade and entering junior high school. Grade school friends as well as bullies separated and found new ones. Lots of changes and families in an uproar. A tilt-a-whirl that refused to stop.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Thirteen, when we should have been carefree, testing out our wings. But with the weight of the world on our shoulders. Ugh! Bullies were the worst! I wasn’t a fighter, so I fell victim easily. Thanks for your comments! I think we would have been buddies back then. So glad to know you, now, and read 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 writing, as well!!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

💞

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Richbee's avatar

First off absolutely memorizing poem. Second there are events that seem universal. The trestle, river,Tarzan swing, climbing tres. leaping into space and you know what? At that time think nothing but now. Life disappears in a splash. The river moves a current of time. Goes one way down to the sea to be a bit murky, but will eventually become clear.

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Richbee's avatar

I have been inspired. Remember a Tarzana swing and have used Time wisely today editing a story written around puppy love jumping for joy from a swing. Thanks for the nudge. A a free download picture.

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

I’m happy to have inspired you to write a new story! Happy editing…looking forward to reading it! Puppy love. Weren’t those the days??

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Thank you, Richbee!! You speak the truth! Away down the river, and gone. But, in time, and reflection, the answers roll in with the tide.

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Sue H's avatar

Love this one! Lots of memories from those days for sure! 🤗😘

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Sharon Hudson's avatar

Thanks, Sis! Yes, summer in Capitola was “the great escape!” So much fun to be had!! ⛸️👙🕶️💞

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