66 Comments
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Kristin Campbell's avatar

You had me laughing and crying the whole way through. PLEASE write a memoir.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

So kind of you

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Meg Stemp's avatar

Could not agree more!

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Dallas Thompson's avatar

Virginia, this essay is stunningly beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

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Ro Anthony's avatar

Agreed!

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Lindsay Sword's avatar

This is one of the best pieces of writing I’ve ever read. You are an inspiration, and everyone should read this.

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Jenny Dover's avatar

What a beautiful, terrible, inspiring story. You are as talented with your words as you are your shopping. You are a testament to what an incredible woman your grandmother was. How proud she must be!

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Sheila (of Ephemera)'s avatar

This was a shocking, horrifying and yet beautiful story of love between three generations of women, and how they took care of each other. Thank you.💕

Congratulations on your success. You deserve it. And here’s to the patina.

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David @ Design Talk's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing. Lots of feelings and food for thought, but I just have to say that your grandmother sounds like an absolute boss.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

She was the ultimate ❤️

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Dawn Rodriguez's avatar

I can also attest ❤️

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Colleen Moutsos's avatar

Wow!! Thank you for sharing your experiences and your world. Very brave and heartfelt, and although there is much sadness, you show us in your daily posts the continued joy in your life. It is an honour to care for those who cannot care for themselves . . . your personal story, bravery and thrift energies are amazing. Stand proud. You have done well and bring fun, mindfulness and joy to many worldwide . . . thank you.

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Serah's avatar

I already knew you had a gift, and now I appreciate it even more! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story.

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Best Friends's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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kt's avatar

Thank you so much for writing this. I look forward to reading your memoir someday.

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Hurley Winkler's avatar

This essay stunned me. Absolutely beautifully written. Thank you for your openness and vulnerability.

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makenzi's avatar

Virginia, thank you so much for sharing your story — and how beautifully told. You have so many gifts and offer inspiration to so many, myself included! It’s an honor to watch your growth + success from Northwest Florida. 🤍

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EllieJSells's avatar

Thank you for sharing. It is always nice to have more insight and understanding as to what makes someone be their awesome self. You had me both crying and laughing. I’ve raised my husband’s sons as my own, one of which is 21 and severely disabled both mentally and physically so I totally endorse and live life on the dark humor motto of better to laugh than cry and agree with you that putting in your eye upside down is funny!! So sorry for the loss of your grandmother. You are doing a fabulous job of not only continuing her legacy but sharing it and inspiring others along the way!!

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Debbie Liu's avatar

Wow. My Nana too was like this: she would take us to "junk shops" - second hand shops were she would find all kinds of treasure. I love this idea of "being good at shopping" - it is, as you say, a skill like any other and women's skills are always undervalued. My heart was in my mouth reading your story - your Grandmother must be looking on, so proud of you.

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

So kind of you ❤️

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Kerrie Morgan's avatar

When I say, I did NOT see this coming. What a life you have led so far, and continue to lead. This essay is beautiful, your grandmother sounds like the woman so many of us aspire to be. Please write more, publish more, I know I am not the only one who LOVED reading this!!!! And I am so proud and happy that I have your book <3

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Virginia Chamlee's avatar

Thank you Kerrie! So kind of you!

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Louise's avatar

Thank you. This is inspiring

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