I’ve been absent here for weeks—not because I’ve run out of things to say, but because life swept me into an undertow, pulling me deep into its currents.
I’m amazed by the lightness of joy, humor and depth with which you navigate your current waters. The lens of humility and simplicity through which you view life is truly profound and poignant.
These words struck me in the most beautiful way…
“At its best, writing isn’t about elevating one story over another but about creating space for connection and understanding. “
Dear Stephanie- you don’t know me, but my sister forwarded your writing to me. She knew I needed to read it. I’ve read it many times over-It has touched me so deeply. You are a beautiful writer and have so much to say, to share, to teach. Such a stark and important reminder of how the trajectory of one’s life can change in a split second. Thank you for sharing. I am routing for you, and holding you and dear Adrian in my thoughts. Erika
Dear Erika, What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! And even sweeter to know Anne-Marie shared my writing with you. I have so many warm memories of your sister from our time in Rwanda. Your message touched me so much—thank you for reaching out and sharing how the writing resonated with you. Life definitely has its unexpected twists, but moments like this remind me of the beautiful connections we build along the way.
Sending lots of warmth to you, and please give Anne-Marie a big hug from me!
Thank you for continuing to share your inspiring thoughts and experiences with others, Stephanie. There is so much that people can learn from your courage, generosity, and love.
Stephanie - I remember our conversations decades ago about peacekeeping and now see how far you’ve come and how clearly you are living. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I think my husband found your postings after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and shared them with me - and we realized I knew you. My sympathies for all you are facing, familiar to me, but your grace is truly extraordinary. Xo Tori
Tori, your message moved me deeply. Thank you for your kind words and for reaching out after all these years. It means so much that you remember our PKO conversations and that my journey has touched you and your husband during such a difficult time.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about his diagnosis. Navigating stage 4 cancer is an experience that leaves no part of life untouched, and I can only imagine the strength it has taken for you both. Please know that I’m holding you in my thoughts !!!
Thank you again for your message and for reminding me of the importance of sharing and staying open. Sending love and strength to you both. With gratitude, Stephanie
During times of incessant IV pump beeping, the long wait for pain meds, and those inward-looking moments that feel like free fall of the gut, I always think of you bearing up, and I smile. You are my treatment role model 😇. I was amazed when I first met you at a human rights conference, and you continue to amaze me with your self-compassion and ability to communicate your most profound thoughts now. Thank you for being you, for helping me (and others) deal with my own end-of-life struggles (mental and physical), and for showing me I'm not alone. And neither are you, my friend. I am sending you love and best wishes for the continued struggle. You are special in so many ways! - Tom
Tom, your words moved me deeply. Knowing that my journey offers you even a sliver of comfort omeans more than I can say. You, too, are a role model in resilience—bearing the weight of so much with courage and heart. I am grateful for the connection we share and for your kind reminder that none of us are truly alone in this. Sending you love, admiration, and wishes for peace as we continue to walk these paths, each in our own way, but never apart.
this one was so beautifully written. you are so so so dear.
Love you dear Libby !
I’m amazed by the lightness of joy, humor and depth with which you navigate your current waters. The lens of humility and simplicity through which you view life is truly profound and poignant.
These words struck me in the most beautiful way…
“At its best, writing isn’t about elevating one story over another but about creating space for connection and understanding. “
Thank for sharing your powerful story. 🙏
Dear Stephanie- you don’t know me, but my sister forwarded your writing to me. She knew I needed to read it. I’ve read it many times over-It has touched me so deeply. You are a beautiful writer and have so much to say, to share, to teach. Such a stark and important reminder of how the trajectory of one’s life can change in a split second. Thank you for sharing. I am routing for you, and holding you and dear Adrian in my thoughts. Erika
Dear Erika, What a wonderful surprise to hear from you! And even sweeter to know Anne-Marie shared my writing with you. I have so many warm memories of your sister from our time in Rwanda. Your message touched me so much—thank you for reaching out and sharing how the writing resonated with you. Life definitely has its unexpected twists, but moments like this remind me of the beautiful connections we build along the way.
Sending lots of warmth to you, and please give Anne-Marie a big hug from me!
Thank you for continuing to share your inspiring thoughts and experiences with others, Stephanie. There is so much that people can learn from your courage, generosity, and love.
Remarkable beauty in these thoughts. Thank you gifting your strength, against your physical challenges, to write and share this journey with us.
Thank you. This is important for us listening. Please go on. M
There is so much wisdom in your essay. Sending love, Stephanie.
Such clarity and so much truth in this piece. Hope the retreat is healing in every way. Hugs
Stephanie - I remember our conversations decades ago about peacekeeping and now see how far you’ve come and how clearly you are living. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I think my husband found your postings after he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and shared them with me - and we realized I knew you. My sympathies for all you are facing, familiar to me, but your grace is truly extraordinary. Xo Tori
Tori, your message moved me deeply. Thank you for your kind words and for reaching out after all these years. It means so much that you remember our PKO conversations and that my journey has touched you and your husband during such a difficult time.
I’m so incredibly sorry to hear about his diagnosis. Navigating stage 4 cancer is an experience that leaves no part of life untouched, and I can only imagine the strength it has taken for you both. Please know that I’m holding you in my thoughts !!!
Thank you again for your message and for reminding me of the importance of sharing and staying open. Sending love and strength to you both. With gratitude, Stephanie
Thank you Steph for another deep, thoughtful and inspiring essay. I hope you got some true rest this weekend. Sending love
So beautifully and thoughtfully written, my friend, as always. Sending you love and light. ❤️
SKA - whilst wintering you are on fire - albeit in a restful kind of way of course … you are indeed going as a river 💚
Thanks, dear Bela. I still wish we could have joined you and your family in India. Love you!
During times of incessant IV pump beeping, the long wait for pain meds, and those inward-looking moments that feel like free fall of the gut, I always think of you bearing up, and I smile. You are my treatment role model 😇. I was amazed when I first met you at a human rights conference, and you continue to amaze me with your self-compassion and ability to communicate your most profound thoughts now. Thank you for being you, for helping me (and others) deal with my own end-of-life struggles (mental and physical), and for showing me I'm not alone. And neither are you, my friend. I am sending you love and best wishes for the continued struggle. You are special in so many ways! - Tom
Tom, your words moved me deeply. Knowing that my journey offers you even a sliver of comfort omeans more than I can say. You, too, are a role model in resilience—bearing the weight of so much with courage and heart. I am grateful for the connection we share and for your kind reminder that none of us are truly alone in this. Sending you love, admiration, and wishes for peace as we continue to walk these paths, each in our own way, but never apart.