14 Comments
Sep 29, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

You are truly amazing! Everyone involved is better for the decisions the you made. I’m sorry you’re losing an in-house babysitter. That is the most sad.

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The in-house babysitting is secretly why I asked him to move in haha!

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Sep 29, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

What a journey! From what I have learned about you from your posts. In am not at all surprised that your family would be the ones to have extra love to give, and the determination to see it through, and to appreciate the gifts your nephew brought to you as you provided him with a loving and nurturing home. Bravo to you all! Hope Caleb loves it, and thrives at college!

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Thank you Susan! These are very kind words. Caeleb is loving it! He has been making friends and loving how pretty his new home is.

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Oct 1, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

This is beautiful. What an amazing gift you gave your nephew, and your kindness and generosity speaks volumes. I wish him all the luck in the world. I followed the Dasani story when it was in the Times. It was chilling and eye opening, particularly since I had/have kids in the NYC public school system. She comes into my thoughts from time to time.

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It’s been a few weeks since I’ve read the book and I still can’t stop thinking about it. I read it so fast, I could not put it down. I bet it sat with you more deeply because you live in the city and your kids go to public school there! I also kept thinking about how much harder so many children and families had it during lockdown. I can’t fathom it and yet I keep mulling over it.

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Sep 30, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

❤️Just beautiful, Stephanie. You're a constant inspiration. And I'm so happy your family and your nephew had that time together. I'm sure all of you are so changed and better for it. It's a wonderful and rare example of how family can truly nurture and support each other during difficult time. Please keep us posted on your nephew's adventures. I suspect he is on the path to great things.

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Thank you Hilary! I will do an update on him later this year! Also I have your letter on my desk and I have not written you back yet! Although I am loving your affirmation deck! And I’ve read a couple chapters of chicken soup for the soul!

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Sep 30, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

Thanks for sharing your family’s story -- good luck to your nephew and his new adventure!

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Thank you Sue! He seems to be loving college so far!

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It's hard to distil what I want to say about this letter into a short paragraph. Thank you for sharing so unguardedly your family's experience, and I am here to absolutely praise you for all you've done. It sound like you're making the right changes for everyone and, in time, I'm sure it'll all feel far easier to reconcile and celebrate as part of your collective story, Stephanie.

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Thank you Lindsay! I will take your praise! I enjoyed reading your letter, I actually read it in the hustle and bustle of the airport on my way up to Santa Cruz to see caeleb move into his dorm.

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Sep 29, 2023Liked by Stephanie Jucar Cooley

Without any flattery, just truth...

I would like to extend my deep gratitude and joy~ to you “Aunt Steph”and Uncle Gabe, for providing Caeleb with the opportunity to grow, ripen, and live in your home and hearts! Thank you for the needed structure, the endless food, attending bb games more than most families would, stopping your own busy lives to notice and hear this young man, the list goes on and on, showing Caeleb your relentless faith in his ability to reach his goals!

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Thank you. I thought of you often when I wrote this. I sent it to caeleb and he said reading it made him realize how fast it felt. Time moves fast when you’re having a good time, I guess :)

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