19 Comments
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Alice's avatar

Your writing! No words because I am not a writer. I am a reader. I did not want this to end.

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Cheryl Church's avatar

I have no words Hunter, but goodness I’m glad you’re here and I’m glad you share yourself with us.

My first therapist I had, I ‘performed’ for, I eventually had to quit because I ran out of material. He thought I was great at parties when in actuality I have terrible anxiety particularly in crowds, so I relate a bit.

Thank goodness for those who can laugh with us and still see us 💕

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Julie's avatar

Hang in there Hunter! You are a delight! I first heard you with Annie on her podcast and I just love the two of you :) I am old enough to be your mother (yikes I'm getting old) and would adopt you in a second:) Stay strong!

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Lady90's avatar

I’m old enough to be your grandmother. I could adopt you also.

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Lady90's avatar

Hunter… this was strange, unsettling and beautiful. I had tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my head. I am going to write down Patricia’s words and adopt them as my own mantra. Thank you for sharing this story.

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Beatrice Mulligan's avatar

Hunter, I was so happy to meet you at the Reader’s Retreat in Thomasville. Believe it or not, I had the same feelings that you did. What will I say to him? How will I introduce myself? The rehearsal was ridiculous. However, I knew if I didn’t try I would have lost out on something that was important to me. All of the reasons I wanted to meet you were because of your interviews with Annie and I admired your friendship and how you spoke to and respected each other. And I knew that one day I would get to be in your presence and feel your kind hearted energy. We are all just human with all of our vulnerabilities Yet we are all just doing the best we can. Thank you for being there.

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Hunter Mclendon's avatar

Thank you so much for all of the kind words!! It really was lovely getting to meet you! I’m glad we got a chance to chat, so I’m glad you took the leap! I’m always nervous every time I go to the retreats haha

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Beatrice Mulligan's avatar

It was my first one. It was so beautifully coordinated and I had a wonderful time. I also made some friends.

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Elizabeth Aquino's avatar

This is golden.

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Caroline Burris's avatar

I just burst into tears at her inscription. And moments before I cackled because I thought I was the only Little Edie enthusiast. Thank goodness you feel so much so that I can feel it, too.

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Jessica's avatar

I’m so glad you are here 🩵

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Joan Woodbury's avatar

Wow. Another beautiful essay.

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Sunny's Book Truck's avatar

I loved this. You’re the new David Sedaris baby!!!!

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Hunter Mclendon's avatar

Oh, very high praise! Haha thank you

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ldhawke's avatar

Gosh Hunter this is so good.

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Hunter Mclendon's avatar

Thank you!!

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Emilie Sommer's avatar

I’m so glad you’re still here, Hunter. Thank you for being so honest and please, please stick around! You must!

I couldn’t attend the Patricia Lockwood event and now I am even sorrier I missed it. I wanted to meet her and Naomi Fry (and get my aura read!!!) but I also would have been so glad to meet you and hug you (if you’re okay with being hugged by near-strangers who follow you on the internet).

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Hunter Mclendon's avatar

Oh I’ll never turn down a hug haha

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Jennifer Kirby's avatar

So well written! Your ability to weave grief and humor so seamlessly exemplifies what it is to be human. Grief will find us, no matter what. We have no choice. But humor is a choice. We gotta marry the two somehow if we’re to survive this life.

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