26 Comments
User's avatar
Christine Solomon's avatar

I went back and reread this because it’s that beautiful—and that needed. The way you wrote about your friend broke me open and that line—tomorrow doesn’t owe us anything—just sat in my chest. It’s a reminder to stop waiting, to live fully now. Thank you for putting something so raw and human into words.

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

We all need a reminder

Expand full comment
Michelle Bergamo's avatar

This...aches. Beautifully said but heartbreaking. Resonates deeply with me. I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤

Expand full comment
Yolanda D.'s avatar

This brought me to tears! It was even hard to write. You're right, Jennifer. Tomorrow doesn't owe us anything; we, in turn, owe ourselves tomorrow. When you mentioned your boyfriend of 20 years dying, it reminded me of a guy I danced with as a couple. When I moved away to New York, I heard he would call my mom every weekend to ask about me. When I finally moved back, I would visit her on the weekends just to be able to talk to him one more time...he never called back. So, I know Jennifer, what you must be feeling. Maybe something like me, emptiness, regret, sadness, or pain. Jennifer, at least you have that beautiful tree that was part of the two of you. You can walk by it and remember the good times. 💘❣️

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

Yeah we think we have all this time. We do not.

Expand full comment
Kim Alvarez-Cazzetto's avatar

This is so beautiful. I appreciate every word. I lost my sister and it made me realize that I had been taking … everything for granted. I pivoted and have been on a different path since. I see everything so differently now. It’s bittersweet because, well, I gained awareness but lost my sister. So. I’m doing the things (they’re hard), rolling on the floor with my dogs, crying when my trees give me peaches, and going wherever my legs and heart take me. She’d be pissed at me otherwise. I’m sorry about your friend 💕

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

I’m so sorry. It’s a hard lesson but necessary to wake up.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment removed
Apr 19
Comment removed
Expand full comment
Adrian's avatar

I would never laugh, but the jokes must come thick or fast. I found myself prancing your given surname in different ways to minimise its impact. But as for the reflection on the piece, yes so often the need is to wake up. It almost feels we live subconsciously from day to day, not with a driven plan.

Expand full comment
This Is Your Warning's avatar

Powerful message, thank you!

Expand full comment
Lisa's avatar

Infuckingdeed!

Expand full comment
Erin Elizabeth Lynch's avatar

I'm so sorry that Chris had to endure such a horrible disease. This is beautifully written. I think if there is a purpose to life you have captured it here. To learn to really be alive, and to truly appreciate the opportunity to be here to keep living. Thank you for sharing. ❤

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

Xxx Erin

Expand full comment
Adrian's avatar

This piece was deep, so thank you for sharing your lesson, I needed to hear it

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

We all do

Expand full comment
Midlife Musings & Mayhem's avatar

Yup! I felt every word written here. I have to be present - daily cos this is all we have - today.

Thanks for sharing this.

Expand full comment
Deborah Louise Ortiz's avatar

Beautifully written. This is the absolute truth. What a nice gesture of his wife to reach out to you. Tomorrow is not promised. All we have is NOW! This moment! Live it to your absolute fullest.

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

Amen Deb Amen

Expand full comment
Tamara Foster's avatar

Thank you for sharing and in so doing reminding us all just what is really important. Condolences on your loss 🌸

Expand full comment
Nancy Ellen Row's avatar

Love this and sorry to hear about the loss, for everyone who loved him. ALS is diabolical. 💔

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

It’s sure it

Expand full comment
Shawna Kaszer's avatar

Yesssss to all of this🔥I’m so sorry you lost your friend. It’s like this last precious gift our loved ones leave us as they depart this world-the reminder that every day is to be cherished♥️

Expand full comment
David M's avatar

Very well put in remembrance of Chris!

Expand full comment
Laura Ann Tull Artistic Hope's avatar

Do you like the Godfather? I mean really like it. I know it's well made. The cinematography and art direction is art. But the actual story to me has always been to violent. To masculine. In a world that is to violent it adds to it. Then today I saw this? (This is not to a negative on your film. I suspect yours is a response to the masculinity of Godfather. A much needed commentary.) I saw this today and thought. Yeah. I've never expressed my distaste for God father and why but this sums it up. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHsKH9Ru489/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Expand full comment
Debbie Hovey's avatar

Needed this so much right now. Thank you for sharing what your loss has helped you to find - that we all need to just be ever so present in each moment🤍

Expand full comment
Jennifer Esposito's avatar

We sure do

Expand full comment