21 Comments
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Levi's avatar

Thanks for sharing your college send off story. It was beautiful and heart wrenching!!! ❤️

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

Thank you, Levi. I appreciate it

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Evelyn Scolman Lemoine's avatar

Great tribute to your son and your relationship with him. Cliff. Nicely done.

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

Thank you, Evelyn, as you could tell it all came from the heart and just kinda poured out. I’m still figuring it all out myself. So this means a lot.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

My name may actually be "Doug", as I sit here beside my mother in hospice care in her home, as I did for my Dad 2 years ago, and for my only brother 4 years ago in a hospice facility. (Fulfilling a promise I made to Mom >50 years earlier.)

Soon I'll be very much alone (except for my best friend, Chiquita), and with no "Dougie" of my own.

But I'd gladly give up ANY hope for a happier future to get that SOB out of the White House...

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

I’m sorry, my friend. I lost my dad over 10 yrs ago and think about him every day. I’m glad you’ve got Chiquita, but consider right here a place for friends. You needn’t be alone

Doug’s are always welcome here :). Seriously, if you need to come by to chat, please do. We’ll be here.

And yeah, let’s also get that SOB outta the WH

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

I will ALWAYS remember your kindness.

Thank you, Cliff.

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

Sorry this follow up took so long. We were, not shockingly, moving my son into college! Doug, kind is the only way to be to good ppl. When it comes to the ghouls we're up against, tho, I have nothing but bile, I hope every awful thing they've done to others/our country befalls them. They deserve not an ounce of that kindness.

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Susan Dufour's avatar

So sorry for all your losses - so difficult to lose so much in so short a time. Please don't underestimate the companionship and healing Chiquita will provide. You will not feel alone with her love and loyalty, believe me. You are very strong to be by your loved ones' sides when your support was most needed. They will be in your heart forever. And, yes, reach out to us or wherever you connect - you are not alone, people care.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Chiquita is getting on, but that seems a common trait in this house.

I got her from a local shelter about the same time Trump was taking his "golden escalator" ride before dozens of paid actors (and only $50 and a shirt!) So calling her Chiquita was an easy choice, knowing that Trump could not be more wrong about Mexicans (and people in general), and every time I'd call her it would be a personal attack on Trump's lack of values.

Thank you, Susan. A little help is always welcome!

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EB's avatar

Been there twice. Be happy for your son fledging successfully. Give him good advice that he'll mostly ignore, help him move into his dorm, hug him and leave quickly. Kids don't want you lingering once they're moved in to dorm, too many exciting things to do. No tears, no guilt tripping, no mixed messages. Smile and leave. You'll see him at T'giving. Start a new hobby to fill your time.

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

I'm overjoyed w who he is, what he's become, where he is. We miss him, but settled him in of course w no guilt trip-I can't imagine that, what awful parenting. This is about HIM, not us. We'll remain close, I have my wife/2nd son, friends + a # of hobbies. We're good :)

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EB's avatar

Glad to hear this. Your kids are lucky to have you as their dad. As for guilt tripping, that describes the mother of my oldest's first year roomie. Called every morning at 8:00 to make sure she was awake and several more times during the day and evening. Ample doses of "We didn't work so hard all these years..." Poor kid.

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Susan Dufour's avatar

Oh, my heart ... God bless the good Dad that you are and the good Son that you raised through this transition. And stay focused on what is truly important and continue to fight for all those priceless intangibles because unlike the MAGA regime, you have morals, conviction, courage and real strength. Thank you for what you do and for raising decent human beings!

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it, Susan. It's been tough, but I'm so proud of him, of how he's getting settled in and embracing it. I will stay focussed, bc it's the future for him and others like him I fight for.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

I've loved that song dearly since it was first released when I was a teenager.

Thank you for reminding me of what we're fighting for.

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Cliff Schecter's avatar

My pleasure. Thank you for commenting on what was easily the most personal post I’ve ever written.

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Gaye Shattuck's avatar

You rail about Trump this and Trump that. He can't help he is so stupid.

BUT my young friend, it is the Republicans who are to blame for EVERYTHING.

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foofaraw & Chiquita(ARF!)'s avatar

Actually, I think most of them are at least as stupid, or at least terribly short-sighted, selfish and power-hungry.

All very stupid things.

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Michael Golden's avatar

“That’s exactly the point. We don’t get more than one life. We get a single set of days and minutes, which are limited. And each one’s premium rises as we age.” More on TGM: https://shorturl.at/dHt9n

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Renée Russell's avatar

Best of luck to your son!

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