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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

I am so touched by your thoughtful comments Layla, and glad you felt moved by the story.

We've been getting a daily play by play on what's going on in your life and household with Dear Diary, and despite some funny scenario's you have, it is crystal clear you and your husband are raising your little ones in a home filled with love and joy. I'm thrilled for you guys.

I still play my guitar, and I like to jam along with youtube backing tracks these days. Was singing up a storm earlier this afternoon. My sparse little studio of 1999, is pretty jam packed with guitars and keyboards, and other gear now.

I've been retired for about 8 months, after a career railroading.

I also see that Tara weighed in here. Her nickname is Dee Dee, I've been calling her that for ever it seems.

...And now it's over to Dear Diary to critique the days activities...

Thank you again Layla, you really made my day!

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Marya Kazmi's avatar

Wow! What a touching piece and song of love and the road that sometimes we travel to find it, hold on and fight through all the challenges along the way. Thanks, Kevin. This was beautiful and inspiring to know that kind of love exists still in their chaotic and painful world. 🙏🏽

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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

Thank you so much Marya — you’re right about working through the challenges, it is not easy, frankly, I was not easy. You get the help when you need it, try to do better, and it seems as I get older, I’m not sweating the small stuff like I used too. We grow.

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Discovering Me and You's avatar

What a moving story and song. How you realised that for you, she was inevitable and she became your new dream and focus. This makes me look forward to the day when I find this person for myself and they find me. You have a talent!

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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

Thank you for your kind words!

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Kristina Ray's avatar

This is such a moving piece, Kevin. The depth of love and gratitude you express for your wife, and how she's been "the reason and the meaning" through decades of life's journey, is such a beautiful sentiment. It’s obvious you two have something incredibly special, and your children are very fortunate to have been raised by two parents with so much love between them.

And that song! She is one lucky lady! To have someone write a song about you, especially one like this, is one of the most amazing gifts! My husband also writes, sings and plays guitar (and some other instruments). He’s never been much for recording, preferring live, and often spontaneously writing songs on the spot. He wrote me one song years ago, and I will never forget the first time he sang it for me.

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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

Thank you so much Kristina. It’s great to hear your husband is a musician, a fine hobby. Remembering that time he sang to you is very special.

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Layla's avatar

Kevin, this is one of the most beautiful articles I’ve read on this platform. The way you wrote about your wife with such tenderness, respect, and quiet admiration completely moved me. And the way you speak about your children with so much love and presence, it’s clear they grew up surrounded by the kind of warmth they deserved.

And don’t even get me started on your voice!!! There’s something so grounded and effortlessly powerful in the way you write and sing. You have a rare gift. I hope you know it!

Your love is a reminder that there are truly good, kind, emotionally present men out there. What a beautiful thing you and your wife have built together. It’s not just luck; it’s 4 decades of love, intention, and partnership. And it's inspiring.

Thank you for sharing this gem of a piece, and thank you for sharing your voice with the world.

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Tara Hartley's avatar

Hi Layla , That is a beautiful comment . I’m Tara , the middle child (gym and coffee girl 🙂) .

He’s a pretty good guy . I think we will keep him ! 🙂

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Layla's avatar

Hey Tara, it’s so nice to meet you. Welcome to substack. I’m pretty new around here too.

You will love this community. I have come across some of the kindest, most talented people here.

Also - I must ask are you the sister with the cat?…

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Tara Hartley's avatar

Hi Layla, yes I’m the one with the cat ! I enjoy your cat stories ! They’re very funny!

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Layla's avatar

Yay! I’m a temporary cat mum and I am warming towards her.

She’s not as scary as I thought and I’m slowly getting use to her coming in to my room now 😊

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Rock Bollinger's avatar

Awww, that's so lovely, Kevin. These days, people seem increasingly fickle (almost typed "fuckle"!) about long-term commitments. So it's like a soothing cup of tea to read of love that's lasted a lifetime. Thanks!

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Kevin Guiney P.Log. CCLP's avatar

Thank you so much, my wife just read it about 5 minutes ago and she loved it.

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