29 Comments
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Janell Rardon's avatar

Boy, this momma is SO grateful that the two of you met. Jose is an answer to prayer, a remarkable man, now father, and the PERFECT man for you and “all your little passions.” When I first met him, I asked, “What is it about Candace that drew you to her?”—something like that—and he quickly replied, “I love all her little passions: writing, music, 🎶 art…” soooo lovely!!!❤️

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

I will always remember that moment as well on Ocracoke! It was the perfect end to our first week together with the fam 🤍 love you!!

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Jose Bonifacino's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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Lin Celoni's avatar

Lovely. So nice to 'meet' your family face to face.

Peace,

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Lin! 🤍

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Simone Senisin's avatar

❤️❤️❤️

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mlsurgi's avatar

I first read this in 2016 when I was living in a small town up in the mountains of Albania. It became my home, as had so many places before it, for just those reasons you spoke of. They are written somewhere in one of my journals--having relationships, rhythms, "ownership" and all add up to happiness. At home. (It has been lovely to follow you on your journey).

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

I'm so glad this resonated with you the first time you read it, and that it speaks to your own journey of finding home in the world -- a small town in the mountains of Albania sounds like an especially beautiful place to call home. Thanks so much for reading and being here over the years! 🤍

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Ketzirah haMa’agelet's avatar

My heart just melted.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

🤍🤍🤍

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Notes from the Dragon's Nest's avatar

Such a beautiful story, Candace...with lovely illustrations!

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thanks so much, Karen! I'm so glad you enjoyed this 🤍

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Jeffrey's avatar

Home is wherever your heart feels comfort and love. As we age, we treasure our past homes and try to visit often. I love that Jose closes his eyes and pictures where things are as a reminder of that familiarity.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

I love this comment, Jeffrey -- especially what you said about home being the place your heart feels comfort. More and more for me as well, home is about where I feel safe and my body is at rest. Thanks so much as always for reading and being here 🙏

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Andy Capone's avatar

Wow, this is one of the best "seeds" you've done. It planted (pun intended) some thoughts in my head, the biggest is that sometimes the best ideas come from the youngest minds.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Andy, I can't thank you enough for your kind words -- I'm so glad you enjoyed this, and that it sparked some new thoughts for you as well ✨ Thanks so much as always for reading and being here!

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Sue Cauhape's avatar

This is a conversation I've never had before. It's interesting to put it all in words. I can feel at home in a motel room, yet after living in Kibbutz Usha for four months, I was eager to return to SLC. At that time, I had no domicile to return to; only my father's home where my childhood bedroom still remained intact. Within a couple of weeks and after I secured a job, I moved out. Home. It's a question I grapple with even today. At 75, I'm finally settling into my present house, getting comfortable in knowing there is nowhere else I want to live ... unless it's with my daughter's family in my complete dotage.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Sue, I loved reading your comment -- thanks so much for taking the time to share the reflections and thoughts this piece stirred up for you.

I especially love what you wrote about "getting comfortable in knowing there is nowhere else I want to live." I feel much the same way about Antwerp, and I think that can be quite a powerful feeling and assurance, to be so grounded in the world and in our life. Thanks so much as always for reading and being here! 🤍

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Gus Hinrich's avatar

Zyah was a wise child.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Indeed she was! I was just thinking as I put this week's post together, it also feels quite special that my daughter Elena is now the same age as Zyah when I lived next door to her.

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Jessica Maybury's avatar

this is sooo romantic

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

🥹🥹🥹

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Sally Jupe's avatar

A gorgeous story, with gorgeous sentiments and art that made my heart swell 💛

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Thank you, Sally! I'm so glad you connected with this story 🤍✨

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Colette Hannahan's avatar

Love this so much!!!!

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

And I love you!!! Love and miss you always, my dear friend 🤍✨

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M. Louisa Locke's avatar

Thanks for sharing this. Such a lovely way to start my day and remind me of my first conversations with the man who has been my partner now for over 55 years.

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Candace Rose Rardon's avatar

Ahh, 55 years! That is remarkable to hear, Louisa -- and what a gift to have shared such a partnership together 🤍✨

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Minaz Ansari's avatar

This is the most beautiful thing I have read today :)

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