24 Comments
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Kathy Schuetz's avatar

The rules you shared with us are good for everyone. We all need them.

I appreciate so much the words of the Black women I am reading on Substack.

Thank you.

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Summer Koester's avatar

Thank you. Some of the most energy and inspiring words these last couple of weeks have come from Black women because, as you mention, they have already learned to fight. I also have an autistic child. Now with the possible dissolution of Department of Education, people like her are going to see their support and rights go away, too.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

It's all so disturbing. Thank you for reading and for your comment. ❤️

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Kathy (Kate) Dana's avatar

White women were the group that benefitted the most from DEI. Shocking how many are clueless. They are in for a rude awakening.

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Flora M Brown's avatar

Thank you for sharing what some of us are too exhausted to organize our thoughts to say.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you for reading. We are all exhausted. ❤️

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kathy archuleta's avatar

I enjoyed reading your article. I will do my best to follow your advice. I, too have had to fight for everything I do. But like my Father used to say, "good things happen when you work hard". I wished I could pay to support your subscription. I'm retired; have a special needs adult living with me who is unable to work leaving me very strapped on funds.😔

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Karen Wesley's avatar

I appreciate your support. Thank you for reading and commenting.

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Anna Maija's avatar

Thanks for sharing and for this perspective. I'm buckling up to help my newly diagnosed autistic teen into adulthood. This will be a long ride. She is tremendous. The world is hostile. Your world is even more hostile than ours but I worry the philosophy is spreading. Small graces, fragile as baby birds all over the West, disappearing.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

The transition to adulthood is a real doozy! At least it was for my boys. Girls mature faster, so hopefully it goes well. It takes lots of patience and understanding.

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Amy Graham's avatar

Perfectly stated! Thank you

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you!

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Mary Austin (she/her)'s avatar

Truth. All of this. Thank you for sharing all of this rage and pain and illumination.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you Mary!

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Diane Rizer's avatar

Thank you. Just that. Thank you.🙏

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you for reading.

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Nikki | Nocturnal Narrator's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it has something to do with empathy, but I think it has everything to do with your writing. Being able to take lived, personal experience and turn it into something for everyone - whether its validation, perspective, or a well-deserved verbal kick to the ass - that's something that can't be taught. Thank you for sharing.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thank you ♥️

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Denise's avatar

Totally relate it’s exhausting!

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Cathy R. Payne's avatar

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, struggle, and self care. I’m sorry you’ve had to fight for a lifetime.

I am the granddaughter of immigrants. Things were better for me, but could be worse for my children and grandchildren. I love the earth and wild areas.

I had a premonition when I was 16 that I would see destruction of resources, the environment, and loss of our planet. I don’t want it to be true.

My generation’s parents fought in WWII and many died on the battlefield and in camps. My generation was trained early on air raid drills and underground bunkers.

I hope, Karen, that you find peace in the moment sometime in your day. Many blessings to you.

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Ellen's avatar

Anger is justified. Control the anger. My anger led me to make rash decisions. I have no regrets though, I learned. My heightened sense of injustice prevales.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

Thankfully Im on the mature side of life. I remain in control. It's just my mouth and my pen that gets me in trouble.

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Andrielle The Oracle's avatar

excellent piece Karen! thank you for highlighting that particular feeling.

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Karen Wesley's avatar

The whole essay was 🔥

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