18 Comments
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Antonio L.'s avatar

Good afternoon señor,

My name is Antonio and I have personally worked with Juanita for 6 years, 3 of them being part of our team and even taught your daughter last year! As a husband as well, I wouldn’t have known what to do with all of that waiting I would have gone crazy!

Juanita is a free spirit, someone who makes you laugh all of the time, and makes sure that everyone is taken care off. I’m glad you were there for them. I’m also glad that she be coming to work again!

Awesome perspective!!

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Antonio, you’re a great coworker and friend to Juanita. She thinks the world of you. Thanks so much for the kind note!

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Linda's avatar

My husband died in March after a long illness. I was his one and only caregiver. I loved him deeply and miss him every day but I’ve not once been able to cry. Is it the Lexapro like they say? What’s up with that?

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thank you for sharing that, Linda. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m certainly not qualified to comment about the Lexapro, but I have read anecdotes of depression presenting in some people with an inability to cry. I would recommend reaching out to a mental health professional for some counseling work if that is something you feel you would like to work on. I can relate from my own experience that professional counseling and therapy can be amazingly helpful. I’m rooting for you!

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Debora's avatar

My sister shared this with me and I’m so glad she did! We lost our mom two years ago and to say crying has been a weekly (sometimes daily) norm is an understatement. Vulnerably and beautifully said! So glad to hear Juanita is doing well!

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thank you so much, Debora. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing that with us. I hope the healing continues. Be sure to talk about her!

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Esther Lopez's avatar

I was deeply moved by the emotions your narrative evoked. I’m so happy Juanita has a loving and caring husband. She deserves the world.

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

She really does, Esther. I hope I live up to it each day.

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Rebecca Benner's avatar

Anaiah, this post is amazing and has invoked so many emotions for me. Releasing stress and anxiety is daily process for me, and your descriptions could not be more on point. I could feel your stress, fear, and love for Juanita through the entire story. Thank you for sharing that vulnerability, especially when it was met with love and understanding in return. Please give Juanita a hug from me and tell her I am so thankful that she is doing well. Much love to you and your family! ❤️

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Aw, thank you for the kind note, Rebecca! I’ll give her as many hugs as you want me to!

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Elizabeth Gardiner's avatar

I hope after your recovery from the surgery, you will feel better. After my Gall-bladder removal, my health improved.

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I’m hoping the same. So far, signs are positive.

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Priscilla Ayala-O'Neal's avatar

It had been a while since something I read moved me so much. Ahh the good cry, I have had many ohh so many of them missing my momma. Beautifully written Anaiah!!

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thank you, Priscilla. Those cries are great, aren’t they?

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Michael Moore's avatar

Wishing you both the best

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thanks, Mike!

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Nancy's avatar

So happy for you, Juanita and your family that it went so well! Except of course for the delays.

I've always known and felt the effects of a 'good cry'. Thanks for shedding light on the physiological 'why'

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Anaiah Matthew's avatar

Thanks so much, Nancy!

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