44 Comments
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Gina Pera's avatar

My condolences to Helen's family.

You wrote such a moving tribute, Don—beautifully observed and full of quiet reverence for a life that could have ended in catastrophe or bitterness, but instead carried on for decades with grace, grit, and complexity.

The way you told her story—without romanticizing, but with deep respect—is powerful. It’s a reminder of how much history, resilience, and personal narrative can live in someone we might otherwise overlook. Thank you for sharing her life with us.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Gina, thank you so much for these kind words. It means a lot to me.9

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Gina Pera's avatar

I remember meeting Helen years ago.

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Amy L Bernstein's avatar

A beautiful way to honor a life--and a reminder that we are never too old to rediscover ourselves.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks, Amy. Well said.

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Tom Arceneaux's avatar

Poignant and wonderful. May her memory be a blessing. May your family be consoled.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Tom.

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Teaching in the Middle's avatar

Thinking of you, your wife, and your children during this time. What a beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law!

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you , Lori.

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WENDL Kornfeld's avatar

My condolences to your family and all the people who shared Helen's light. She is truly a role model and inspiration for us to pursue the possibilities for renewed meaning and beauty in our lives, despite the setbacks and disappointments.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Wendl.

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MRW's avatar

What a beautiful, inspiring tribute to a life well lived. She left such an incredible legacy for your family, and encouragement for those of us that have gone through difficult times in life. Thank you so much for sharing.

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Don Akchin's avatar

I am happy it resonated for you.

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Alice Goldbloom's avatar

How lovely. This is a beautiful tribute to a resilient woman.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Alice.

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Bev Houston's avatar

A beautiful and loving tribute. May her memories console you and your family. We all want to have known or to have had a connection with someone like her. Thank you for writing that connection.

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Ronaldo Nierman's avatar

Beautiful tribute. Sending love to Lisa, you, and family.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Ron.

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Suzanne Harper's avatar

This is beautiful, Don. May her memory be a blessing.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you, Suzanne. Always great to hear from you.

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Susie Kaufman's avatar

This is such a lovely tribute, Don. I'm moved by your appreciation of your mother-in-law. You were lucky to have her and she was lucky to have you.

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Don Akchin's avatar

I agree totally. Thank you,

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Bill Gately's avatar

Dear Don, thanks for a fine article. I'd be pleased to read more about her.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks, Bill.

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David Saunders's avatar

Don, this was a beautifully written tribute to a remarkable woman. Each newsletter hits a home with new insights and wisdom.

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot to me.

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Debi Graham's avatar

What a lovely tribute!

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thanks, Debi.

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Juliet Eurich's avatar

Such a heartfelt tribute and so much to learn from her journey. Thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your loss. Juliet

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Don Akchin's avatar

Thank you so much, Juliet

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JoEllen Arthur's avatar

Prayers for you and her daughters. 🩷

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Don Akchin's avatar

Much appreciated, JoEllen.

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