18 Comments
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Betty Rauch's avatar

Gobsmacked by this! You are not only a wonderful chef but at this point you are a truly superb writer -- and a fascinating woman. Your dad is right - it's time for the book Alison. Do it. You already have so much of it. Now it's more a "fill in a few blanks" and put it together. WE, your fans, deserve it!!!!!!

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Betty,

I promise I'll get it together soon. Notes like this help the push.

Thank you so much!

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Lara's avatar

I can't wait for the second chapter, but I am also relieved to know how this story ends. Your writing is so beautiful

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Thank you, Lara. I'm thrilled that the story is compelling even when you know how it works out.

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Michael Tucker's avatar

This is a wonderful first chapter.! I'm hooked. Can't wait for more.

xo Mom

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Thanks mom and pop!

xoxo

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Jamie's avatar

How beautifully, or dare I pun deliciously you share that inside of you, which exists inside of all of us. In your words...we find our way home.

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

A true compliment from such a wordsmith! Thank you Jamie. xox

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christine scott's avatar

Beautiful, Alison 💕

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Thank you, Christine!

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Curt B.'s avatar

Dang...makin' me tear up!

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Sorry (or am I?)

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Kim Sterton's avatar

Dammit, Alison.... I have water coming out of my eyes and I'm at work!! This is the most beautiful piece you've written (IMHO). You're writing is so pure and I felt like I was right there at bedside with you. With an aging mother 2 hours south of me, I know how it feels to be removed in more ways than just the physical miles between us. This touched me. Thank you for sharing this. xoxo

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Kim,

Thank you so much for your kind words. My mom is trucking along and we do our best to stay close even though she’s so far away.

Tell em you love em, right?

Thanks for letting me know you read and liked it.

❤️

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Catherine Connolley's avatar

Alison

It was the most extraordinary time ,with so many powerful emotions flying around, and your writing captures it so well. It felt like living in a film or a book based on fantasy, particularly that moment when you called your mum in intensive care and I witnessed the other end of that l conversation. The look the ICU nurse gave me when she said to you ‘’why would you come over? It’s not as if it’s life-threatening!’

I have laughed reading your description because it was truly ridiculous; but am mostly overwhelmed by how this has brought back the power of those moments. Your description of Dr Sophie is perfect. Her sensitivity and clear and compassionate delivery of the most devastating news, and your mother’s extraordinarily positive response to it, were equally remarkable.

I’m so glad that you and I managed to find time to laugh and find a special bond, even during the really scary times.

I presume the next chapter won’t include EVERYTHING extraordinary that happened that month. For some things, Mum’s the word.

Cat Xx

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

Cat,

I'm so happy you enjoyed this piece. Learning more about you was one of the best parts of my time away. I'm so grateful for the laughter and honesty that we shared.

And, no, I'm not writing a sensational or torrid expose of my family. That would neither play to my intention nor my skillset. The next chapter is about me personally and a specific part of my world being turned upside down while in Cambridge.

Stay tuned.

xox

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Ann Schauffler's avatar

Love your writing, Alison. You have a gift indeed.

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Alison Wonderland Tucker's avatar

You're so kind, Ann.

Thank you!

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