Allison, this is an astounding piece of writing. I was deeply touched by your honesty and bravery, and by the resolution of all your efforts to have the VA understand your situation. Thank you for sharing this important story, and the renewed hope I have in being a starthrower, to help even in the face of so little hope for "once and for all" solutions.
My mother always told us the story of starfish when we were little and had it printed out for all the cousins. That’s why we did animal rescue and would feed the outdoor animals. You can’t save them all, but you can make a difference to those you encounter.❤️
Omg I have tears in my eyes. A powerful story and brilliantly told. It’s hard to imagine the pain and grief that you’ve endured. You are a strong, powerful, passionate, loving woman. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable story and all the challenges you faced. Your steadfastness is a gift to us all.
AG, you never cease to amaze me with your honesty, clarity, and inspiration. This piece touched me on many levels. But, the Starfish portion was totally new for me and is giving me feelings of pride that I've needed in these dark days.
I always strive to recognize the "starfish" in my life - I've just never thought of them as such. I know that I will never be a major influencer in this world, nor do I really want to be. But, seeing the joy in another person's eyes when I do something nice for them or have helped them make a connection that advances their life or career, or even just having acknowledged their existence; that is a feeling that gives me a sense of purpose.
So good. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad I stopped everything and read. I’m sorry I’m not listening to your podcasts right now but we are still subscribing. Just need to catch my breath before jumping back into fight. We love you in this household 🫶🏽🤘🏽🤗
What a great story to tell! You're just like here is a chapter from my book and minutes later I'm crying and laughing. Thank you for sharing that and for sharing your entire journey. What a road it has been so far! I can't wait to see what else you will accomplish!
Allison, this is an amazing chapter in your life and so well written. I'm sorry for the length of time it took to find your starfish thrower, but it is a reminder to keep fighting for your truth. And now you have become the thrower yourself by shining bright lights on those who are still struggling. Thank you.
Thank you for this moment. I've loved listening to your broadcast each day. You've helped to keep me sane. But this... Wow! And I've been telling and living the starfish story for years.. Preach!!
Here I sit with tears rolling down my cheeks. How did you endure the pain and injustice for so long? You are a light, a becon for anyone that glances your way!
Bless you AG for all that you have done, how you have faced adversity and risen to not only claim, but to dominate the high ground. I have two kick-ass daughters (both very strong, one is a petite gay woman in the military -- both are strong and kick-ass). I pray that they will stay as strong (and versatile) as you have proven to be. To perhaps "man-speak" -- you rock! Our planet (not just our country) needs more of you.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that you shared your remarkable story at this particular moment, when so many of us are questioning the possibility of overcoming impending injustices that appear insurmountable. I really needed this.
Well, I needed to read that today. Thank you for being a Starfish Thrower, and for using your strengths to inspire so so many to continue making our efforts, too.
How in the world is this not published?
Allison, this is an astounding piece of writing. I was deeply touched by your honesty and bravery, and by the resolution of all your efforts to have the VA understand your situation. Thank you for sharing this important story, and the renewed hope I have in being a starthrower, to help even in the face of so little hope for "once and for all" solutions.
My mother always told us the story of starfish when we were little and had it printed out for all the cousins. That’s why we did animal rescue and would feed the outdoor animals. You can’t save them all, but you can make a difference to those you encounter.❤️
Omg I have tears in my eyes. A powerful story and brilliantly told. It’s hard to imagine the pain and grief that you’ve endured. You are a strong, powerful, passionate, loving woman. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable story and all the challenges you faced. Your steadfastness is a gift to us all.
Reading that just made a difference to me. Thank you.
AG, you never cease to amaze me with your honesty, clarity, and inspiration. This piece touched me on many levels. But, the Starfish portion was totally new for me and is giving me feelings of pride that I've needed in these dark days.
I always strive to recognize the "starfish" in my life - I've just never thought of them as such. I know that I will never be a major influencer in this world, nor do I really want to be. But, seeing the joy in another person's eyes when I do something nice for them or have helped them make a connection that advances their life or career, or even just having acknowledged their existence; that is a feeling that gives me a sense of purpose.
Today, I'm one of your starfish. Thank you.
So good. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m glad I stopped everything and read. I’m sorry I’m not listening to your podcasts right now but we are still subscribing. Just need to catch my breath before jumping back into fight. We love you in this household 🫶🏽🤘🏽🤗
What a great story to tell! You're just like here is a chapter from my book and minutes later I'm crying and laughing. Thank you for sharing that and for sharing your entire journey. What a road it has been so far! I can't wait to see what else you will accomplish!
Allison, this is an amazing chapter in your life and so well written. I'm sorry for the length of time it took to find your starfish thrower, but it is a reminder to keep fighting for your truth. And now you have become the thrower yourself by shining bright lights on those who are still struggling. Thank you.
Thank you for this moment. I've loved listening to your broadcast each day. You've helped to keep me sane. But this... Wow! And I've been telling and living the starfish story for years.. Preach!!
Here I sit with tears rolling down my cheeks. How did you endure the pain and injustice for so long? You are a light, a becon for anyone that glances your way!
Signed, the new starfish thrower.
Absolutely stunning, AG. I'm sure in many ways this was hard to write, but well done.
Bless you AG for all that you have done, how you have faced adversity and risen to not only claim, but to dominate the high ground. I have two kick-ass daughters (both very strong, one is a petite gay woman in the military -- both are strong and kick-ass). I pray that they will stay as strong (and versatile) as you have proven to be. To perhaps "man-speak" -- you rock! Our planet (not just our country) needs more of you.
Just Wow. Read it all twice.
I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that you shared your remarkable story at this particular moment, when so many of us are questioning the possibility of overcoming impending injustices that appear insurmountable. I really needed this.
Exactly!
Well, I needed to read that today. Thank you for being a Starfish Thrower, and for using your strengths to inspire so so many to continue making our efforts, too.