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Dear readers: thanks for all of the wonderful affirmation in response to this piece from a few weeks ago. Please note: I have removed pictures of my daughter from the post because of certain Substack comments in the wake of the election that make me fear for her privacy and safety.

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Hand on heart, as it good-squeezes with emotion at this wonderful, inspiring news, John— Generously opening your hearts and home to Madisson. Sending best wishes and many good times ahead for you, Yndra and Madisson.

A few lines that came to my mind as I read your article: “All that children need is love, a grown-up to take responsibility for them, and a soft place to land.” ― Deborah Harkness, A Discovery of Witches

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Thank you, Victoria.

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Wow congratulations, John! 💙

I’ll take all the kinds of writing.

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Thanks, Kate. I'll keep writing!

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Congratulations, John! A lot of fathering is just showing up, being present. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to be the sage on the stage :)

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Thanks, Josh. For sure. I'm mostly just trying to be dependable.

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What a wonderful reason to fall behind in posting to your Substack! Congratulations, John and Yndra and Madisson!

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Thanks, Zina.

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Man, I love this! Awesome news and take all the time you need. Happy for you and your family.

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Thank you, Matthew.

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founding
Oct 11Liked by John Halbrooks

A very warm and heart felt congratulations to you and your family!

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Thanks, Patricia.

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Oct 11Liked by John Halbrooks

Wow, what a wonderful thing you and Yndra have done. Congratulations! This put a big smile on my face.

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Thanks, Noreen.

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Oct 12Liked by John Halbrooks

Many congratulations to you and your family. Please take your time to adjust to your new role and priorities.

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Thanks--will do!

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Oct 11Liked by John Halbrooks

So heartwarming to read this beautiful essay about your daughter. Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️❤️

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Thanks, Vanessa. You will have to meet her soon!

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Congratulations and all the best, John!

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Thanks, Ellen.

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This is the best news I’ve heard all week!! Thank you for sharing with us, John. I’m so, so happy for you, Yndra, and Madisson. I love how serendipitous your meeting was. Just beautiful.

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Thanks, Tiffany. Yes, it was certainly a long shot! At the beginning of 2024, I did not have "new father" on my bingo card.

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Oct 11Liked by John Halbrooks

So beautiful.

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Thanks, Lisa.

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founding

Congratulations John and thanks for sharing the start of this tremendous journey.

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Thanks, David.

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Congratulations! How very wonderful.

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Thank you!

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This makes me smile so hard. Congratulations to you and your beautiful family! ❤️

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Thank you!

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