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Morgan de Klerk's avatar

Your narrative is beautifully crafted. Our daughters, aged 3 and 4, remind me of little Iglika, singing their own made-up songs from their car seats. Reading your reflections, I can only imagine the emotions of envisioning them at 18, brimming with hope and ready to embark on their university journeys. This piece resonated deeply with me. Thank you for sharing. You're a wonderful father!

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Bogdan Darev's avatar

Thank you for your kind words and for reading. I may be writing a book about my experience raising Iggy.

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Morgan de Klerk's avatar

You should! I’ll be the first to buy.

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Siolo Thompson's avatar

Thank you.

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Ginger's avatar

Time and our brains move us and our hair around, sometimes slowly and sometimes fleeting. Life is not simple, but it is full of wonder. You are a family of artists - warm and passionate. Congratulations on finding just the right words to express life with a lovely child and mother of the child.

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Bogdan Darev's avatar

Thank you, Ginger!

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Stanislava's avatar

Such a poignant story could only be written by a true writer, but can only begin in a true father's heart. The combination of openness and creative writing with fascinating metaphors is truly moving and memorable.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece!

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Bogdan Darev's avatar

Thank you for reading, Stanislava!

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Jill Johnson's avatar

This is the most beautiful piece you’ve ever written, Bogdan, and one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read. I’d like to remind you that it was Iglika’s 4 year-old joy in a random coffeeshop that brought our families together all those years ago. 🥰. Namaste indeed. Wishing you and your family all that is good. ❤️

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Bogdan Darev's avatar

Thanks for reading, Jill! Yes. That fated meeting is one truly written in the stars. I can't wait to tell that story too!

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Mary Sherhart's avatar

What a beautifully written and expressed piece, Bogdan. The two photos are true treasures and your story brought them more and deeper meaning. Happy New Year to you and yours.

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Bogdan Darev's avatar

Thank you, Mary, for reading. You play a part in this story as does everyone else who has contributed to Iglika being brought up in a truly magical and special community. And yes, the moment Iglika looked back, I knew this had to be written.

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