22 Comments
User's avatar
Deb Collins's avatar

I'm incredibly grateful for the people who not only show up, but STAY, after a devastating loss. The 'real talk' is lifesaving talk. What a beautiful way to start my day, Brad...thanks for sharing such a wonderful post!

Brad Montague's avatar

Absolutely, Deb. Grateful for hearts like yours, conversations like these, and the reminder that I'm far from alone.

Meaghan B Murphy's avatar

So powerful! ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Brad Montague's avatar

yes yes yes. Thanks for being you, Meaghan!

Meaghan B Murphy's avatar

And you know I love any article of clothing that invites conversation! That's why I wear my lightning bolts and YAY!

Kathrine Murphy's avatar

Beautiful story! I’ve met people because of my JOY REBEL tshirt ❤️

Brad Montague's avatar

Kathrine! That's the absolute best. We've heard some of the coolest stories of strangers connecting over those shirts! So fun. Stay joyfully rebellious, friend.

Roger D. Hess's avatar

JOY! HOPE! And a shirt that starts conversations! Thank you Brad for making me smile inside and out!

Brad Montague's avatar

Right back at YOU, Roger! Thanks for being here and being you.

Marc Joblin's avatar

Love this, Brad! Thank you for sharing!

Brad Montague's avatar

The flowers have been in full bloom this week and I've been loving it. Incredibly grateful for you, Marc.

Jody Noland's avatar

Love this, Brad. I just met a guy on Etsy who makes hearts from different types of stone. He shares them with people who are struggling with suicidal ideation and was prompted to begin this by the suicide of a loved one and his own bipolar diagnosis. You would love his heart and his beautiful story of channeling his pain into something beautiful . I just wrote about him, too. Again…no sponsorship, just trying to support another kindred spirit. Www.takeheartrocks.com

Brad Montague's avatar

What a lovely project! Thank you so much for sharing! For some reason I had an issue clicking the link you provided, but searched and found it no issue. Posting again here in case it helps someone else find it: https://takeheartrocks.com

SUSAN  BRADFORD's avatar

Love this so much!

Brad Montague's avatar

Susan! So grateful for the many many many ways you encourage every person in your path.

Honey A's avatar

This brought tears to my eyes, in a good way. I loved reading this story, an ordinary moment that turned into a deeper connection. It’s really got me thinking about how I participate in conversations, how with a tiny bit more presence it can really shift the gears from mundane to deep. Thanks for your work.

Marthe Worley's avatar

Thank you for this one.

Elizabeth Heller's avatar

what a perfect read to start my day, great story!! 💛

Harish's avatar

this is such a beautiful reminder that the real conversation is always just one brave sentence away

Asha Dornfest's avatar

I loved the photo at the end. You look like you’ve been friends since childhood.

Leïla's avatar

Beautiful post and story. Thank you for sharing, Brad 💜

Jeannine's avatar

I was happy to read your essay today Brad! Too often we are looking down at our phones or just being in our heads...or even just staying in our homes, carrying worry, and being distressed. You've reminded me that I am not alone (I have a wonderful friend who has always been there for me, even when I thought that I didn't need anyone!)

(A few days ago I met a lovely lady in a shop, she started a conversation and I realized that we had much in common! It made my day and put a smile on my face!)

Thank you for sharing this story!