30 Comments
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Natalie Lucie's avatar

You are such an exquisite writer Lisa, and such an inspiration. Your massive heart just pours through your words, and what beautiful moments you've shared. I can't wait to watch this documentary later this week! x

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

So sweet of you, Natalie. I do appreciate those words and your time in reading and watching. Isell is the most delicious man. I promise tears during the short doc., but happy ones.

Ali Isaac's avatar

What beautiful pictures of you and your dad, the joy just spills out of them. To think that he was looking for you all those years... and all the good work he did in that time. He is a good man, the kind we need more of in this devastated world. I'm so happy you found each other. 💕

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Thanks Ali, Isell truly is remarkable! I highly recommend the short doc (30 minutes). I promise tears and you get to hear him sing.

Taran Singh's avatar

Very amazing.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Thank you, Taran.

Trish Vanson's avatar

Such a beautiful story and video! In the end, what impacted me the most is the love that transcended time and place and genetics, all because you and Isell were always looking for each other and believing in each other. Love made manifest!

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Trish, I am grateful for your taking the time to read, watch and comment. Isn’t Isell the most wonderful man? I agree - Love made Manifest!

K E Garland's avatar

A few things: This is such a great story. Ya look just like your father!

Tre sent me here, and I’m so glad she did. Happy to follow a fellow adoptee, who is also a captivating writer.

Finally, I don’t know if you already do, but I’d like to encourage /invite you to follow and join BADAN (Black African Diaspora Adoptee Network) and Black Adoptees Meetup.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

A fellow adoptee, hello! What a pleasure to meet you, and gosh, thanks for the kind words! I highly recommend the short doc; Angela and Bryan did a great job. I wasn’t aware of these groups. Thanks for the introduction! Have found the Badan Community on Instagram and Nikole “Koko” Shaw, crazy that I haven’t come across them before. The Black Adoptee meetup is in Philly? I was there last year gigging, gah if I only knew!! Looking forward to hearing your story!

K E Garland's avatar

Yay! Last year was Chicago ✌🏽different place each year.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Awwwwww gotcha.

Patty Bee's avatar

Incredible, the story, the writing, the love.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

That means much coming from such a stellar writer as yourself!

Cathy's avatar

I’m crying. I’m smiling. I’m there. My heart is racing. I’m there. If love were a meal, then this is the most exquisite course. If love were a song, then I never want the music to end. Thank you for inviting us to experience this beautiful journey.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Cathy Thank you so much for those beautiful words and for reading so carefully!

RomHeadTech's avatar

This is incredible. I can feel the warmth of your relationship just as clearly as I can feel the warmth of a hot humid Tampa afternoon.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Awww I love that! Thank you!

Susan J Hilger's avatar

I want to read this and watch it over and over. What a beautiful adoption story, Lisa. Thanks for sharing her deepest part of yourself with us 🩷

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Susan, thank you for receiving it with such care!

trE L. Loadholt's avatar

I'm going to be a bucket of water by the time I watch the documentary. But I've just got to see what had come before this.

Your dad is a handsome man. And he seems very intent on making sure you'll be good until your last breath. 🙏🏾🩵

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

trE, a good ol cry, my work here is done. Thank you very much for taking the time to read. I treasure your kind words, as I’m such a fan of your work!

trE L. Loadholt's avatar

You're so welcome. Thank you! 🩵💜❤️

Jae J Casella's avatar

Ugh/ I cried all the way through this. I was fortunate enough to have my Dad for over 60 years. I miss him so much. I think our Dads would have been great friends!

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Jae, it’s a tearjerker for real, especially that ending. What a life, and what a marvel Isell is! I love the thought of our dads being great friends! Thank you so much for your time spent reading and watching.

Lisa's avatar

Such a beautiful film, Lisa. And this written account is wonderful too. 💖

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Lisa, thank you very much for reading and watching, along with your kind words; it is deeply appreciated.

Jeff “H” Harrington's avatar

This is beautiful, Lisa. Thank you for sharing this.

Lisa Marie Simmons's avatar

Thank you for reading, Jeff! What an experience it has been getting to know Isell.

Dmytro P-ov's avatar

What a touching story, Lisa! It's hard to find the words for a proper reply. It's a pure happiness, and it's very infectious, I should say :)