Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Sunday, January 2, 2011

In Memory of Lucille Marker Jones, the Nebraska Farm Girl

 My dear mother, who was born January 18, 1917, saw the dawning of 2011. And then she passed away peacefully early on New Year's Day. I had hoped she might make it to her birthday, but at least she made it to 1/1/11. I congratulate her on a life well-lived. I feel very fortunate to have been her daughter.

Now she is once again with my dad who died 8 years ago, and with her parents, grandparents and many other loved ones on the other side.


This is Mother and me on the signing and speaking tour for Farm Girl in Nebraska, two years ago.



                                                       Lucille and Bill Jones, together again.


                                                                       Little Lucille

                                  She loved Christmas her whole life and always made it special.

                                                 Lucille on the fence that surrounded the family farm.

She adored her dad, who died when she was only 30. What a joyous reunion it must have been with so many loved ones welcoming her home.

Until we meet again, farewell to my beloved mother of infinite grace and beauty.


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74 comments:

  1. MiseJanuary 2, 2011 at 5:59 AM

    I'm sorry, Karen, to hear of the loss of your beautiful, smiley mother, who clearly led life well. Many good wishes to you in this difficult time, and long may you keep being a credit to her.

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  2. Karen Jones GowenJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:01 AM

    mise, Thank you and what a well put sentiment. Yes she was beautiful & smiley! And I can only hope to be a little bit like her :)

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  3. Deborah Carr (Debs)January 2, 2011 at 6:02 AM

    Such beautiful pictures of your mother. Sorry to hear of your loss.

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  4. Old KittyJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    Oh KarenG I am so so so sorry. Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family. I feel quite priveleged knowing a little of your amazing mother having read Farm Girl. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please take care
    x

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  5. Karen Jones GowenJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    Thanks, Debs and Old Kitty. Because so many have read Farm Girl, I wanted to post about her condition and now a final tribute to her. She loved reading my blogs and all the comments, and felt like you were her friends. So this is her way of saying goodbye, too.

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  6. Mason CanyonJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Oh Karen, I'm so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. The photos you post of her shows she was a beautiful lady and her energy and charm shows through. May your memories comfort you in this difficult time. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

    Mason
    Thoughts in Progress

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  7. Anne GallagherJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:21 AM

    Oh Karen, I am so terribly sorry. I thought for sure a few weeks ago that everything was going to be okay.

    You are a very fortunate woman to have such a wonderful mother. She will be missed terribly by those of us who never knew her, because she gave us you.

    Her road has come full circle now and she is with the people who loved her first. She'll find peace.

    You have my deepest condolences.

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  8. Michelle GregoryJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    my condolences, but what a beautiful tribute with the pictures.

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  9. MiriamJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:42 AM

    So sorry to hear that, Karen. The first photo says it all.

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  10. KathJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:54 AM

    Karen, I'm sorry to hear of your mother's passing but, looking at the pictures and reading your posts about your mother, it's clear you have some wonderful memories of life with a remarkable lady to cherish and keep with you. Thinking of you, lovely. xx

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  11. Lola SharpJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss. It is clear to me, from your posts, that she was a wonderful woman. How blessed you are to have had such a mother.

    *Hugs* to you and your family.

    Love,
    Lola

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  12. Melissa SarnoJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:14 AM

    I'm sorry to hear this news Karen :( Such beautiful photos. My thoughts are with you and your family <3

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:17 AM

    Such a great reunion over there! I'm so glad she passed peacefully. You and your family will miss her, but isn't it wonderful to know we'll see our loved ones again!!

    Let's have a great new year!! Lucille would want that for us.

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  14. Shelley SlyJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Karen. She looks like a fantastic mother, and I'm glad that at least she is with your father now and is at peace. I'll be praying for you and your family.

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  15. TracyJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:40 AM

    My condolences to you and your family, Karen. But it sounds like you already know that while this is a sad period of time for you, it's a new beginning for her. Sounds like you were both very lucky to have each other. You all are in my prayers.

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  16. MargueriteJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    I'm so very sorry for your loss, Karen. Having lost my own mother 10 years ago, I know how difficult it is to lose a mother. She was a beautiful lady and this post is a lovely tribute to her. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With love and my deepest sympathies, Marguerite

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  17. Fran HillJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Gosh, she was stunning, wasn't she? And I love the way she nudged into the New Year like that - obviously a woman of spirit. So sorry you have lost her - this will take a long while to adjust to.

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  18. Vicki RochoJanuary 2, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    I'm so sorry, Karen. What a touching tribute to your mom.

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  19. UnknownJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Karen, Your affection for her is helping you through a rough passage. Among all the other gifts, she left you with the power to remember her with joy.

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  20. Francine HowarthJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Hi,

    Sincere commiserations. A Sad & Joyous tribute Karen, and remember, never truly gone: forever part of one's life!

    best
    F

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  21. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    What a wonderful tribute to your Mum. Bless you all.My prayers and wishes are with you at this sad time. x

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  22. Brigid O'ConnorJanuary 2, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    So sorry to hear about your mother, Karen.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad to think of her reunited with her loved ones, I hope that for my mother too. Weren't we the lucky ones to have them in our lives for so long!

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  23. The Words CrafterJanuary 2, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  24. The Words CrafterJanuary 2, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    She was very beautiful; I especially love the pictures of her as a little girl - totally captivating.

    I'm so glad you got to do the tour together and that she saw the new year in with you.

    I know you're going to miss her terribly. I still miss my mom.....

    You and your family will be in my prayers.....

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  25. Lindsey RichardsonJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Karen, I am so sorry to hear your mother has passed away. I can only imagine what you are feeling during these times. The pictures you shared were lovely. While I did not know your mother, I can tell from the look on her face and the sparkle in her eyes that she was a very wonderful and special woman. You and your family shall be in my prayers.

    Always,
    Lindsey

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  26. Rosaria WilliamsJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    The hardest loss of all! My deepest sympathies.

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  27. Alex J. CavanaughJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Karen, I'm sorry you have lost someone so special to you! But that is a beautiful dedication.

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  28. MaganJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    The pictures are wonderful. It looks like your mother lived a long and happy life and will have it forever immortalized, not only in writing, but in the kind words of her daughter.

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    The loving and cherished memories of your mother will help you through this very difficult time. Though she is gone, she lives in your heart. Deepest heartfelt sympathy.

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  30. Jan MorrisonJanuary 2, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    And what a rich and marvelous legacy she left you. I love the photos - they really show a woman who lived her life fully! I will think of you and that you are missing your dear mom.

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  31. Amie McCrackenJanuary 2, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    My heart and prayers are with you and your family. She was beautiful. Keep the memories close.

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  32. nephite blood spartan heartJanuary 2, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    My condolences Karen and family.

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  33. L. Diane WolfeJanuary 2, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    My prayers are with you and your family, Karen.

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  34. Jemi FraserJanuary 2, 2011 at 1:47 PM

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. She was certainly a beautiful woman - inside and out. I love the picture of 'Little Lucille'!

    Treasure all those memories and take care of yourselves. My thoughts are with you.

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  35. Jessica SilvaJanuary 2, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    I'm sorry you had to lose someone so near and dear. I can't imagine what it'd be like. I love my mom so much and I'm definitely keeping that time far from my mind.

    Thinking of you :)

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  36. February GraceJanuary 2, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    You're in my thoughts!

    ~bru

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  37. JulesJanuary 2, 2011 at 2:45 PM

    Karen, this news made my heart heavy. I am so sorry. Your mother was a beauty. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  38. Barbara ScullyJanuary 2, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Karen, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. This is a lovely post and a wonderful tribute to such a beautiful woman. You have done it great credit.

    Sending you love at this difficult time

    Barbara

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  39. Suzie F.January 2, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your love for your mother shone through your posts about her. How wonderful that she was able to share in your book success. She must have been so proud.

    I wish you and your family comfort and peace.

    Suzie

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  40. Amy SaiaJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:16 PM

    Dear Karen, I'm sad to hear of your mother's passing. The pictures and descriptions are just beautiful. What a lovely tribute! I'll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts this week.

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  41. MaDonna MaurerJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    Karen, so sorry to hear this news. Praying for comfort during this time of grief for you and your family.

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  42. SusanJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Karen,
    I just came across your lovely blog and was touched by the post about your mother. It is a beautiful tribute and expression of your love for her, thank you for sharing and posting it.
    No words can truly convey what you must be feeling at this time. I recently lost my father (Aug 2010) and think of him constantly. At times I have written pieces about him and posted them on my blog - it has helped me greatly in my grief.
    The pictures of your Mom are lovely and I'm sure they bring you great comfort, how sweet of you to share them.
    I wish you all the very best during this sad time. Hold on to your memories, they are so very precious.
    Kindest regards,
    Susan

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  43. Terry ToweryJanuary 2, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Oh Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is tough, but it sounds like she left behind a treasure trove of wonderful memories. You'll be in my prayers.

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  44. LTMJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    what a fantastic, loving, honorable post remembering your mom. Big hugs and prayers for you today as you miss her. But how wonderful to know her life's value and how loved she was~ xoxo

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  45. Daron D. FraleyJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    May you and your family be blessed with peace and comfort at this time.

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  46. Stephanie ThorntonJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    What a lovely tribute- those pictures are just beautiful. You and your family are in my thoughts.

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  47. Bob SanchezJanuary 2, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss, Karen. You've posted a lovely tribute to your Mom.

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  48. UnknownJanuary 2, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. I just don't know what to say. You have been so supportive of me in the last few months, please know that I'm thinking of you and your family.
    CD

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  49. Rachael HarrieJanuary 3, 2011 at 2:57 AM

    Karen, thanks so much for sharing your memories of your mother with us. It's clear how much she meant to you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    Rach

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  50. Jessica BellJanuary 3, 2011 at 5:11 AM

    I'm terribly sorry, Karen. My thoughts are with you and your family. XOXO

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  51. Suzanne Brandyn AuthorJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    So sorry to hear the news. Take care and all the best.

    Suzanne :)

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  52. Carolyn V.January 3, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    What a beautiful, beautiful tribute to your mother Karen. (((Hugs)))

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  53. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2011 at 7:47 AM

    Great you are honoring your mom ... I love the old black and white photos. You are very fortunate to have that great picture of you two at a book signing. Very cool.

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  54. KateJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    May the gospel's sweet peace comfort you and your family. What a lovely post. I'm so glad your mom got to share friends in your blogging world--such a neat way for her to connect to the many who've read about her.

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  55. KristaJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    Karen, I got teary looking at the pictures. Your mother has a beautiful smile. What a tremendous gift for both of you, to have written such a tribute to her. Mothers, more than any other connection we have I think, have such an opportunity to influence us for good. I'm sure heaven's smiles are widest when mothers such as yours make the most of that opportunity.

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  56. TaleiJanuary 3, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Karen, this is a lovely tribute. It's wonderful to that your dear mother got to be part of your achievements with your writing and your book but am sure it still a difficult time for you right now. Take care, sending peaceful thoughts over the oceans to you and your family. xx

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  57. Karen Jones GowenJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:06 AM

    Thank you everyone for all the sweet comments. It means a lot to me. I'll leave this up until after the funeral, and next week I'll be back to the regular blogging routine.

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  58. Nicki ElsonJanuary 3, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    She must have been a wonderful mother to have raised such a caring, kind, and wonderful daughter. Good luck getting through the next few days as you say your final goodbyes on this Earth. But you know you'll be seeing her again one day -- somewhere better.

    God bless you and your family.

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  59. Jennie BaileyJanuary 3, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss, Karen. I just love old photos. Cherish them, really. It's nice to be able to look back, especially when our parents were kids and our grandparents were so much younger! Though she is having a joyous reunion with her husband and parents, I'm sure that only eases the pain of passing slightly. My thoughts are with you as you grieve.

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  60. A.L. SonnichsenJanuary 3, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    Karen, I'm so, so sorry. I know you'll miss her so much. Hang in there, my friend.

    Amy

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  61. AmandasaurusJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My grandfather also passed away on New Year's, so I sympathize most deeply with you - but it seems, like me, you are trying to keep a positive outlook by reminding yourself of your mother's joyous reunion with past loved ones. It really is a comfort, isn't it?

    I was just stopping by to thank you for following my blog, the Amandangle, and to invite you to check out my new blog, mandarinblue.wordpress.com. I appreciate your support this past year or so and I hope you'll come pay me a visit.

    Blessings,
    Miss Rex

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  62. Carol KilgoreJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    So sorry for your loss, Karen. I know first-hand how sad it is to lose your mother. Be thankful you shared so many wonderful years and made beautiful memories together. You'll miss her, but she'll wait for you.

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  63. sylestehwriterJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    What a wonderful tribute to your mother. I'm sorry for your loss. Take care. She'll always be with you.

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  64. Linda G.January 4, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    I'm sorry for your loss, Karen. But what lovely memories you have of such a marvelous woman. You are fortunate indeed. :)

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  65. Marianne ArkinsJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss... but it's a fabulous tribute. Nothing can replace having your mother with you, but you clearly carry her in your heart. ((((hugs))))

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  66. Kathi Oram PetersonJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My mother was born the same year, but she died in 2005.

    What a touching tribute. Your mother would be proud.

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  67. Terri TiffanyJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Your tribute to your mom is beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss--but thankful that you had such a mom.

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  68. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    I'm sorry about the loss of your mother. I love the pictures that you posted of her, they are wonderful. My family recently lost a loved one a few weeks ago. It's been hard. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

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  69. WritingNutJanuary 6, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Those are beautiful pictures you posted of her and I know she will live on in your hearts forever. Take care, my thoughts are with you and your family.

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  70. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    I'm so sorry, Karen.

    This is a lovely tribute.

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  71. Sharon K. MayhewJanuary 8, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen. Thank you for sharing the lovely photos of your Mom.

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  72. Pat TillettJanuary 10, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss Karen. This was a great and moving tribute to her. Although I didn't know her at all, I'm happy to know some things about her from reading Farm Girl. My gram always said that "you're really never gone until nobody remembers your name." In this case, because of your work and what you shared, your mother will never be forgotten

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  73. AnnJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Beautiful!

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  74. LisaJanuary 13, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Karen, I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Mother. Such a sweet little baby and then a lovely lady. I know you miss her terribly. But you have the hope to hold on to of seeing her again one day.

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