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Scott Berman

@scott_berman

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End of July 2023 Reflection: A Decade Later
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This past month has weighed heavier than most on my thoughts.

I’ve been thinking a ton about 10 years ago, when my life was completely upended in the worst way.

An “autoimmune” health crisis in 2013 forced me to drop out of grad school at GW and come home permanently to Philly.

At the worst in July 2013, I was sicker than is imaginable, very near dying due to severe malnourishment (see pic 2, me at Mayo Clinic 10 years ago).

It’s impossible to adequately convey what living through that time was like, or the extent to which the unconceivable hardship lastingly changed so much in my life.

Watching the aspirations of my early 20s be replaced with a life altering fight for survival, will forever be the biggest burden I’ll ever bear.

Self-navigating to the ongoing healing journey I’ve been on since, which slowly allowed me to reclaim life and feel better in a number of ways than before I ever got that sick, has been the greatest gift.

I am still trying to make sense of all the competing feelings:

-anger and sadness about 10 years ago
-frustration over still lingering physical-mental struggles from that time
-the unfair trauma that I am still working through (writing this post is a small part of that process)
-endless gratitude for the self resilience that helped me live through those really bad days, and brought about good ones much later.

It’s a lot to sort through.

Several weekends ago, I visited friends in Washington DC.

Spending time back in the city where life went off course so long ago, 10 summers later in this much better place, was the best.

In the days since that trip to DC, I’ve paused regularly to reflect on what my life/photo looks like now (see pic 1, July 2023, Lincoln Memorial) in comparison to the darkest days of 10 years ago.

There’s far more to say about that than could ever fit in a social post.

But, I’m indescribably glad to be here alive, looking forward to the next decade. by @scott_berman

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3 years ago

Decorative gourd season-October 2026 at @longwoodgardens taken in Longwood Gardens by @scott_berman

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4 days ago

Will travel to NYC when @brooklynsaninjapan is in town visiting the States.

A most wonderful in person hang out again for the first time in 14 years, with some nature time of course even in the biggest concrete jungle. taken in New York City by @scott_berman

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5 months ago

2026 Philadelphia Flower Show taken in The Philadelphia Flower Show by @scott_berman

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7 months ago

Toward the end of 2024 I made this weirdo's resolution to try to finally visit bucket list Sussex County, NJ.

Well I ended up finding myself there 3 times this year, though it took until the third trip to actually get nature sightseeing in.

Thanks for the Appalachian Trail and lakes tour @magic2218 taken in Pochuck Boardwalk Trail by @scott_berman

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10 months ago

Summer Caamp night at The Mann

(September 10th) taken in Skyline Stage by @scott_berman

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a year ago

It was so great seeing an old AU friend and a bunch of amazing Philadelphians rallying for public transit funding last night at @transit4philly's Together We're Getting There organizing meeting last night.

Robust, reliably funded public transit systems are vital. It's crazy that transit systems across Pennsylvania are now at risk, and especially that SEPTA here in the Philadelphia area is taking a hit right now during this state budget impasse.

Our city is pretty lucky though to have elected officials like @senatorsaval and @senhughesoffice representing the region, and such an awesome coalition of grassroots advocates raising the salience of transit funding in Harrisburg. taken in 1500 Walnut Street Executive Offices by @scott_berman

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a year ago

@phsgardening Philly Flower Show 2025, opening day taken in The Philadelphia Flower Show by @scott_berman

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2 years ago

Lucked out seeing both birds and fish in the same spot at Green Lane yesterday morning, doesn't happen often. taken in Green Lane Reservoir Park by @scott_berman

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2 years ago

First day of fall, first foray into the NJ Pine Barrens.

Thanks @magic2218 for arranging for an epic afternoon tour (and the binocular help) taken in Franklin Parker Preserve by @scott_berman

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2 years ago

Went to Green Lane tonight for a reset after a long week, and nature truly delivered taken in Green Lane Reservoir Park by @scott_berman

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2 years ago

When the pink t-shirt happens to match the pink oyster mushrooms...
39th Annual Kennett Mushroom Fest 🍄

I love the Brandywine Valley, Chester County mushrooms, and Carla Hall. taken in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania by @scott_berman

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2 years ago