First, so happy you're still among us. Second, you should submit this to the New Yorker for publication. It's that good. Desperately funny and wise and terribly moving (Desperate? Terrible? Odd choice of adjectives, but you get the point.) My tear ducts are dry, but not for a lack of trying.
Pamela, thanks so much for sharing about your father, and I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter is 21 and I'm relieved she was able to read my essay rather than experience the loss of what you went through. Thanks for your note.
Mark - As we were lighting the shabbat candles at the Kohm/Baers last night, Geoff passed along your guidance on the proper tune for the prayer, which led to a couple fun Mark Rothschild memories. And then this highly relatable story of yours shows up in my email. The biggest swirl of emotions for me was around the story about your grandmother crying watching your father scratching up the schrahnk. Heartachingly told. At this age, there's a lot of death, mostly one generation ahead of us, but sometimes not. I don't have a letter in a drawer, but your story reminds me of how diligent I ought to be about telling people I love the things I want them to know if suddenly I'm not around to tell them anymore. Thank you.
Thanks for your comments, Harry. My dad was so torn about that moment in his childhood because he was so happy at first to scratch it up—how fun for a 7-year-old boy—but heartbroken when he saw his mom cry about it. We named our daughter Hannah after her. And congrats on all the success of Unify America. You’re growing and growing!
Hey Mark, this piece is really beautiful and heartfelt. You strike a perfect tone of warmth, caring and appreciation without being corny or cliched. Please keep sharing your wonderful writing.
Well, Mark. You’ve done it again! I read it alone, twice. Next, I read it aloud to my husband. Then we both cried. You nailed some complicated emotions that ring true for your readers, especially because we knew how truly they rang for you.
First, so happy you're still among us. Second, you should submit this to the New Yorker for publication. It's that good. Desperately funny and wise and terribly moving (Desperate? Terrible? Odd choice of adjectives, but you get the point.) My tear ducts are dry, but not for a lack of trying.
Thanks so much Gordon. Happy to be here as well!
Well, that was really something. very life enhancing in thought and deed, you are. makes me want to do better.xo
I’m happy you lived, man. I love reading your musings. Keep it up.
Mark, I’m honored to know and learn from and with you. Inspiring and personal message, taken to heart.
So grateful you are still kicking and making this planet a better place for the rest of us. Onward!
Mark: Glad all went well. We would miss your accidental wisdom. Chuck
This was beautiful and sweet and funny and poignant…thank you for sharing❤️❤️
Beautiful ( and funny ) as always. Of course I cried 🥹
So moving. I’m teared up. Thanks for sharing.
My father died during open-heart surgery when he was 50. I was 23. It was so terrible to lose him like that.
I am glad you survived your surgery.
Pamela, thanks so much for sharing about your father, and I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter is 21 and I'm relieved she was able to read my essay rather than experience the loss of what you went through. Thanks for your note.
Mark - As we were lighting the shabbat candles at the Kohm/Baers last night, Geoff passed along your guidance on the proper tune for the prayer, which led to a couple fun Mark Rothschild memories. And then this highly relatable story of yours shows up in my email. The biggest swirl of emotions for me was around the story about your grandmother crying watching your father scratching up the schrahnk. Heartachingly told. At this age, there's a lot of death, mostly one generation ahead of us, but sometimes not. I don't have a letter in a drawer, but your story reminds me of how diligent I ought to be about telling people I love the things I want them to know if suddenly I'm not around to tell them anymore. Thank you.
Thanks for your comments, Harry. My dad was so torn about that moment in his childhood because he was so happy at first to scratch it up—how fun for a 7-year-old boy—but heartbroken when he saw his mom cry about it. We named our daughter Hannah after her. And congrats on all the success of Unify America. You’re growing and growing!
I’ve got a lump in my throat! It’s a short essay but long on meaning - I’m glad you shared this
Thanks for your comment, Roger. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Hey Mark, this piece is really beautiful and heartfelt. You strike a perfect tone of warmth, caring and appreciation without being corny or cliched. Please keep sharing your wonderful writing.
Thanks Greg! I so appreciate this.
Well, Mark. You’ve done it again! I read it alone, twice. Next, I read it aloud to my husband. Then we both cried. You nailed some complicated emotions that ring true for your readers, especially because we knew how truly they rang for you.
Thanks Rhoda! Sorry/Happy to make you both cry.
This piece is so beautifully written. Thanks for sharing. I love the way you write.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lisa, so happy you liked it.
Thanks for your comments and your terrific observation about time being "both urgent and meaningless at once." Well said.