Having just returned from a memorial service for a friend who, after 4 years, succumbed to ALS, your piece really speaks to me. Grief comes in all forms and changes as time passes, although it never fully goes away. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you. (And I don’t sleep well either!)
Am glad and heartened to read your words this morning, Andy, even if my waking brain is scrambling to take it all in. Heartened by your wrestling with the grief and horror of our current moment. Encouraged to continue loving and creating and remembering and learning, myself. Love, Tom
Thank you for putting into words what is in so many of our hearts.
Thank you, Leah. Love to Yoshie and the family.
Thank you, Andy, for putting these thoughts and these authors in my path, as I also encounter the grenades.
Really beautiful and thoughtful, Andy. I'm thankful to Erika Dreyfus for pointing me here.
Thank you Paul — very good to hear from you and I hope you’re well in these troubling times.
Likewise, Andy. I really appreciate your voice right now!
Dear Doctor
My eyes have been bothering me of late
somewhat red
often dry
at times too wet
By nightfall I know the sandman's role in sleep
and by morning tiny rocks roll out
from eyelids and corners
I could get a prescription
or opt for over-the-counter
shelves stocked full with eye drops
from chemical laden to “all natural”
I've even laid down good money for the latter
but gave it up after a few tries having
figured out what the trouble might be
It's all about tears
I think I need to cry more
to water my eyes
permitting sadness and grief
to be themselves
That there is so much to cry about
is reason enough to cry
of course care must be taken
to prevent a pre-existing condition
from becoming a permanent one
But I have a chronic case and
it's high time I admit it
Amen
Beautiful essay, Andy. Thanks for writing…(runs to go buy those books by Grossman, Brooks and Senior)…
Thank you, Julie! Enjoy those books — they’re special.
Having just returned from a memorial service for a friend who, after 4 years, succumbed to ALS, your piece really speaks to me. Grief comes in all forms and changes as time passes, although it never fully goes away. I appreciate your thoughts. Thank you. (And I don’t sleep well either!)
Thank you. He was a remarkable man gone too soon.
I am so sorry for your loss. Yes to continuing to make space for grief and for the lessons we reluctantly learn but absorb with hope.
Am glad and heartened to read your words this morning, Andy, even if my waking brain is scrambling to take it all in. Heartened by your wrestling with the grief and horror of our current moment. Encouraged to continue loving and creating and remembering and learning, myself. Love, Tom
Thanks for reading, Tom. I so appreciate it.
You truly amaze me with your writing, Andy!
I love that we have remained in touch. Here is hoping you are well!
Wonderful, absolute kind words of wisdom. Rabbi, thank you.