This is poetry, plain and simple. You're on fire and I feel the heat and I will never forget the image of a son lovingly brushing his mom's hair as she lay dying.
Luke, catching up on your work and just subscribed for fuller access - wanted to share my gratitude for your contributions, your humility and passion and humor. It’s a pleasure following along with you. Just started Wanting. Looking forward to more. Pax.
Joseph, this comment means a lot to me—thank you very much for your kind words. I look forward to getting to know you, and hopefully continuing to write in a way that honors your time and attention! Grateful for your support.
Beautiful! The title threw me but the essay shines. It's always the "little" things. I have so many friends who neglected such small things and have so few memories left after the children left for college... And now they grasp to capture and create them. It feels late and little. Reminded me of this quote I have loved for a long time...especially the last "garden patch" bit which is one of my obsessions...
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”
This is poetry, plain and simple. You're on fire and I feel the heat and I will never forget the image of a son lovingly brushing his mom's hair as she lay dying.
Luke, catching up on your work and just subscribed for fuller access - wanted to share my gratitude for your contributions, your humility and passion and humor. It’s a pleasure following along with you. Just started Wanting. Looking forward to more. Pax.
Joseph, this comment means a lot to me—thank you very much for your kind words. I look forward to getting to know you, and hopefully continuing to write in a way that honors your time and attention! Grateful for your support.
Beautiful! The title threw me but the essay shines. It's always the "little" things. I have so many friends who neglected such small things and have so few memories left after the children left for college... And now they grasp to capture and create them. It feels late and little. Reminded me of this quote I have loved for a long time...especially the last "garden patch" bit which is one of my obsessions...
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch Or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
You’ve reminded me of Gerasim in the Death of Ivan Ilyich, allowing Ivan to rest his legs on his shoulders.
So True! We show we care by tending to little things. The little things and small moments are also how we are remembered. I've seen this many times while listening to families tell me their stories honoring a loved one who has passed away. Diane https://open.substack.com/pub/dianegansauer/p/reflections-on-the-long-walk-home-00c?r=1z7p7e&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Beautiful boy ❤️. This was a blessing I needed. Thank you. And chill absolutely needs sour cream.