Thank you for another fine essay James. It brought to mind many things including a quote from Norman McClain:
“Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.”
Mark - I am a huge fan of McLean and his shortened body of work. I think "Young Men and Fire" is fantastic, and of course, there is no book like "A River Runs Through It." I watch the movie on a danged near regular basis just to restore my soul.
A beautiful piece of writing! One of your best. You put into words the feelings that so many of us hold in our hearts, but are too inarticulate to fully express. So heartfelt. Bravo!
Timely and relevant. Sorry for freeloading for so long but finally subscribed with a paid subscription this am. Of the handful of weekly reading sources I make time for, this has been my most enjoyable.
Jim - sitting here in CO, looking at the mountains, going to soak in the springs. I will be reading this aloud this morning (after coffee) to my sweet son from Afghanistan and his wife, whom I just met day before yesterday but whom I love as my daughter now. Thank you. I have tears for Townes as I read this, but also a new way of understanding his frailties. You are simply the best.
Most shipwrecks occur at night, the Spanish saying goes. No matter the wrack and ruin that surrounds us, the sun rises and challenges us, encourages us. We must get up, do, live. This was in my mind when I read your fine piece.
Thank you for another fine essay James. It brought to mind many things including a quote from Norman McClain:
“Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them - we can love completely without complete understanding.”
I appreciate your exploration today.
Mark - I am a huge fan of McLean and his shortened body of work. I think "Young Men and Fire" is fantastic, and of course, there is no book like "A River Runs Through It." I watch the movie on a danged near regular basis just to restore my soul.
A beautiful piece of writing! One of your best. You put into words the feelings that so many of us hold in our hearts, but are too inarticulate to fully express. So heartfelt. Bravo!
Thanks, buddy. Appreciate your kind thoughts.
Ha ha. Same. Both books are excellent. And the movie, somewhat shockingly, is too.
Lovely piece. And that shot of Big Bend is stunning.
Thanks, buddy. Sometimes ya get lucky with Big Bend light, and later lucky with words.
Timely and relevant. Sorry for freeloading for so long but finally subscribed with a paid subscription this am. Of the handful of weekly reading sources I make time for, this has been my most enjoyable.
Thanks, Ed. I am deeply grateful for such a comment. I'll do my best to continue to be worthy.
Jim - sitting here in CO, looking at the mountains, going to soak in the springs. I will be reading this aloud this morning (after coffee) to my sweet son from Afghanistan and his wife, whom I just met day before yesterday but whom I love as my daughter now. Thank you. I have tears for Townes as I read this, but also a new way of understanding his frailties. You are simply the best.
You are sweet to take the time to write from your place of repose. I'm hoping we all get together soon....
Most shipwrecks occur at night, the Spanish saying goes. No matter the wrack and ruin that surrounds us, the sun rises and challenges us, encourages us. We must get up, do, live. This was in my mind when I read your fine piece.
Always trying, that's the thing, I think, my brother.
Mr. Moore...tears in my eyes, this Sunday morning.
I lost a middle aged uncle in Houston a few days ago following a double lung transplant to try to save him from long term COVID.
Yesterday, here in San Diego I spoke at the memorial service of a fellow journalist and friend two years younger than I...heart attack.
Your words...thank you.
...and thank you for the vulnerability about your late son.
Thanks, MG. I appreciate your work, as well, and what a great joy it has been to reconnect with you after all these years, regardless of the distance.
As I've said before, I like your political pieces, but really appreciate the personal ones. I'm sharing this one with family and friends.
Thanks, Patrick. I'm going to try to mix things up a bit more. I hear your comment from several people.
Oh my! That was excellent. Thank you.
Always appreciate your thoughts, Bridget. And taking the time to read.
I echo Shaun's comment.
Thanks, John, as always, for your thoughts.