It’s important to understand the perspective of another person when their life impacts yours. It’s incredibly difficult to let go of pain and yet you show us it’s possible rather than hold on to anger. Thank you for sharing.
This is a beautiful, moving piece, Jim. When I read of your father, I thought of my own dad, who was about the same age and served in WW II. I wonder what damage that war did on these men, who had endured a lot of hardship as children during the Depression. My hat's off to you for not giving up on him and seeking to find a way to relate to him.
Thanks, Sheila. I don't think we will ever know what those men lost because didn't know how to measure it or even think about it. But I know it shaped my father, and may have played the central role in his psychological ruination. We don't pay enough attention to our vets.
Uncle Jim, as much as it tore at my heart, I am glad you put this in writing. I never knew of your final talk with her. One thing I know is her spirit is in Newfoundland now. I felt it everywhere when I was there. Love lives on.
Thanks, Jenny. I agree with you; it was already leaving that last day we talked. I loved her so much then, and just as much now, and will always miss her.
What heartfelt and powerful portrayals, Jim. Your parents may never have fully realized the depth of their good fortune to have you for a son. Thanks for this exquisite essay.
Thanks, Sonny, for reading and knowing of them.
Thank you for sharing your story. Tears in my eyes.
Thank you, Bridget. So appreciate your faithful readership.
Jim, this is a deeply beautiful and powerful piece of writing. I thank you for it.
Thank you, Beth, for taking the time with it.
Beautiful. I am glad you have come to terms with your history with both.
Thanks, Caroline. Acceptance and understanding and forgiveness were the only routes to sanity, I think.
very true... for most of us.
It’s important to understand the perspective of another person when their life impacts yours. It’s incredibly difficult to let go of pain and yet you show us it’s possible rather than hold on to anger. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, my friend, for being such a faithful and understanding reader.
This is a beautiful, moving piece, Jim. When I read of your father, I thought of my own dad, who was about the same age and served in WW II. I wonder what damage that war did on these men, who had endured a lot of hardship as children during the Depression. My hat's off to you for not giving up on him and seeking to find a way to relate to him.
Thanks, Sheila. I don't think we will ever know what those men lost because didn't know how to measure it or even think about it. But I know it shaped my father, and may have played the central role in his psychological ruination. We don't pay enough attention to our vets.
Uncle Jim, as much as it tore at my heart, I am glad you put this in writing. I never knew of your final talk with her. One thing I know is her spirit is in Newfoundland now. I felt it everywhere when I was there. Love lives on.
Thanks, Jenny. I agree with you; it was already leaving that last day we talked. I loved her so much then, and just as much now, and will always miss her.
I guess it's not really writing if it's not honest. That took me to a lot of places. It made me think of a lot of things.
I think, Ed, if you aren't willing to write about everything, and do so unafraid, you shouldn't write. Took me a long time to get there.
Wow. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Robert, for reading. I appreciate your time.
What a sad, beautiful story. Thank you James.
Thank you for sharing these powerful words, Jim. Your writing inspires me. I know the tears will come when I start reading but in the best of ways.
Thanks, buddy, for your friendship, and caring.
What heartfelt and powerful portrayals, Jim. Your parents may never have fully realized the depth of their good fortune to have you for a son. Thanks for this exquisite essay.
Thanks, Dave. Pleases me immensely to think people like you know of them, their devotion to their children, and their struggles.