Thank you Nancy for reading them. I too feel compelled to write them. As I get older, the meaning of the things I have learned along the way become clearer and more relevant. Glad you are enjoying them.
Incredible, flowing piece. The transitions from the "old country", to the descriptions of a north-eastern Italian-American family ad its traditions, your father's sudden and tragic death, Al's wake and the genesis of Jeffrey Swisher MD is truly musical and remarkable. Well done!
I urge you to keep writing, of course for you, but selfishly for me. You complex voice is biting, humorous, wise, familiar, provocative. Airway maintenance is your specialty-keep breathing life into words. Thank you for sharing.
I have recently subscribed to Substack especially to enjoy your stories. We share a lot in common, having lost our fathers in their thirties when we were very young. We also had close friends who announced that they were gay when in college.
I however do not share your regrets on how we behaved facing these struggles as young men. I have made peace with myself knowing that it wasn’t my fault that my behaviors were neither mature nor appropriate; I guess I have more significant problems for which I feel regret and, frankly, shame. I still wake up in the middle of the night reliving seemingly insignificant errors I have made.
That is my only feedback for now. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Thanks so much for reading the stories. In the process of writing them, it is kind of like an act of self-forgiveness. Nobody is as hard one oneself as oneself. Hope you are well!
Great piece. I agree, It is hard to not believe in a soul. It’s my only hope after a long unsuccessful night in the OR. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Benissimo!
What a beautiful piece you have written. I remember Lucky so well and am always reminded of her when I read anything I can of yours and Kara’s. Did you go to PDS?
Thanks Mary. You are so much a part of this history. There are many more stories to be written about Old Forge. I am planning on recording mom, you, Fred and Vince to learn more. Love you!
I am compelled to keep reading your well written pieces on personal and difficult topics. Thank you
Thank you Nancy for reading them. I too feel compelled to write them. As I get older, the meaning of the things I have learned along the way become clearer and more relevant. Glad you are enjoying them.
Incredible, flowing piece. The transitions from the "old country", to the descriptions of a north-eastern Italian-American family ad its traditions, your father's sudden and tragic death, Al's wake and the genesis of Jeffrey Swisher MD is truly musical and remarkable. Well done!
I urge you to keep writing, of course for you, but selfishly for me. You complex voice is biting, humorous, wise, familiar, provocative. Airway maintenance is your specialty-keep breathing life into words. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jeff:
I have recently subscribed to Substack especially to enjoy your stories. We share a lot in common, having lost our fathers in their thirties when we were very young. We also had close friends who announced that they were gay when in college.
I however do not share your regrets on how we behaved facing these struggles as young men. I have made peace with myself knowing that it wasn’t my fault that my behaviors were neither mature nor appropriate; I guess I have more significant problems for which I feel regret and, frankly, shame. I still wake up in the middle of the night reliving seemingly insignificant errors I have made.
That is my only feedback for now. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
Hey Chris!
Thanks so much for reading the stories. In the process of writing them, it is kind of like an act of self-forgiveness. Nobody is as hard one oneself as oneself. Hope you are well!
Survived sepsis in 2021. It was touch and go there. But thanks to your cohorts at John Muir, I made it!
Great piece. I agree, It is hard to not believe in a soul. It’s my only hope after a long unsuccessful night in the OR. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading. Benissimo!
Yes, I loved this piece. Hour writing is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Jenn!
What a beautiful piece you have written. I remember Lucky so well and am always reminded of her when I read anything I can of yours and Kara’s. Did you go to PDS?
Yes I did! Kara and I both did. I graduated in 1978 and Kara in 1980. Thanks so much for reading! Mom is doing great, and lives in Manhattan.
Kara has nothing on you (other than having to endure Scott 2x per week.) Your contribution to Pivot today was inspiring.
Haha. Scott is so smart. He keeps Kara on her toes!
Thanks Mary. You are so much a part of this history. There are many more stories to be written about Old Forge. I am planning on recording mom, you, Fred and Vince to learn more. Love you!