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Nancy Ahern's avatar

I am compelled to keep reading your well written pieces on personal and difficult topics. Thank you

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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

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.

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Stephen Chamberlin's avatar

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!

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Marianne Quasha's avatar

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.

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Chris Holton's avatar

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.

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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

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!

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Chris Holton's avatar

Survived sepsis in 2021. It was touch and go there. But thanks to your cohorts at John Muir, I made it!

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MacDana Seleçon's avatar

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!

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Jenn Bair's avatar

Yes, I loved this piece. Hour writing is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

Thanks Jenn!

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Carol's avatar

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?

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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

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.

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zenprofit's avatar

Kara has nothing on you (other than having to endure Scott 2x per week.) Your contribution to Pivot today was inspiring.

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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

Haha. Scott is so smart. He keeps Kara on her toes!

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Mar 23, 2021
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Jeffrey Swisher, MD's avatar

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!

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