For what little it may be worth, your response to that postcard was exactly right.
We do not always see the further effects when we send kindness - however small - out into the world; but like the butterfly of chaos, the effects are there, and propagate, and expand to touch a world.
"I hope that you are still fighting, because struggling is life." Beautiful, just beautiful. A reminder I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with all of us.
The breadth and depth of this essay captures so many of life’s lessons. The influence of writers, your dogged search of the address of Donald Hall, a poet. Your care and outreach to him brought joy. His humor displayed while chastising you about your hand writing. Oh, how I would love to hug Eli and Auggie.
I can’t imagine the joy you felt when you and Donald started corresponding. Most of us have someone in this world that we admire so much, that it would be a thrill beyond belief to actually correspond with that person. I’m so glad you had that experience. If he had a chance to read any of your novels, I’m sure he loved them.
Eli, with his eyes closed, soaking up the love from his Dad, makes us all want to give the love sponge and his handsome brother a big hug, too. Imagine the poem Mr Hall could write about your majestic lads.
This is beautiful. Love Jane Kenyon, love Donald Hall, love Roethke, love Dylan. Friends poets dogs words letters life age all of us All connected. A thousand thanks.
To say Eli is a love sponge indicates he only absorbs love. I think he gives it off to. Just looking at his photos brings so many of your readers joy. ♥️ Have a lovely day.
I truly, truly enjoy learning things from your essays. I had never heard of Donald Hall, but I believe I have become a fan—I went down the rabbit hole of poetry and philosophy yesterday. He is absolutely, overwhelming correct when he says that poetry should be read out loud! Harken to the days of the dimly lit, smokey, coffee imbued cafe of the 50’s and 60’s. Maybe not. A nicely lit, smoke outside, wine accessible cafe might be better. 🤗.
Eli, what a sweetheart. The other guy in the photo looks nice too. 😁
Appreciation is a lost art. Thank you for your heartfelt words.
For what little it may be worth, your response to that postcard was exactly right.
We do not always see the further effects when we send kindness - however small - out into the world; but like the butterfly of chaos, the effects are there, and propagate, and expand to touch a world.
Thank you.
Beautiful essay and beautiful love a la Charlie and Eli.
Crap, I thought I’d happy cried enough last night, seeing Gus Walz blubbering with abandon and saying “That’s my dad”… but I guess I was wrong. ❤️
And it is just so so wonderful to see also that side of Charlie for whom I have such tremendous respect and awe.❤️
I’m sorry you didn’t get more time with Donald Hall …
Eli is a huge love sponge! 💕
"I hope that you are still fighting, because struggling is life." Beautiful, just beautiful. A reminder I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with all of us.
The breadth and depth of this essay captures so many of life’s lessons. The influence of writers, your dogged search of the address of Donald Hall, a poet. Your care and outreach to him brought joy. His humor displayed while chastising you about your hand writing. Oh, how I would love to hug Eli and Auggie.
Beautiful.
I can’t imagine the joy you felt when you and Donald started corresponding. Most of us have someone in this world that we admire so much, that it would be a thrill beyond belief to actually correspond with that person. I’m so glad you had that experience. If he had a chance to read any of your novels, I’m sure he loved them.
Eli, with his eyes closed, soaking up the love from his Dad, makes us all want to give the love sponge and his handsome brother a big hug, too. Imagine the poem Mr Hall could write about your majestic lads.
This is beautiful. Love Jane Kenyon, love Donald Hall, love Roethke, love Dylan. Friends poets dogs words letters life age all of us All connected. A thousand thanks.
Beautiful post to start my day thank you.
To say Eli is a love sponge indicates he only absorbs love. I think he gives it off to. Just looking at his photos brings so many of your readers joy. ♥️ Have a lovely day.
A Shmoo do what a Shmoo do! 😊🐾
"Oh my! ..That man is brave with such a large ferocious beast!"
"He's the wolf whisperer. His wife dances with them." 😁😊🤫🐾💃
I truly, truly enjoy learning things from your essays. I had never heard of Donald Hall, but I believe I have become a fan—I went down the rabbit hole of poetry and philosophy yesterday. He is absolutely, overwhelming correct when he says that poetry should be read out loud! Harken to the days of the dimly lit, smokey, coffee imbued cafe of the 50’s and 60’s. Maybe not. A nicely lit, smoke outside, wine accessible cafe might be better. 🤗.
Eli, what a sweetheart. The other guy in the photo looks nice too. 😁
I am catching up, and just reading your post: a reminder I need, to remember what matters. Your accompanying picture says it all.