So many thoughts string out from this. But this a.m. I am off to be a Dem poll challenger in Detroit, and the motivation definitely springs from my dad's WWII service in the South Pacific, and my father-in-law's service, taking two bullets as an Army infantryman on the front lines of Hitler's withdrawal after D-Day. Today? For my dad, and for Aaron, I'm calling myself an Old Birch. :-) and fighting back in my own way. Thanks.
The writings of Robert Frost came to mind with each of your captivating images and personal reflections. Your exquisite essay would be an inspirational addition to English Lit classes on both a high school and college level. Just as the poem “The Road Less Travelled” led me to a career as a Navy nurse, caring for combat medi-vacs during the tumultuous Vietnam era, it was my Dad’s service as a Seabee in the Battle of Okinawa which created a bridge for us to speak of the previous unspeakable images we both witnessed. It deepened my capacity to listen to vets’ stories as a hospice nurse and chaplain… and to truly appreciate the healing power of nature for their traumas, as well as my own.
May your gift of writing receive an even wider readership in the days and years ahead. It’s a much needed blessing for all of us.
Thank you for your comments and for your service. I thought about Frost too in those woods. My grandmother, from the Mississippi delta - a place that couldn't be further from the vermont woods in almost every imaginable way - loved Frost, loved the Road Less Travelled. She was an inspiration, hope to be able to write about her someday.
Thank you, thank you! My mind is spinning! Your essay touched me at so many levels! It brought back so many memories; so many present applications; so many future hopes. So much to digest! I see several rereads down the pike.
At one point, this personal memory came to mind: on the desk in my study I had this reminder: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”
Thanks, again, for the stimulation! Looking forward to your future essays
Judith, thank you for reading! Your efforts were above and beyond on that campaign - to this day I am so grateful for all the work and soulfulness so many contributed. Hope all is well and that your artwork continues to be fulfilling
Thank you for this thoughtful dispatch. Please continue contributing.
Best regards,
Jim
Brilliant and beautiful!
Wiping tears from my eyes, we can find all the answers in nature. Thank you for your dispatch and am looking forward to your future writings here.
Welcome! Praises for your beautiful writing! Another great team member!
—From someone on the fringes of the north country.
Wow. What a beautifully written thought provoking piece.
So many thoughts string out from this. But this a.m. I am off to be a Dem poll challenger in Detroit, and the motivation definitely springs from my dad's WWII service in the South Pacific, and my father-in-law's service, taking two bullets as an Army infantryman on the front lines of Hitler's withdrawal after D-Day. Today? For my dad, and for Aaron, I'm calling myself an Old Birch. :-) and fighting back in my own way. Thanks.
Thank you for reading and for the travel to Michigan. Stay safe and send a dispatch!
I am reminded of the last line of my favorite Frost poem. "One can do worse than be a swinger of birches."
Well played!
Thoughts and images woven together like a fine tapestry
The writings of Robert Frost came to mind with each of your captivating images and personal reflections. Your exquisite essay would be an inspirational addition to English Lit classes on both a high school and college level. Just as the poem “The Road Less Travelled” led me to a career as a Navy nurse, caring for combat medi-vacs during the tumultuous Vietnam era, it was my Dad’s service as a Seabee in the Battle of Okinawa which created a bridge for us to speak of the previous unspeakable images we both witnessed. It deepened my capacity to listen to vets’ stories as a hospice nurse and chaplain… and to truly appreciate the healing power of nature for their traumas, as well as my own.
May your gift of writing receive an even wider readership in the days and years ahead. It’s a much needed blessing for all of us.
Thank you for your comments and for your service. I thought about Frost too in those woods. My grandmother, from the Mississippi delta - a place that couldn't be further from the vermont woods in almost every imaginable way - loved Frost, loved the Road Less Travelled. She was an inspiration, hope to be able to write about her someday.
What a wonderful addition you are to this incredible column effort by Ken and Will!
Thank you, thank you! My mind is spinning! Your essay touched me at so many levels! It brought back so many memories; so many present applications; so many future hopes. So much to digest! I see several rereads down the pike.
At one point, this personal memory came to mind: on the desk in my study I had this reminder: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”
Thanks, again, for the stimulation! Looking forward to your future essays
Lovely, moving piece - thank you!
Thank you, I enjoyed reading your thoughtful dispatch. It was an honor and privilege working on your NY 21 congressional campaign.
Hey Judith - I think I replied in the wrong spot! Many thanks for reading and for all your efforts on the campaign
Every American should read this dispatch!
Judith, thank you for reading! Your efforts were above and beyond on that campaign - to this day I am so grateful for all the work and soulfulness so many contributed. Hope all is well and that your artwork continues to be fulfilling