Nice column. We had a cat that was not affectionate, except to our older daughter, and behaved badly much of the time. Still, we missed her when she left us.
I felt very connected to your article. I am caregiver for my father with Dementia and always take the help I can get. I also lost my mother last year, she came to me in a dream last night and, yes, how I feel close to her again.
Loss of your sister absolutely heartbreaking...so young and so many memories missed.
Thank you. My sister is ending her life now from the onslaught of ovarian cancer. I shudder under thoughts of this country’s future, but it takes a very rear seat against my love for her and the torrents of memories that are flying through my mind and heart as I struggle to move through the day and find kindness from friends, neighbors and co-workers regardless of their politics.
Thanks again, Will, for another sensitive column, and the reminder that there is life beyond politics. As you note, politics are important, but not to the neglect of our personal, family, and community relationships. Apathy,—a-pathos—not caring is one of our most serious personal and societal issues. We need more of the kind of empathy reflected in your column. Thanks!
Thanks Will for the dream and rhe lovely .photo. My heart was broken when she was killed. It has stayed fhat way, but you and my others ihelp me through each day.
A question for you, if I may. How do you and Ken have the courage to voice your political opinions? You live in this not-very-large community where you are well known and exposed. You write so openly of what you think of Mr. Trump and of you concerns about what his administration will bring, even while you know your neighbor may disagree…perhaps violently.
There are a ton of us who share your point of view. We who do, speak passionately with one another - as long as we feel it is safe. But we only grumble quietly when a MAGA someone might hear. Then our sleep may be interrupted by the bad dreams you hope to avoid, and in our waking, there may be self-recrimination that we don’t have your courage. Makes for messy bedclothes.
You are an old fashioned journalist - the type more interested in the truth than many are today. So you have had years to build the strength of your seawalls against the torrents of contrary voices. How do you advise us wannabes?
Well, I grew up in the business and watched my dad (see comment above) at work, starting at about age 11, when we moved to Saranac Lake. He took great zest in the work and never seemed worried about consequences of stories reported by the paper (he was the owner and publisher) or by editorials he had written, which were sometimes quite fiery and, I know, enraging for those who were criticized. I do think it's different to be writing about things for an audience which may include those who are offended or angered by the content and to be in conversation with people face to face. Avoiding offense and downplaying conflict is second nature to most of us when we are speaking face to face. I'm not particularly brave in those situations, not compared with my wife, Bella, for example, who would tell anyone bluntly to their face what she thought. It has been my experience that the vast majority of people are hesitant to act rudely and initiate confrontations when it's just you and them, face to face. And if they do get in your face, if you refuse to back down, without escalating, then that's the end of it, in my experience. As for advice, I think writing frankly is a habit that can be developed. One thing you can try is, when you feel an impulse not to write something out of concern of giving offense, try writing what you would say, if you would allow yourself, and then leave it there and finish the piece. See where it takes you and then, when it's done, weigh whether you might not, after all, be able to publish it that way.
Indeed dreams are “magical” in that we can “be” with our loved ones in a way that feels so real as it’s happening…. Parent, friend, sibling, pet, etc.. It is something I am always grateful to experience.
Politically, in my view, you are right on to be concerned… Very concerned. That book, It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis is more relevant than ever these days and people should take the threat of Trump very seriously. We need to be on guard and make sure that our progressive state of New York remains vigilant against his threats to our democracy. I don’t wanna sound alarmist, but let’s hope there is an election in two years and that we can as progressive take back the House as a step towards a more decent political climate.
You know I love everything you write and I get your point about concentrating now on other things than the looming Age of MAGA, but this piece too downplays the import of what is happening. Government services such as leaf pickups may well be affected by coming budget cuts, buying a rake or a leaf blower is going to be more costly, care for the ill and elderly seems all but assured to be slashed, and for many, their families are going to be pulled apart and sent into exile. So, you see, your lovely piece here is just an optimistic mirage. There'll be no shutting out or escaping the dark times.
What you wrote....was beautiful, Will. What a terrible event to think about in relation to losing your sister.
As for dreaming, my husband doesn't watch, or more, lately, read as much as I do about where this country is headed so he is horrified that he DOES have dreams about that "person" and they are nightmares! The T has not made it into my dreams yet, but if I wake up, the worry is right there.
-lovely photograph / poignant article / embrace life /
memento mori [remember death: and the "dead"]...
So very sorry for that loss, so grateful for the glimpse of her and an embrace in a dream, and that you held it upon awakening.
🙏
https://open.substack.com/pub/albellenchia/p/dog-days?r=7wk5d&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Nice column. We had a cat that was not affectionate, except to our older daughter, and behaved badly much of the time. Still, we missed her when she left us.
Thanks, Will. Keep the faith!
I felt very connected to your article. I am caregiver for my father with Dementia and always take the help I can get. I also lost my mother last year, she came to me in a dream last night and, yes, how I feel close to her again.
Loss of your sister absolutely heartbreaking...so young and so many memories missed.
Appreciate your writing ...
Wonderful dream thoughts of Kim. God bless her soul.
Thanks Beth.
Thank you. My sister is ending her life now from the onslaught of ovarian cancer. I shudder under thoughts of this country’s future, but it takes a very rear seat against my love for her and the torrents of memories that are flying through my mind and heart as I struggle to move through the day and find kindness from friends, neighbors and co-workers regardless of their politics.
I spent some time home recently and visited my brother's grave. The pain of a sibling's life cut short is an enduring ache on those left behind.
Oh Will sharing your memories opens us to reflect on ours too
Sharing your concerns about Trump warns us to pay attention and resist
Thanks again, Will, for another sensitive column, and the reminder that there is life beyond politics. As you note, politics are important, but not to the neglect of our personal, family, and community relationships. Apathy,—a-pathos—not caring is one of our most serious personal and societal issues. We need more of the kind of empathy reflected in your column. Thanks!
Shalom!
Thanks Will for the dream and rhe lovely .photo. My heart was broken when she was killed. It has stayed fhat way, but you and my others ihelp me through each day.
Good morning, Will. Sweet story of your sister.
A question for you, if I may. How do you and Ken have the courage to voice your political opinions? You live in this not-very-large community where you are well known and exposed. You write so openly of what you think of Mr. Trump and of you concerns about what his administration will bring, even while you know your neighbor may disagree…perhaps violently.
There are a ton of us who share your point of view. We who do, speak passionately with one another - as long as we feel it is safe. But we only grumble quietly when a MAGA someone might hear. Then our sleep may be interrupted by the bad dreams you hope to avoid, and in our waking, there may be self-recrimination that we don’t have your courage. Makes for messy bedclothes.
You are an old fashioned journalist - the type more interested in the truth than many are today. So you have had years to build the strength of your seawalls against the torrents of contrary voices. How do you advise us wannabes?
Well, I grew up in the business and watched my dad (see comment above) at work, starting at about age 11, when we moved to Saranac Lake. He took great zest in the work and never seemed worried about consequences of stories reported by the paper (he was the owner and publisher) or by editorials he had written, which were sometimes quite fiery and, I know, enraging for those who were criticized. I do think it's different to be writing about things for an audience which may include those who are offended or angered by the content and to be in conversation with people face to face. Avoiding offense and downplaying conflict is second nature to most of us when we are speaking face to face. I'm not particularly brave in those situations, not compared with my wife, Bella, for example, who would tell anyone bluntly to their face what she thought. It has been my experience that the vast majority of people are hesitant to act rudely and initiate confrontations when it's just you and them, face to face. And if they do get in your face, if you refuse to back down, without escalating, then that's the end of it, in my experience. As for advice, I think writing frankly is a habit that can be developed. One thing you can try is, when you feel an impulse not to write something out of concern of giving offense, try writing what you would say, if you would allow yourself, and then leave it there and finish the piece. See where it takes you and then, when it's done, weigh whether you might not, after all, be able to publish it that way.
Will,
Indeed dreams are “magical” in that we can “be” with our loved ones in a way that feels so real as it’s happening…. Parent, friend, sibling, pet, etc.. It is something I am always grateful to experience.
Politically, in my view, you are right on to be concerned… Very concerned. That book, It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis is more relevant than ever these days and people should take the threat of Trump very seriously. We need to be on guard and make sure that our progressive state of New York remains vigilant against his threats to our democracy. I don’t wanna sound alarmist, but let’s hope there is an election in two years and that we can as progressive take back the House as a step towards a more decent political climate.
Keep on keeping on Will!
"It can't happen here" seems more and more relevant everry single day.
You know I love everything you write and I get your point about concentrating now on other things than the looming Age of MAGA, but this piece too downplays the import of what is happening. Government services such as leaf pickups may well be affected by coming budget cuts, buying a rake or a leaf blower is going to be more costly, care for the ill and elderly seems all but assured to be slashed, and for many, their families are going to be pulled apart and sent into exile. So, you see, your lovely piece here is just an optimistic mirage. There'll be no shutting out or escaping the dark times.
...the MAGA "movement" doesn't get an "Age" / -may it age quickly, and: die young...
Another warranted comparison to Nazis who foresaw a 1000-year reign.
What you wrote....was beautiful, Will. What a terrible event to think about in relation to losing your sister.
As for dreaming, my husband doesn't watch, or more, lately, read as much as I do about where this country is headed so he is horrified that he DOES have dreams about that "person" and they are nightmares! The T has not made it into my dreams yet, but if I wake up, the worry is right there.
It is good to have loved someone so much. Grief is the price, but worth paying. Was the fall accidental? More tragic if it was not.
What a dear, nurturing person you must be, Will. Fueling the engine of love is exhausting.
Yes, it was an accident
So very sorry for your loss.
I share all of your negative thoughts about Trump.