10 Comments
User's avatar
Helen's avatar

When dementia took most of my Dad’s language at the end, there were four phrases left to him;

1. Boy, that’s good!

2. I thank you

3. Look who it is!

4. Love you too.

I’ve been spending the last 3y since his death trying to figure out how to more truly be his daughter.

Grateful by the clarity. Humbled by the work I have yet to do- work Robert seemed to do unselfconsciously.

Daren Wang's avatar

We all need to say "Boy, that's good!" more often.

Sarah McCoy's Newsletter's avatar

Honored to have the best memories with you and Robert. Our lives, however long or short, are the gold for future stories. This is a case in point. I think our dear Robert would agree. Love this post, my friend!

Daren Wang's avatar

I'm grateful for the time we all had together in Winston-Salem. It was special.

Wendy Lenz's avatar

Daren, this is a beautifully woven story where grief flows like an unseen river. Gratitude is the life raft. Happy New Year! I look forward to your next 6 months!

Daren Wang's avatar

Thank you. I hope treatment is going easy and all is well with you and Richard.

Catherine Neiner's avatar

Grateful your posts give me a brief respite from thinking about the things I would like to burn in that fire.

Stacia Pelletier's avatar

Thank you for inspiring me to try this medium, my friend. Hope the end of your year is a peaceful one.

Daren Wang's avatar

I hope that you find as much freedom on this platform as I have. You're a helluva writer and I'm glad that Kirkus finally recognized it. Your readers will be better off if you can write just for the pleasure of it, without the misery of the publishing industry hanging over you.

I've been thinking about my evolution here. I might publish longer pieces, but less often. When I started, the commitment to posting regularly was the top priority. It forced me to write regularly, and I needed that. After six months, the writing has become a habit again. Mission accomplished. But are these 1,000 word posts my best option? They're comfortable, but it might be time for more of a challenge. I'm thinking through that. I say all this because we own our Substacks. If you find yourself itching to write something outside that, there's nothing stopping you. In the meantime, I'll await your first review eagerly.

Stacia Pelletier's avatar

Thank you! And I love the idea of you writing longer pieces ….