tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post3462919876535221723..comments2023-12-27T09:28:32.621-07:00Comments on Retired English Teacher: A Thank You, A Blog Link, and A ReviewSally Wesselyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06470453773515491625noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-79927022208976312592011-12-22T06:54:59.162-07:002011-12-22T06:54:59.162-07:00I lost my daughter too and someone suggested I rea...I lost my daughter too and someone suggested I read this book but with a skeptical .... nose. <br /><br />I have MS (so does Didion) and it is thought her daughter really died of alcoholism but she did not address it in her book. She spoke of it elsewhere (newspaper articles, etc) but she wanted other reasons for her daughter's death. Not uncommon when you're in denial...something I have trouble with when it comes to alcoholism. <br /><br />I guess since I have been through this with my own daughter I am not too impressed with Didion. She appears cold....Have Myelin?https://www.blogger.com/profile/05704037582961814202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-10863208211719017172011-11-19T09:04:46.133-07:002011-11-19T09:04:46.133-07:00This is such a brave and beautiful review, Sally. ...This is such a brave and beautiful review, Sally. It has been on my list for sometime, and I'm glad to hear it resonates, despite the pain that may well accompany it. When I worked at Ele's Place one of the parents once said there is solidarity in the loss of a child. Yes, I can see that in your words. <br /><br />Three cheers to your posts of books on grieving. I will share your links with a number of people.Jeaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482528482559445943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-17159660565420417732011-11-19T02:03:29.876-07:002011-11-19T02:03:29.876-07:00This is a beautiful post in every way....Your revi...This is a beautiful post in every way....Your review of Joan Didion's Book is so deeply felt---you know in the marrow of your bones what she is writing about and feeling. I am so very very sorry for your loss, my dear....I have not lost a daughter, but I am very close to a number of people who have lost children---in one case, my friend lost her daughter, in another---she lost her son....I know these are inconsolable losses. And though I haven't lost a child---I have such empathy for you and Joan Didion and my two friends who have experienced this loss and will continue to, till they draw their last breath. Having experienced some very terrible losses myself---some I will never get over---I found Joan Didion's last book and this one, spoke to my heart on such a deep deep level....This one even more so than "The Year Of Magical Thinking"....She exposed her vulnerability in such a way---Well, it resonated with my own--Especially about this time of realization of how fragile we become at a certain point in our lives---I feel I am in such a similar place, myself....<br /><br />I thank you for coming and visiting my blog and for your heartfelt comment. I send you virtual hugs to let you know I care about your healing....<br />(((((((((hugs))))))))))))<br />I LOVED your daughters post about her cousins and the history they all share---especially on that day of the funeral. These are healings bonds, too, aren't they?OldLady Of The Hillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02458879772193114892noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-75360508123127999232011-11-16T20:21:03.078-07:002011-11-16T20:21:03.078-07:00I have heard about this book and about how hard it...I have heard about this book and about how hard it was for Joan to write it. Using this book to explore deeply your memories of your daughter must have bben very painful and yet a very loving experience too. I hope it helps to heal some of the pain.Linda Reederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07665601809156707572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-56023331316920468312011-11-16T17:24:46.152-07:002011-11-16T17:24:46.152-07:00If this book is anything like THE YEAR OF MAGICAL ...If this book is anything like THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING it has got to be great. <br /><br />What a beautifully written and cogent review.KathyAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12723937251892708482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-79351584226081953682011-11-16T16:23:20.473-07:002011-11-16T16:23:20.473-07:00I'm so very sorry for you and your family.I'm so very sorry for you and your family.Frikohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277167831642088694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-47357696221058076712011-11-16T11:28:08.420-07:002011-11-16T11:28:08.420-07:00I'm glad that you are taking your grief and of...I'm glad that you are taking your grief and offering to help others through it. I lost someone very close to me a few years ago--it was one of those tragedies that you keep thinking shouldn't have happened. What you said about grief is that there is not pat answer and a resolve that we look for. I believe it happens through time and action. You are doing both. Blessings.Terri Tiffanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-76080612031173872892011-11-15T20:58:57.266-07:002011-11-15T20:58:57.266-07:00the book sounds goodthe book sounds goodRebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10213055916162799647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-12546822990590609042011-11-15T19:26:44.614-07:002011-11-15T19:26:44.614-07:00Hi Sally,
I'm not keeping up very well these ...Hi Sally,<br /><br />I'm not keeping up very well these days, so just now read this post. I'll get the book, even though I am afraid to read it. I'm coming to double anniversaries soon - my son's birth and his death. December is really hard for me.<br /><br />I'm thinking of you and grateful for your openness.<br /><br />SandiSandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15923693784234135636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-84880205963524492592011-11-15T13:40:40.453-07:002011-11-15T13:40:40.453-07:00It is the fact that the authoress experienced your...It is the fact that the authoress experienced your experience that was so powerful. I am sure there are no answers as to how to handle a situation of the loss of a dear child..... but one can only share with someone else and hope that in the grieving that there will be release. A sharing of grief between two people who have shared a similar thing must have healing qualities. Keep writing ..... I am sure it is helping you and others.<br />Maggie X<br /><br /><a href="http://granniemay.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Nuts in May</a>Maggie Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06183886005936250976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-36585005780344154282011-11-14T13:38:41.131-07:002011-11-14T13:38:41.131-07:00A wonderful writer. Thanks for the recommendation....A wonderful writer. Thanks for the recommendation.troutbirderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14087811292280881959noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-27323690103855834422011-11-14T13:15:05.940-07:002011-11-14T13:15:05.940-07:00Dear Sally,
Thank you for sharing with such candor...Dear Sally,<br />Thank you for sharing with such candor your emotions as you read the Didion book. I've never had children and so I know I do not truly understand the bond between parents and child. But your grief speaks to me and tears open my heart. <br /><br />What is there, really, to say except I feel that this posting and your grief are holy ground and that I have figuratively removed my sandals so as to stand with you here in the loneliness and void of grief.<br /><br />Peace.Dee Readyhttp://www.cominghometomyself.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-7856933737263232442011-11-14T09:59:18.642-07:002011-11-14T09:59:18.642-07:00I've heard of this book, and the previous one ...I've heard of this book, and the previous one about her husband's passing. I've hesitated, in part because I'm trying to deal with my grief on my own terms.<br /><br />I shall visit your beautiful daughter's blog. Thanks for sharing.Rosaria Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03133147851332084180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-27613292889043910072011-11-14T09:12:08.903-07:002011-11-14T09:12:08.903-07:00Isn't it amazingly cathartic to read about som...Isn't it amazingly cathartic to read about someone who has gone through the same thing? It could be at times better than talking to a friend who has not gone through that experience. Your Daughter is quite a gifted writer.<br />Blessings, JoanneJoannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01701170619308062747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-40814380071127855132011-11-14T05:40:59.196-07:002011-11-14T05:40:59.196-07:00I agree with Betsy. You and Keicha can touch other...I agree with Betsy. You and Keicha can touch others who share your experience in a way no one else can. I hope that touch can bring a bit of healing for you both.Arkansas Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14156004753267665579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-40274350647909700072011-11-14T01:02:16.667-07:002011-11-14T01:02:16.667-07:00Both you and your daughter are gifted writers. I ...Both you and your daughter are gifted writers. I admire both of you your ability to open your hearts to us. I have not experienced what you have, but I was almost the cause of such pain in my youth. <br /><br />I have always believed it is a privilege to read when an author opens their heart and soul to let you into such a personal space. It sounds like Joan Didion is one of those authors.<br /><br />Bless you!! *hugs*Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02043285884495492598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-5321591558865564052011-11-13T23:48:27.783-07:002011-11-13T23:48:27.783-07:00I haven't lost a child so I can't say I un...I haven't lost a child so I can't say I understand. But I'm with you.Linda Myershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05706455533282204519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-86794631223736749082011-11-13T18:33:55.661-07:002011-11-13T18:33:55.661-07:00Sally, Thanks for the recommendation. I'll be...Sally, Thanks for the recommendation. I'll be passing it along to Kathy. All the best to you and Keicha. We'll be thinking of you on the 19th.John Paul McKinneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12426192694972130205noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-26326827520492280112011-11-13T16:47:47.873-07:002011-11-13T16:47:47.873-07:00Your daughter is gifted like her mother... I thin...Your daughter is gifted like her mother... I think that you listing books and articles about grief is a great idea. So many people experience grief--and don't have places to go for help... You can be a huge help.<br />Hugs<br />BetsyBetsy Banks Adamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16223591156634767330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-13905016089518158092011-11-13T16:24:17.386-07:002011-11-13T16:24:17.386-07:00I'm so glad the book was a comfort for you. I...I'm so glad the book was a comfort for you. It always helps to know that someone else truly knows how you feel. Keicha is definitely a gifted writer. How wonderful that you're both able to help others work through their grief.Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461569436322815787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-36208016871290236132011-11-13T16:12:07.280-07:002011-11-13T16:12:07.280-07:00I haven't read this book, but I've read a ...I haven't read this book, but I've read a lot of her other ones, including The Year of Magical Thinking. You make a strong case for reading this book. Anything that can break through my hard shell is well worth reading.DJanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07152183871573797791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-78830594720018331412011-11-13T15:19:53.722-07:002011-11-13T15:19:53.722-07:00I'm struck by your observation that Joan Didio...I'm struck by your observation that Joan Didion doesn't resolve anything in this book. We crave resolution for our grief and our losses, but we are left with more questions than answers. You and Keicha have taught me that this is especially true when a loved one dies by suicide. I hope you are eventually able to find some peace and comfort.Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17223278142557533175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-23979330592840974892011-11-13T15:00:05.721-07:002011-11-13T15:00:05.721-07:00Oh, Sally. What is there to say when nothing can b...Oh, Sally. What is there to say when nothing can be said or done to stop the pain or shorten the process of a grief that is, indeed, lifelong. I thought of you when I bought this book the other day and, as I read through it, my thoughts and prayers will stay with you and with Keicha.Dr. Kathy McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02903015507894951725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-37570959593788000092011-11-13T13:56:07.184-07:002011-11-13T13:56:07.184-07:00It was so kind of Keicha to write that little note...It was so kind of Keicha to write that little note of thanks. I have just popped over to her blog, and you are right, her writing is quite beautiful, and no wonder you are so proud of her! You are right, there is no resolution for losing a daughter.Southhamsdarlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12285980805569582676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7041834369094012241.post-72889901225185317322011-11-13T13:48:38.102-07:002011-11-13T13:48:38.102-07:00I am going to read Blue Nights. Thank you for the ...I am going to read Blue Nights. Thank you for the recommendation.<br />I read your daughter's blog...and smiled....loving the strong bond between cousins. Such a strong love.<br />I hug you from here....knowing that there could never ever be a resolution, Sally. The mother's heart in me weeps.....<br />Love,<br />JackieJackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01214796594702277709noreply@blogger.com