This resonated deeply for me Jeffrey. Books and the act of reading were close friends when i was caregiving for my father and then my mother on their cancer journeys, and then moving through the grief of their deaths during the pandemic when i was isolated alone in my apartment. I’m an only child so the journey of caregiving and grief has been a very solitary one, but the act of reading was (and still is) such a balm to the soul, and you are right- it does feel like a form of accompaniment during life’s toughest times. Really appreciate all that you express in this post.
I can’t see myself reading all of Dickens. But, coincidentally, I have Louise Gluck’s Poems 1962 - 2012 on my groaning nightstand and have been reading it intermittently over the last several months. Another coincidence: my brother was stuck in Hong Kong for 15 months during the pandemic. We did family Zooms and I think that was the one thing that kept him sane.
This is a lovely story. Your mom sounds like an absolute sweetheart. She raised you well.
Hong Kong was one of the safest places in the world for much of the pandemic, in terms of instances of infection. But though it is a great place, it's pretty small and the inability to travel was tough for everybody.
I’m impressed! I’d never be able to focus on Dickens. Diana Gabladon’s OUTLANDER is my go-to when I’m in a hospital waiting room or waiting for worrying news.
Jeffrey, what a beautiful practice. It’s making me see all the many and varied ways that we can vigil for someone at a distance. And how literature can be priest, doula, guide, friend and warm bath, all at once. Such a tender piece of writing. Thank you.
That's a really comforting meditation on your vigil for your mother, Jeffrey. I read "David Copperfield" because of something you said awhile ago, absolutely fell in love with Aunt Betsey and her kind-hearted way with her nephew. 💜
What a lovely piece Jeffrey! and I'm so glad things turned out well for your mom. About a year ago my mom's health deteriorated rapidly and I became her caregiver. I found refuge in Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, a gorgeous gentle book that takes place in Michigan where my mom is from. It's also a story about mothers and daughters and how we perceive each other's lives. I was a librarian for many years and never underestimate the power of the right book(s) at the right time. And now maybe I'll finally delve into Dickens!
Hi Lori, thank you for reading and for sharing your story! I hope your mother's health has stabilised now. I've only read This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Patchett so far. I was hugely impressed by her writing in that, so I shall put Tom Lake down on my list of books to read.
Again, deceptive simplicity in weaving threads of personal (also universal) emotional experience with seminal literature and geophysical location, in contemporary context. A truly satisfying essay, thank you, Jeffrey
This resonated deeply for me Jeffrey. Books and the act of reading were close friends when i was caregiving for my father and then my mother on their cancer journeys, and then moving through the grief of their deaths during the pandemic when i was isolated alone in my apartment. I’m an only child so the journey of caregiving and grief has been a very solitary one, but the act of reading was (and still is) such a balm to the soul, and you are right- it does feel like a form of accompaniment during life’s toughest times. Really appreciate all that you express in this post.
Thank you, Ariana, and my condolences on your losses. I'm glad to hear that reading acts as a balm to your soul, and I hope it continues to do so.
I can’t see myself reading all of Dickens. But, coincidentally, I have Louise Gluck’s Poems 1962 - 2012 on my groaning nightstand and have been reading it intermittently over the last several months. Another coincidence: my brother was stuck in Hong Kong for 15 months during the pandemic. We did family Zooms and I think that was the one thing that kept him sane.
This is a lovely story. Your mom sounds like an absolute sweetheart. She raised you well.
Thank you, Mary! I still go back to Gluck a lot.
Hong Kong was one of the safest places in the world for much of the pandemic, in terms of instances of infection. But though it is a great place, it's pretty small and the inability to travel was tough for everybody.
I’m impressed! I’d never be able to focus on Dickens. Diana Gabladon’s OUTLANDER is my go-to when I’m in a hospital waiting room or waiting for worrying news.
Beautiful writing, as usual :)
Thank you, Jenna! I must put Outlander on my list of books to read!
And I’ll continue slogging through David Copperfield, lol
Jeffrey, what a beautiful practice. It’s making me see all the many and varied ways that we can vigil for someone at a distance. And how literature can be priest, doula, guide, friend and warm bath, all at once. Such a tender piece of writing. Thank you.
Thank you, Chloe! A vigil at a distance; as always, you've expressed it so beautifully.
That's a really comforting meditation on your vigil for your mother, Jeffrey. I read "David Copperfield" because of something you said awhile ago, absolutely fell in love with Aunt Betsey and her kind-hearted way with her nephew. 💜
Thank you, Troy! I'm so glad that you enjoyed David Copperfield and I also love the way Aunt Betsey cares for David.
What a lovely piece Jeffrey! and I'm so glad things turned out well for your mom. About a year ago my mom's health deteriorated rapidly and I became her caregiver. I found refuge in Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, a gorgeous gentle book that takes place in Michigan where my mom is from. It's also a story about mothers and daughters and how we perceive each other's lives. I was a librarian for many years and never underestimate the power of the right book(s) at the right time. And now maybe I'll finally delve into Dickens!
Hi Lori, thank you for reading and for sharing your story! I hope your mother's health has stabilised now. I've only read This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Patchett so far. I was hugely impressed by her writing in that, so I shall put Tom Lake down on my list of books to read.
Hola , Los Libros Me Han Salvado La Vida , En Varias Ocasiones Y Por Supuesto Dickens Fue Uno De Ellos. Un Saludo.
Gracias! un saludo también!
Again, deceptive simplicity in weaving threads of personal (also universal) emotional experience with seminal literature and geophysical location, in contemporary context. A truly satisfying essay, thank you, Jeffrey
Thank you, Pauline. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments.
A super read ! Thank you.
Thank you, Maureen. I really appreciate your comment.