19 Comments

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 :)

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Thank you, Jenna! I must put Outlander on my list of books to read!

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And I’ll continue slogging through David Copperfield, lol

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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.

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Thank you, Chloe! A vigil at a distance; as always, you've expressed it so beautifully.

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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. 💜

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Thank you, Troy! I'm so glad that you enjoyed David Copperfield and I also love the way Aunt Betsey cares for David.

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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!

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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.

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Hola , Los Libros Me Han Salvado La Vida , En Varias Ocasiones Y Por Supuesto Dickens Fue Uno De Ellos. Un Saludo.

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Gracias! un saludo también!

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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

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Thank you, Pauline. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments.

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A super read ! Thank you.

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Thank you, Maureen. I really appreciate your comment.

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