29 Comments

Hey, I remembered this one. I read this when you published it. I'd already “liked” it. I still like it. The ending is funny. They were both trying to protect the other and both knew. I miss old photos. Seeing yours made me want to dig out my photo albums. It's odd how technology has advanced so much that our pictures look more realistic, yet photographs from fifty years ago seem more natural. Maybe that's the nostalgia speaking. Anywho, I enjoyed the essay. You carried the scenes well and didn't dawdle on unnecessary details. Many people get caught up trying to spew every detail as if they're David Foster Wallace and unless you're David Foster Wallace or Thomas Wolfe, too many details can lose a reader’s interest. Maybe that's just me. I also thought it was interesting that you kind of knew your dad knew. You could sense it. Maybe you saw it in his face. I don't know. Sometimes we just sense these things, I suppose. Well, I’ve gone on long enough. Thanks for letting me read this, Terry.

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Jun 7, 2023Liked by Terry Freedman

I wonder if they had of done the trachea procedure right there and not moved your Father to the Operating room he may have l survived, such procedures are often done in emergency situations by first on the scene persons ...just wondering. Nice story and lovely ending ..the bonds of love

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Both protecting each other - that’s love! Nicely written and very ‘real’, for want of a better word.

Real people! Your Dad looked and sounded like a lovely man.

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Read this again tonight thanks to your link from a more recent post. Heartbreaking and beautiful writing, Terry.

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Beautiful tribute to your dad, Terry.

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A beautiful story.

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People who love, trying to protect each other, yes. The photos and memories are so good--thank you for sharing this. A lot of love here.

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Oh Terry, such a beautiful, beautiful piece of writing. So full of so much, particularly love. I deeply appreciated reading it. Thank you.

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Whew--this one really got me, Terry. What a beautiful story of love and the tragedy of having to say goodbye. A really good piece of writing here. Thank you for sharing it.

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Wow. What a twist in the end. That was beautifully written.

My dad has an aggressive form of brain cancer atm, so it touched me particularly deeply. Thank you.

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The irony, Terry, of the closing got me right in the heart. A marvelous tribute and heartfelt telling. Heart to heart, Mary

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RIP - that's quite a story. Cheers.

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