Tod, thank you. And I'm so sorry. And overwhelmed with so many feelings right now. Your words are so beautiful--such a gorgeous, heartrending tribute. As we always say, may her memory be a blessing. And may you find comfort in the days to come. Sending you all my best wishes in this tragic time.
Dear, dear Tod. I’m sitting in a room looking out over the skyline of New York City - sky that turned pink while I read your beautiful tribute to Annie. I was so moved by Annie’s willingness to take the Porter story so personally, to share her dire circumstance, to trust all of us with such dreadful news. And here, you so willing to give us the handprint of your friendship with Annie. I am so so sorry for your loss.
This is the third time I've come here to write something. The first two didn't work out ! I love George's story about he and Paula checking each other for tears at the opera. No one to see my tears here. There's so much feeling and passion and caring, I don't know how to respond. Many of the comments have opened my eyes wider to Annie, and that has been wonderful. All your insights and love ... and all words, this is the best of being human, right here in Story Club. It means a lot that Annie is seen and appreciated by this amazing group of people. I've tried to imagine her response, but should know better. Thanks one more time to George for creating this community. Much love to all of you. On Dec. 3, I'll be boarding the Coast Starlight in Seattle, bound for San Francisco. At first I booked a seat in Coach. But later chickened out, and upgraded to a roomette.
Tod, thank you so much for sharing your descriptions and experiences at the end of Annie's life. You honored us all with the details, moments and feelings that say so much and pull us into the experience. It felt to me like a true reporting of the storm. The storm of love, loss, confusion and finality that whips around us and through us when life ends. Moving rapidly and harshly, though also in slow motion and kindness. I am so sorry for your loss, and Annie's. And I am grateful for your open heartedness
Tod, strangers on the interwebs learning to love each other through words...Sending a virtual hug to you, imagining you sitting alone on the train filled with the bleeding crack of grief simultaneously filled with soul-expanding love from the spirit of Annie, and this community... It seems so strange to me but so hopeful. Thank you for being this open
After Annie's comment, I subscribed to her empty newsletter. She was kind enough to email me back, letting me know she likely wouldn't be posting anything in the future. I kept my subscription active anyway, and I can't bring myself to unsubscribe now.
Grateful for the connection we made while we shared this world, however brief it was, and especially grateful today for everyone else here at Story Club. Thinking of you all.
“I said I’d always wanted that kind of relationship and now I did. We did. I told her I left an otherwise good relationship because it didn’t support writing. She said I was a shit, and that she left a marriage without leaving a note.”
Oh, Tod I’m so sorry. Sounds like a delicious friendship. Better to have a short glorious ride with an empathic friend than a long slogs with many others.
I hope you write more about the friendship. I also hope you read( if you haven’t already) D. Hall’s “Essays After Eighty.” One of my favorite books.
GS: Bravo on the opera & I loved eavesdropping on the joy and tears you and your wife shared over what you heard. 💞💞
It's divine. It made me laugh, cry & taught me a lesson my therapist missed. I simply adore that man. I even wrote a poem titled "Comic" with starring him. If I get it published I'll make a note here💞
Incredibly moving. My heart is lifted, knowing people still come together to support and love each other unconditionally, even though they started as strangers, and never met.
I believe we all benefited from this loving energy put out in the Universe, just as we all mourn our loss of Annie's spirit.
Dear Tod, what a truly beautiful tribute, to Annie, but also to connection. There’s a community here, and I think in a sense we are all making connections of the heart, by being so open with our thoughts; and I think the sheer power and persistence of yours with Annie is such a wonderful testament to that; just with the way it grew and flourished, despite the odds.. Two wonderful tributes to those passed on, recently. I am indebted to you for your generosity at such a tender time. xxx
I am overwhelmed, tears piling up in my eyes for people I never knew but who in that note I came to know and love. The power of words, of heart, of words, of cadence and conversation and fears and silences and avoidances and truths and the shock, like a knife to the gut, of life and death, even when we know they are inevitable.
Tod, that is an incredibly moving account of your loving relationship with Annie. It's so intense and pure, and shows how much you meant to her in her last days. And vice versa. I am sorry for your loss and hope you continue to find the words to express and share your feelings. I wish you peace of heart and mind at this sad time.
What a gorgeous tribute, Tod. I feel as if I knew Annie. Thank you for sharing this remarkable friendship with us. May you find comfort in your memories.
What an amazing experience, George! I can't wait to here the opera.
Dear Tod, thank you so much for letting us get to know Annie, and allowing us to share in the precious connection you two had. I expect the link will never be broken. Take good care of yourself.Annie would want nothing less for you.
Tod, thank you. And I'm so sorry. And overwhelmed with so many feelings right now. Your words are so beautiful--such a gorgeous, heartrending tribute. As we always say, may her memory be a blessing. And may you find comfort in the days to come. Sending you all my best wishes in this tragic time.
I'm not sure I've heard that about memory, but blessing indeed. Thank you Mary.
@maryg hi there. Could you please remind me how to send a message to George? Thanks!
storyclubwithgeorge@gmail.com
thank you! I do not know why I couldn't find it. Happy Holidays
Same to you!
Dear, dear Tod. I’m sitting in a room looking out over the skyline of New York City - sky that turned pink while I read your beautiful tribute to Annie. I was so moved by Annie’s willingness to take the Porter story so personally, to share her dire circumstance, to trust all of us with such dreadful news. And here, you so willing to give us the handprint of your friendship with Annie. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Thanks you Gail.
This is the third time I've come here to write something. The first two didn't work out ! I love George's story about he and Paula checking each other for tears at the opera. No one to see my tears here. There's so much feeling and passion and caring, I don't know how to respond. Many of the comments have opened my eyes wider to Annie, and that has been wonderful. All your insights and love ... and all words, this is the best of being human, right here in Story Club. It means a lot that Annie is seen and appreciated by this amazing group of people. I've tried to imagine her response, but should know better. Thanks one more time to George for creating this community. Much love to all of you. On Dec. 3, I'll be boarding the Coast Starlight in Seattle, bound for San Francisco. At first I booked a seat in Coach. But later chickened out, and upgraded to a roomette.
A room on a train is heaven. And Tod, we all see your tears here in Story Club. Have a wonderful trip.
I did the same thing last summer on a train trip to Chicago. Got the screaming deal Coach ticket then reconsidered and got the roomette.
It was heaven! Lulled along in my little nest as the world scrolled by. Have a good trip. I hope to take that route sometime.
Tod, thank you so much for sharing your descriptions and experiences at the end of Annie's life. You honored us all with the details, moments and feelings that say so much and pull us into the experience. It felt to me like a true reporting of the storm. The storm of love, loss, confusion and finality that whips around us and through us when life ends. Moving rapidly and harshly, though also in slow motion and kindness. I am so sorry for your loss, and Annie's. And I am grateful for your open heartedness
Nicely said Kurt, thanks.
Thanks. I loved the stream of consciousness vibe that you shared. It felt so personal and unvarnished.
I so agree, Tod, Story Club echoes the best of being human. And second best a train ride South. I hope the Coast Starlight soothes your aching heart.
Chickens never reserve a roomette! Applauding your commitment to overnight comfort
That narrows down the range of possible company then.
Tod, strangers on the interwebs learning to love each other through words...Sending a virtual hug to you, imagining you sitting alone on the train filled with the bleeding crack of grief simultaneously filled with soul-expanding love from the spirit of Annie, and this community... It seems so strange to me but so hopeful. Thank you for being this open
Really looking forward to the train, and hope it is strange :)
I feel as if I’ve been admitted to a secret society. Everyone caring and taking the time to say so. Both are extraordinary.
I am ever grateful to all who live, and die, in this Opera we call Story Club.
Fare ye well Annie.
Likewise Ian.
After Annie's comment, I subscribed to her empty newsletter. She was kind enough to email me back, letting me know she likely wouldn't be posting anything in the future. I kept my subscription active anyway, and I can't bring myself to unsubscribe now.
Grateful for the connection we made while we shared this world, however brief it was, and especially grateful today for everyone else here at Story Club. Thinking of you all.
Sharing the gratefulness Andrew.
“I said I’d always wanted that kind of relationship and now I did. We did. I told her I left an otherwise good relationship because it didn’t support writing. She said I was a shit, and that she left a marriage without leaving a note.”
Oh, Tod I’m so sorry. Sounds like a delicious friendship. Better to have a short glorious ride with an empathic friend than a long slogs with many others.
I hope you write more about the friendship. I also hope you read( if you haven’t already) D. Hall’s “Essays After Eighty.” One of my favorite books.
GS: Bravo on the opera & I loved eavesdropping on the joy and tears you and your wife shared over what you heard. 💞💞
Didn't know about that book, but am ordering it.
He wrote it after Jane’s death. It’s a marvelous processing of grief💙🌷
thank you for book recommendation - just ordered it
It's divine. It made me laugh, cry & taught me a lesson my therapist missed. I simply adore that man. I even wrote a poem titled "Comic" with starring him. If I get it published I'll make a note here💞
Incredibly moving. My heart is lifted, knowing people still come together to support and love each other unconditionally, even though they started as strangers, and never met.
I believe we all benefited from this loving energy put out in the Universe, just as we all mourn our loss of Annie's spirit.
Dear Tod, what a truly beautiful tribute, to Annie, but also to connection. There’s a community here, and I think in a sense we are all making connections of the heart, by being so open with our thoughts; and I think the sheer power and persistence of yours with Annie is such a wonderful testament to that; just with the way it grew and flourished, despite the odds.. Two wonderful tributes to those passed on, recently. I am indebted to you for your generosity at such a tender time. xxx
May not have happened with out this group, .Merrie. thanks
I am overwhelmed, tears piling up in my eyes for people I never knew but who in that note I came to know and love. The power of words, of heart, of words, of cadence and conversation and fears and silences and avoidances and truths and the shock, like a knife to the gut, of life and death, even when we know they are inevitable.
Wow. Annie, Tod, your opera.
Feeling just about anything is possible right now. Thank you, George and Tod and Annie and Lulu and my fellow story club chums.
Thank you Lesley.
Tod, that is an incredibly moving account of your loving relationship with Annie. It's so intense and pure, and shows how much you meant to her in her last days. And vice versa. I am sorry for your loss and hope you continue to find the words to express and share your feelings. I wish you peace of heart and mind at this sad time.
I'm hopeful about finding words too, Aisling. Thanks,.
Wow. So much to love. Sorry, Tod. But I sense a net gain here, in spades. I think we all feel (small) ok after reading this very special tribute.
I agree, net gain infinity.
What a gorgeous tribute, Tod. I feel as if I knew Annie. Thank you for sharing this remarkable friendship with us. May you find comfort in your memories.
What an amazing experience, George! I can't wait to here the opera.
And what a lot of life is packed into this post.
You're welcome Ruth. Thank you.
Dear Tod, thank you so much for letting us get to know Annie, and allowing us to share in the precious connection you two had. I expect the link will never be broken. Take good care of yourself.Annie would want nothing less for you.
Thanks for you words, Nancy. I agree.
boy, what a tribute, what a life. we should all be so lucky to have such friends. love to all.