First, thank you so much Joyce for sharing your encounters with a most inspiring fellow-human. It's so refreshing to encounter such a person in any manner. I am so sorry you lost such a gem.
Early on in your post I was reminiscing about a relationship I had with a young woman who also was the victim of a brain tumor (/markvanlaeys.substack.com/p/regina-one-in-a-million - October 27th) Her tumor was not "malignant." But at age 18, it did take away her vision and ability to move anything below her neck- and yet she was extraordinarily inspiring. A damaged vessel and yet a truly remarkable soul.
This is something that intrigues me and continues in my post this morning. Knowing people who not only survive, but thrive in face of remarkable odds is a gift.
Thank you Joyce for sharing your love for Jerry and for giving me permission to continue to say " I love you" on the phone and in my emails..the truth is I do love my world and the people who bless me with a few minutes or more of their precious life. What wisdom Jerry left us with and i thank you for sharing. Im still spilling tears on my keyboard as I think about all the love you have brought to the world in your writing and in our great friendship. I love you. Barbara Muller
My dear Barbara ... you are one of the people who has given me the impulse and permission to say those words. You are so generous with your love and I want to be more like you ... love you and being your friend. j
You can never write too much about Jerry and your connection with him and Zygert. Today was the best day for me to find this tribute and your story through the years with Jerry. As a writer, I keep reminding myself, some people are just seeing you for the first time today, so over communication is not a concern.
You and Jerry have much in common and that grounded your friendship, I'm sure. Insatiable curiosity and infinite gratitude. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into who he was and what he meant to you. 💕
Thanks, Becky ... I hadn't thought about curiosity and gratitude being common points. I think that's true. Friendships and the things that connect us are fascinating things.
What a beautiful tribute to someone you love, Joyce. And what a wonderful gift Jerry gave to you. Thank you for sharing Zygert. It's an inspiration that I will carry with me into 2024.
I had a good friend, who began as my therapist, Dr. Ron Martinez. As a result of a diving accident in his teens, he was confined to a wheelchair living as a quadriplegic. He became a psychologist and spent his life helping others. His final lesson for me was much as you describe in your post, Ron taught me how to die. He too was at peace with the end of his life and spent his final days saying goodbye to friends and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me of my dear friend. 💜
First, thank you so much Joyce for sharing your encounters with a most inspiring fellow-human. It's so refreshing to encounter such a person in any manner. I am so sorry you lost such a gem.
Early on in your post I was reminiscing about a relationship I had with a young woman who also was the victim of a brain tumor (/markvanlaeys.substack.com/p/regina-one-in-a-million - October 27th) Her tumor was not "malignant." But at age 18, it did take away her vision and ability to move anything below her neck- and yet she was extraordinarily inspiring. A damaged vessel and yet a truly remarkable soul.
This is something that intrigues me and continues in my post this morning. Knowing people who not only survive, but thrive in face of remarkable odds is a gift.
I certainly think they're "old souls" as my wife would say.
That would make sense.
Thank you Joyce for sharing your love for Jerry and for giving me permission to continue to say " I love you" on the phone and in my emails..the truth is I do love my world and the people who bless me with a few minutes or more of their precious life. What wisdom Jerry left us with and i thank you for sharing. Im still spilling tears on my keyboard as I think about all the love you have brought to the world in your writing and in our great friendship. I love you. Barbara Muller
My dear Barbara ... you are one of the people who has given me the impulse and permission to say those words. You are so generous with your love and I want to be more like you ... love you and being your friend. j
What a lovely post
What a beautiful homage to your mentor and friend. And what wonderful inspiration he imparts. Thank you.
Thanks, Jeanine.
Such a beautiful share. <3
Thanks so much, Kathryn.
You can never write too much about Jerry and your connection with him and Zygert. Today was the best day for me to find this tribute and your story through the years with Jerry. As a writer, I keep reminding myself, some people are just seeing you for the first time today, so over communication is not a concern.
Thanks so much, Georgia. Great point about over communication.
You and Jerry have much in common and that grounded your friendship, I'm sure. Insatiable curiosity and infinite gratitude. Thanks for giving us a glimpse into who he was and what he meant to you. 💕
Thanks, Becky ... I hadn't thought about curiosity and gratitude being common points. I think that's true. Friendships and the things that connect us are fascinating things.
What a beautiful tribute to someone you love, Joyce. And what a wonderful gift Jerry gave to you. Thank you for sharing Zygert. It's an inspiration that I will carry with me into 2024.
Thanks, Heather ... I believe there is a lot of Zygert going on here on Substack.
I had a good friend, who began as my therapist, Dr. Ron Martinez. As a result of a diving accident in his teens, he was confined to a wheelchair living as a quadriplegic. He became a psychologist and spent his life helping others. His final lesson for me was much as you describe in your post, Ron taught me how to die. He too was at peace with the end of his life and spent his final days saying goodbye to friends and loved ones. Thank you for sharing your story and reminding me of my dear friend. 💜