Thanks for the visit, the welcome and the glimpse of your life. What a journey you have in store, in both senses of the word. I would count myself lucky to sit next to you and look forward to the story.
Oh, Rona. What a beautiful post. Each time I come to it, I adore your writing, your way of seeing the world. Thank you for sharing this glimmering moment of awe.
‘My brain had become a grief hospital, its halls so full of gurneys that the staff can't handle one more ambulance. ‘
That sentence could tell so many stories, but I knew right away what the reference was. My mind has been over saturated, and I find myself crying over a sentimental story in the paper or an ad on tv. If there was a Nobel Prize for sentence structure and meaning this would win.
Hope is another word that describes the long term solution for this man and his son. What riches to unfold. Thank you for this
Lovely, tender reminiscence and beautifully written. I know it’s not your point, but as our adoption was open and my daughter’s birthmother and family are very precious to me, I can’t help but feel freshly grateful for that, and hurt for that young man’s first 18 years. It’s good for me to be reminded how lucky we are that life flows between all of us without secrets. Your story did that for me. I’m looking forward to future writing from you, lovely and amazing Rona!
Dear Rona, thank you. Each of us can triage only so much pain. I'm about to get on a plane next week to go meet a half-sister I didn't even know existed until recently. I suspect whoever sits next to me on the flight home may get an earful. And welcome to Substack. I've seen your posts on Facebook and often wondered why you weren't here, instead!
What a story! I hope he and his son established a lasting friendship. There’s so much heartache in our world, it’s almost too much to bear. The situation in Israel hits close to home. I’m Jewish, I have friends and relatives there, and a very good friend’s son who made Aliyah about 7 years ago was just deployed. Very difficult times. Will there ever be peace in the Middle East?
I'm reading this almost a year after you posted it. The day after Yom Kippur - thinking about atonement, thinking about personal and national responsibility to make the world right. Thinking about the small miracles I have experienced or witnessed where isolation and fear transform, however briefly, into hope, into action.
Thank you for your stories.
And, oh my oh my, thank you for your stunning ability to select a painting to stand beside your words.
Julie, I am greatly moved by these words: "where isolation and fear transform, however briefly, into hope, into action." That's the zone I try to reach through my writing. We need this haven more than ever, as writers and as readers. Thank you for joining me here.
Woosh. You've done it again Rona. I'm reading this now looking back from today's post. This. "My brain had become a grief hospital, its halls so full of gurneys that the staff can't handle one more ambulance." Your writing is simply beautiful and brilliant. Thanks for these stories.
The first piece is one of my Facebook posts from a few years ago, but it has more resonance in an ad-free environment designed for reading, writing and thinking. Glad you're enjoying Amazement Seeker.
Rona I love this post, and your writing! I have a story about a conversation that I had with a stranger that your essay brought to mind and I'd love to share it here, if that's OK. One day I was going to my post office and there was a homeless, elderly African American man sitting on the ground outside the post office front door. After picking up my mail inside, I walked out the door and turned to him and said hello. He looked up at me and asked me if I could spare a quarter. Well, I had much MORE than 25 cents that I wanted to give to him. I pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to him but he said, "No, no, that is too much!" I was amazed, that clearly someone who needed at least $20 would want to refuse the extra $19.75 that I wanted to bless him with. I insisted he keep it and he was so grateful. It made me realize just how truly blessed and fortunate that I am. It caused me to ask God to increase my heart to GIVE to those in need. I'm a former police officer who used to look differently at homeless people because my job was often to tell them to leave a location or arrest them for panhandling or public intoxication. Thankfully I now see them as people in need not just of finances, but of unconditional LOVE. I found that man one more time and I was able to bless him second time, yet I never found him again and I have moved to another city now. But the humility of that sweet man will stay with me, and he likely will never know how he impacted my heart. I just wish that I could remember his name...
I wish I had a dog I could walk. Instead, I ended up with a Chihuahua. He thinks he is a flippin' GUARD DOG and bark/screams at people and gnashes his teeth. And when he sees a squirrel, he makes a worse high pitched, ear shattering SCREAM that neighbors must think that I am KILLING him! So he stays at home. So very different from the larger dogs I used to have--Bloodhounds and Weimaraners, but, those big dogs were never the lap warmers like this little guy, so I guess it isn't so bad. What type of dog do you have Rona?
Once again, your post has found me when I needed it. In the grip of my first dose of Covid, I have been unable to look at the news this week. This morning, I’ve been looking for the strength to watch and bear witness. Thank you for giving me a story that I can hold up to my heart as evidence that people can find connection and change their lives. In the midst of my peaceful sunny house, I have what people on the other side of the world are praying for. You have give me courage, Rona. I am grateful to have followed you here.
Thanks for the visit, the welcome and the glimpse of your life. What a journey you have in store, in both senses of the word. I would count myself lucky to sit next to you and look forward to the story.
We'll get the hang of it, Rona! See you on the next flight to somewhere....
“My brain had become a grief hospital...can’t handle one more ambulance.”
Thank you for noticing my favorite line.
My favourite line too...
Oh, Rona. What a beautiful post. Each time I come to it, I adore your writing, your way of seeing the world. Thank you for sharing this glimmering moment of awe.
Thanks for the smile, Holly!
Michelangelo's Last Judgement and a Damned Soul... https://cwspangle.substack.com/p/michaelangelos-last-judgement-and
‘My brain had become a grief hospital, its halls so full of gurneys that the staff can't handle one more ambulance. ‘
That sentence could tell so many stories, but I knew right away what the reference was. My mind has been over saturated, and I find myself crying over a sentimental story in the paper or an ad on tv. If there was a Nobel Prize for sentence structure and meaning this would win.
Hope is another word that describes the long term solution for this man and his son. What riches to unfold. Thank you for this
piece.
Lovely, tender reminiscence and beautifully written. I know it’s not your point, but as our adoption was open and my daughter’s birthmother and family are very precious to me, I can’t help but feel freshly grateful for that, and hurt for that young man’s first 18 years. It’s good for me to be reminded how lucky we are that life flows between all of us without secrets. Your story did that for me. I’m looking forward to future writing from you, lovely and amazing Rona!
Oh, thank you, Susan! So glad to have you here.
Dear Rona, thank you. Each of us can triage only so much pain. I'm about to get on a plane next week to go meet a half-sister I didn't even know existed until recently. I suspect whoever sits next to me on the flight home may get an earful. And welcome to Substack. I've seen your posts on Facebook and often wondered why you weren't here, instead!
Yikes, Andi! My reply to you appeared instead as a comment about your journey, above. Thanks again.
What a story! I hope he and his son established a lasting friendship. There’s so much heartache in our world, it’s almost too much to bear. The situation in Israel hits close to home. I’m Jewish, I have friends and relatives there, and a very good friend’s son who made Aliyah about 7 years ago was just deployed. Very difficult times. Will there ever be peace in the Middle East?
No words for the horror.
Gripping and touching. Thank you.
Absolutely stunning piece of writing. A welcome glimmer of beauty and hope in this time of horror.
Thanks, Eileen. Means a lot, coming from you.
I'm reading this almost a year after you posted it. The day after Yom Kippur - thinking about atonement, thinking about personal and national responsibility to make the world right. Thinking about the small miracles I have experienced or witnessed where isolation and fear transform, however briefly, into hope, into action.
Thank you for your stories.
And, oh my oh my, thank you for your stunning ability to select a painting to stand beside your words.
Julie, I am greatly moved by these words: "where isolation and fear transform, however briefly, into hope, into action." That's the zone I try to reach through my writing. We need this haven more than ever, as writers and as readers. Thank you for joining me here.
Woosh. You've done it again Rona. I'm reading this now looking back from today's post. This. "My brain had become a grief hospital, its halls so full of gurneys that the staff can't handle one more ambulance." Your writing is simply beautiful and brilliant. Thanks for these stories.
Thanks so much. I was proud of that sentence.
I love the work you're doing here, Rona. It's taken on even more depth, somehow. And your stories are simply wonderful.
The first piece is one of my Facebook posts from a few years ago, but it has more resonance in an ad-free environment designed for reading, writing and thinking. Glad you're enjoying Amazement Seeker.
Rona I love this post, and your writing! I have a story about a conversation that I had with a stranger that your essay brought to mind and I'd love to share it here, if that's OK. One day I was going to my post office and there was a homeless, elderly African American man sitting on the ground outside the post office front door. After picking up my mail inside, I walked out the door and turned to him and said hello. He looked up at me and asked me if I could spare a quarter. Well, I had much MORE than 25 cents that I wanted to give to him. I pulled out a $20 bill and handed it to him but he said, "No, no, that is too much!" I was amazed, that clearly someone who needed at least $20 would want to refuse the extra $19.75 that I wanted to bless him with. I insisted he keep it and he was so grateful. It made me realize just how truly blessed and fortunate that I am. It caused me to ask God to increase my heart to GIVE to those in need. I'm a former police officer who used to look differently at homeless people because my job was often to tell them to leave a location or arrest them for panhandling or public intoxication. Thankfully I now see them as people in need not just of finances, but of unconditional LOVE. I found that man one more time and I was able to bless him second time, yet I never found him again and I have moved to another city now. But the humility of that sweet man will stay with me, and he likely will never know how he impacted my heart. I just wish that I could remember his name...
This is a space for conversation and your story touched me. I walk a dog in an urban neighborhood where we meet lots of people like your sweet man.
I wish I had a dog I could walk. Instead, I ended up with a Chihuahua. He thinks he is a flippin' GUARD DOG and bark/screams at people and gnashes his teeth. And when he sees a squirrel, he makes a worse high pitched, ear shattering SCREAM that neighbors must think that I am KILLING him! So he stays at home. So very different from the larger dogs I used to have--Bloodhounds and Weimaraners, but, those big dogs were never the lap warmers like this little guy, so I guess it isn't so bad. What type of dog do you have Rona?
I was captivated at the way you created a private room on that plane that set the stage for sharing a secret. Wine, business class, yep!
So very lovely…
Once again, your post has found me when I needed it. In the grip of my first dose of Covid, I have been unable to look at the news this week. This morning, I’ve been looking for the strength to watch and bear witness. Thank you for giving me a story that I can hold up to my heart as evidence that people can find connection and change their lives. In the midst of my peaceful sunny house, I have what people on the other side of the world are praying for. You have give me courage, Rona. I am grateful to have followed you here.
Glad I could bring you some comfort. Heal well, Jodi.