I can. I decided not to read if I was extra sleepy, knowing I would be out quick. I didn't want to associate going to sleep with reading. So, I stopped reading before I felt too sleepy. The other thing that helped--maybe the big thing--I started reading Sherlock Holmes stories. Sherlock could nudge me over nodding hill. Consequently, I read all the stories and love them to this day.
Good thoughts about one's nearing death. It's been on my mind a lot lately too, of being greeted by my father and uncle, two men with whom I had a good relationship. Other relatives ... please stay away. Until then, though, there are memories to share and youngsters to spoil and hopefully inspire with I love or whatever gives me a buzz. It isn't worth passing on to someone unless it gives you a buzz, right?
I find stories worth passing on. Teaching a child how to look (or how to see) can be valuable and maybe, depending on what we see, that buzz will arrive. There is no reason to be bored--get a child to understand that then there is plenty to see and remember and learn and love.
well I sure hope your dad isn't right that nothing interesting happens after 80, if so I better get going with just five years left!!! great work, as always. but boy, you are cutting to the core in these family pieces, damon. why does a burning ember come to mind?
You know, we all carry these sorts of stories and observations with us for a long time, and we probably should if we're going to write about them. Dad has always had a way for the Spartan comment. It's good to hear a little push back.
Aug 15, 2023·edited Aug 15, 2023Liked by Damon Falke
Im intrigued by any exploration of the relationship between father and son. Thanks for your story. My dad died on Christmas Day 2021. He still occasionally appears in my dreams, mostly to quietly scold me for my fuck ups
Without question, my father has been the largest influence on my life. He is a wonderful yet deeply complicated man. Sadly, he has tended to isolate himself in his latter years, though strangely, I can imagine choosing a similar course
"I trained myself a long time ago not to fall asleep while reading." Care to share your training?
I can. I decided not to read if I was extra sleepy, knowing I would be out quick. I didn't want to associate going to sleep with reading. So, I stopped reading before I felt too sleepy. The other thing that helped--maybe the big thing--I started reading Sherlock Holmes stories. Sherlock could nudge me over nodding hill. Consequently, I read all the stories and love them to this day.
Good thoughts about one's nearing death. It's been on my mind a lot lately too, of being greeted by my father and uncle, two men with whom I had a good relationship. Other relatives ... please stay away. Until then, though, there are memories to share and youngsters to spoil and hopefully inspire with I love or whatever gives me a buzz. It isn't worth passing on to someone unless it gives you a buzz, right?
I find stories worth passing on. Teaching a child how to look (or how to see) can be valuable and maybe, depending on what we see, that buzz will arrive. There is no reason to be bored--get a child to understand that then there is plenty to see and remember and learn and love.
well I sure hope your dad isn't right that nothing interesting happens after 80, if so I better get going with just five years left!!! great work, as always. but boy, you are cutting to the core in these family pieces, damon. why does a burning ember come to mind?
You know, we all carry these sorts of stories and observations with us for a long time, and we probably should if we're going to write about them. Dad has always had a way for the Spartan comment. It's good to hear a little push back.
Such a wry, beautiful, poignant piece! The love of quirky family stays in our marrow forever.
Thank you, Ellen. I always appreciate your comments, regardless of who wrote any given essay.
Why, thank you, Damon! That's lovely to hear.
Im intrigued by any exploration of the relationship between father and son. Thanks for your story. My dad died on Christmas Day 2021. He still occasionally appears in my dreams, mostly to quietly scold me for my fuck ups
Without question, my father has been the largest influence on my life. He is a wonderful yet deeply complicated man. Sadly, he has tended to isolate himself in his latter years, though strangely, I can imagine choosing a similar course