Beautifully written. The first substack post I have ever read that brought a tear to my eye. We have had a death and a life threatening sudden illness in my family this year, and it is the 9 year old granddaughter who got us through it. Your writing resonates.
Neil, thank you for sharing that. Beautiful writing. My last nine months have been a time of death of family and friends like I have never experienced. I read your words and think of my own father, my brother, my friends and memories of each of them and future moments of presence I will never share again with any of them.
I, too, made bubble baths for my sons the way my parents did for me, yet I also reflect now on the transience of every age of one's children. My youngest is now 21, my oldest turns 31 next week. I love every stage of their lives at the same time as I dearly miss them being little, of them sleeping on my chest for their daily nap, of drying them after their bath time, of reading them books at bedtime, and countless other moments.
In closing, I love your three anchors: "to appreciate living; to know love and friendship; and to be able to pass something on"
After loss and, for me, after major illness a few years ago, I focus more and more on being present to moments, of spending time with family and friends, and of sharing what I learn, particularly with my children.
Just lovely. thank you
Very beautiful and tender whilst also including a reference to the best museum in the country
Lovely
Beautifully written. The first substack post I have ever read that brought a tear to my eye. We have had a death and a life threatening sudden illness in my family this year, and it is the 9 year old granddaughter who got us through it. Your writing resonates.
Neil, thank you for sharing that. Beautiful writing. My last nine months have been a time of death of family and friends like I have never experienced. I read your words and think of my own father, my brother, my friends and memories of each of them and future moments of presence I will never share again with any of them.
I, too, made bubble baths for my sons the way my parents did for me, yet I also reflect now on the transience of every age of one's children. My youngest is now 21, my oldest turns 31 next week. I love every stage of their lives at the same time as I dearly miss them being little, of them sleeping on my chest for their daily nap, of drying them after their bath time, of reading them books at bedtime, and countless other moments.
In closing, I love your three anchors: "to appreciate living; to know love and friendship; and to be able to pass something on"
After loss and, for me, after major illness a few years ago, I focus more and more on being present to moments, of spending time with family and friends, and of sharing what I learn, particularly with my children.
One of the most profound Substacks I’ve read for a while. Thank you
Beautifully done, Neil. This sentiment reads true: “What else matters in the end? The desire to keep something going, and to hand something on.”
Beautiful piece.
God bless you and your family, Neal.
Thank you for sharing this ♥
One of the most heart-warming things I have read in a while Neil 💕
Got me for sure 🥹🥹🥹
Brave to write something so personal. It resonates with me ❤️