I’ve logged more experience than most with simplicity and the complexity you discover inside simplicity, minimalism and asocial behavior, endurance and landscape.
Here is the truth: I think some deep wisdom inside me (a) sensed the stress, (b) was terrified for me, and (c) gave me something new and hard to focus on in order to prevent me from lapsing into a despair coma — and also to keep me from having a jelly jar of wine in my hand.
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In late 2016 frequent Sun contributor Brian Doyle had surgery to remove a brain tumor. To help his family with the financial hardships they face, a close friend has launched a GoFundMe site with the Doyles’ full support and gratitude: gofundme.com/betenderandlaugh. When asked what else people can do for him, Doyle says, “Be tender to each other, teach a kid to read, laugh, be more tender than yesterday, repeat, ad infinitum.”
The Sun
When I saw the donation request for Brian Doyle in your February 2017 Correspondence, my first reaction was concern. His writing has always touched me, as he has the capacity to put my vague feelings into precise and beautiful language. My second reaction was sadness that I couldn’t afford to contribute.
Then I remembered an interview you did several years ago with an activist who said something to the effect of: “If you drink anything other than tap water, you have extra money.” Busted.
I made a small donation to Doyle’s family, and I wish him a full and peaceful recovery. I will follow his advice and try each day to be more tender.