Dammit Connor, I have a million things to do today, but now my world has stopped. I’ve had to read and reread, laugh, cry, send to Kate, and reminisce. This is a fabulous read. I’m so glad you had a celebration of life for him, so you could witness all the love in the room. I brought home the book “Carry the Rock” mostly because the title spoke to me. I definitely carry your father in my heart. I’m so happy that you’ve come to accept Geoff for the odd, but beautiful man that he was, and write about him with such compassion. More, more, more! ❤️
Great read but made me a little sad thinking about Geoff and his loneliness and his demons. Connor's recollection of clearing out his dad's last apartment reminded me of the time a few of us helped him move from apartment on 28th st to Pete and Amanda's. He had enlisted Joe K and me to help the very last day he could be in the apartment. We showed up at the agreed upon time thinking this will be easy. Schlep a few boxes and be done in a couple of hours. Geoff had done nothing. Everything was exactly as Connor described. Not a bare spot on the floor. Books and magazines everywhere. Nothing packed and he had a lot of shit. I was angry with Geoff that day and now I am sorry.
“He liked to sit with his legs pretzeled, impossibly criss cross-crossed and improbably limber for a man without a shadow of athleticism.”
Connor,
Makes me smile to recall that Goodwinian reading posture. And to contemplate his retort defending his athletic prowess.
Just amazing writing. You are in a league of your own.
Thank you, Tom! He was a Coca Cola-fueled medical marvel in more ways than one.
Dammit Connor, I have a million things to do today, but now my world has stopped. I’ve had to read and reread, laugh, cry, send to Kate, and reminisce. This is a fabulous read. I’m so glad you had a celebration of life for him, so you could witness all the love in the room. I brought home the book “Carry the Rock” mostly because the title spoke to me. I definitely carry your father in my heart. I’m so happy that you’ve come to accept Geoff for the odd, but beautiful man that he was, and write about him with such compassion. More, more, more! ❤️
Great read but made me a little sad thinking about Geoff and his loneliness and his demons. Connor's recollection of clearing out his dad's last apartment reminded me of the time a few of us helped him move from apartment on 28th st to Pete and Amanda's. He had enlisted Joe K and me to help the very last day he could be in the apartment. We showed up at the agreed upon time thinking this will be easy. Schlep a few boxes and be done in a couple of hours. Geoff had done nothing. Everything was exactly as Connor described. Not a bare spot on the floor. Books and magazines everywhere. Nothing packed and he had a lot of shit. I was angry with Geoff that day and now I am sorry.
Such an amazing tribute to your dad and to books and to love.
Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Lisa. I kept thinking about your words at the funeral, saying you wished you heaped book after book upon him in the hospital.