Can You Hear Me Now?

One of the fun aspects of being a blogger (and I use that term loosely) is that readers often send e-mails about posts, as opposed to commenting on the blog. It is safe to estimate that the number of private, e-mails out number the “comments” on the blog by almost 10:1. It gives me a view from their window.

Recently, I posted what I thought was almost a quirky post about the fact that I have several (8 to be exact) contacts on my phone who have already died. To my surprise, I received several affirmations, including one that deserves special attention.

If you have been reading this column for any length of time, the name, Jessica Locke, should sound familiar. Jessica is a dedicated advocate for firefighters, especially those members of the FDNY who witnessed the murder of 343 of their brothers during the attacks of 9/11.

Oprah must have missed this one....

You can read blog posts about Jessica here…..and here Make sure you read/listen to the Reading of The Names. ..and have a box of tissues handy.

Jessica sent me a note and after getting permission from her, I am posting it here, unedited.

Her note:

I loved your blog about the not deleting the person’s number. I don’t have that situation (yet) but I know I would do the same.

Back in the old days,, when they just used phones, my mother had a friend who couldn’t get out much, and neither could my mother, so they talked on the phone. My mother died of cancer 3 weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Her friend wrote this poem and sent it to me. If you want to share it, feel free. I don’t know if it holds so much meaning because of my mother, but I can never read it without crying.

693-9847 … to… 878-6936

On that dark morning
when the malignant alien
Which had invaded you
first struck
you called me
as you have so often done.

Over the years, over the line between us
we have exchanged dreams,
sorrows, ribaldry,
good advice and bad,
tears, giggles, hopes and plans.

The connection is broken.
Reluctantly I hang up
But all that I had to say to you
Was said.

Pat Giltz, 1989