To find such composure so soon after a horrifying experience which means losing your child is extraordinary. This is so measured and vividly painted, I feel I am there. Perhaps that's what it was for, a tribute to his son, which at that moment so soon after his death was what little he felt he could do to honour him. And how many hearts it must have filled since then, what a gift to the world.
He was someone who had just watched his son die, and even for a magician this was a remarkable act that took huge courage, and I honour the human who could do that, whoever he was.
Having buried all of my family, I can tell you that each death merits a novel. For however hard it was for Ken Kesey to write this letter to his friends, he shared his love and pride for his son with all of us, and we then think on our own loved ones who are no longer here. It's a hard read, but it is beautiful. Love to all who are grieving today.
So wonderfully blunt, straight forward, and honest in every word. Covering nothing, just letting it all be heard and seen, via words. Generous to a fault.
There is so much in this one I can resonate with, from the characters it includes, I adore their words and music, to the experience of losing family in such a way. I am rent. Thank you. Thank you.
Just beautiful. Still thinking on the gifts that each gave to make up Jed’s coffin, especially the lining donated by Mountain Girl, the phoenixes and the flames.
Thank you, it heals my heart on a recent personal loss; grief escapes absolutely no one.
Thank you for this. What a wonderfully written moving letter. I can’t speak. Thank you
ditto...words escape me
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. This father's grief assuages mine own.
To find such composure so soon after a horrifying experience which means losing your child is extraordinary. This is so measured and vividly painted, I feel I am there. Perhaps that's what it was for, a tribute to his son, which at that moment so soon after his death was what little he felt he could do to honour him. And how many hearts it must have filled since then, what a gift to the world.
But he was Ken Kesey. A magician.
He was someone who had just watched his son die, and even for a magician this was a remarkable act that took huge courage, and I honour the human who could do that, whoever he was.
Having buried all of my family, I can tell you that each death merits a novel. For however hard it was for Ken Kesey to write this letter to his friends, he shared his love and pride for his son with all of us, and we then think on our own loved ones who are no longer here. It's a hard read, but it is beautiful. Love to all who are grieving today.
The fact that Wendell Berry was one of the recipients and is quoted…so beautiful.
So wonderfully blunt, straight forward, and honest in every word. Covering nothing, just letting it all be heard and seen, via words. Generous to a fault.
Stunning.
I’ve meant to save this when you published it previously. . Still as clear & moving as the first & second times. Thank you.
Can hardly see to type for the tears in my eyes and running down my face. Thank you. 💔
Oh my. I cried reading this. This father and all the family....such love. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Do you know Ken Keasy???
Crying… I can’t imagine even being able to lift a pen to write at a time like this.
There is so much in this one I can resonate with, from the characters it includes, I adore their words and music, to the experience of losing family in such a way. I am rent. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow
A beautiful letter
Just beautiful. Still thinking on the gifts that each gave to make up Jed’s coffin, especially the lining donated by Mountain Girl, the phoenixes and the flames.
Thank you, it heals my heart on a recent personal loss; grief escapes absolutely no one.