My father died unexpectedly the first week of April, three days before I was scheduled to leave for the Conference on World Affairs. The day before I left, my dog Frances surreptitiously ate two containers of dog treats in my parents' garage and nearly exploded, but after an emergency trip to the vet she's now OK (and seven pounds lighter). At my mom's insistence I went to Boulder (with "Chinatown") and then we had the reception for my dad at their house (there was no funeral or memorial service -- he didn't want 'em) when I got back. Two days after that, it was off to Ebertfest, where I was greatly heartened to see Roger Ebert in such high spirits. So, that's what's been going on. Hope to get back to posting regularly now...
epigraphs
"I don't think you go to a play to forget, or to a movie to be distracted. I think life generally is a distraction and that going to a movie is a way to get back, not go away." -- Tom Noonan
"Cinema is a matter of what's in the frame and what's out." -- Martin Scorsese
“An idea does not exist apart from the words that express it. Style is not an envelope enclosing a message; the envelope is the message.” -- Dwight Macdonald
"There's nothing I like less than bad arguments for a view that I hold dear." -- Daniel Dennett
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23 Comments
Jim, I'm so sorry--my deep condolences!
My condolences Jim. May your father rest in peace.
Jim, there are never words good enough to say, so I'll just hope for you and your mom all good memories of your dad and that they'll be with you both always.
Good to have you back; I hope things are better.
At least the void in my RSS aggregator can now be re-occupied...
Thanks all -- it's been a tough month and I've barely had time to "process." But I continue to find my mom an amazing inspiration!
I am very sorry for your loss, Jim.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
You've have a difficult time lately. Unfortunately, I know all too well how hard it can be. Hang in there. I only know a little about you through this blog. I can say that you are appreciated. Thank you for your candor.
My condolences, Jim.
I'm sorry to hear about your father. I hope you make it through okay. Family, friends, and films are good to keep around in times of emotional strain and that seems to be what you've done. I think a lot of readers here truly care about you, myself included, and having a community of support like that, regardless of remoteness, is hopefully valuable and helpful.
My condolences to you at this time.
All the best, Jim.
Very sorry to hear of your father's passing, but glad that Frances is OK and glad that you are back from what must have been a stressful month. I think we all look forward to more of your great insight and bloggings -
Sorry about your Dad, Dude.
The Dead-Dad-Club is by far, one of the sh*tiest.
My thoughts are with you Jim. Keep on soldiering...
Sorry for your loss, Jim.
Words can't express the loss you must be feeling. My deepest wishes for you.
My sincere condolences. Wish you strength
Deepest condolences, Jim.
He must have been a pretty cool guy to raise such a kid. Take care, Jim... I'll be looking forward to every post--we missed you, man!
My condolences as well. And, yeah, your pop obviously did something right.
I have a quite aged father myself and who knows how I'll handle it when the time comes. Anyhow, I too am glad you're dog didn't explode. Unexploded dogs are much more fun.
"There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval." George Santayana (1863 - 1952)
Here's hoping he enjoyed it.
Take care over there.
My condolences. Great to see you keeping optimistic though.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jim.
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