Looking Back and Looking Forward

Dad,

Congratulations on your transition! However, it does not seem that this moment in time is about retirement. Rather, it’s a vocational transition from the practice of medicine to community organizing, environmental activism, harmonica, hanging out with mom and the rest of our family and your poetry. We are so excited to be with you in Elkin this weekend to celebrate this transition by both looking back and looking forward.

Looking Back

In “looking back” I started the creative writing process with free association –letting my mind gravitate toward the most compelling memories. And the first several vignettes that come to mind are all stories of fun and laughter from the last 30 years. In order – rotten tomato fights, Solly and Meth on the roof under a starry night (those are characters in a children’s story, not narcotics, for all the readers out there), wild adventures in the backwoods of Minnesota, North Carolina and even New Mexico, and practical jokes around the house. So much of what defines you is your joie de vivre (see, I was listening all these years when you told me to learn some French!) and your attitude in approaching every day with humor and love.

But you have also been a teacher and guide along the way. Often, when I’m going about my business on a daily basis, I am reminded of the many gifts of knowledge and perspective that you have given me over the years. From a human compassion standpoint I hear your voice say that people are “doing about the best they can, given their circumstances and experiences.” And I remember the notion of “hustling while you wait” or I use a word or a phrase that I know could have only come from you (“hoist by your own petard”). The notion of “time on task” is a part of daily life. And beyond the specific lessons and memories, your values of intellectual curiosity, commitment to excellence, passion for justice, love of life and family, etc. are with us every day. We are beyond fortunate to be in your family.

Looking Forward

In your next 30 years we look forward to being in and around your orbit and, generally, spending time together. And Davis and Will (and hopefully 3-4 other players to be names later) have no idea how lucky they are. Knowing that they will also learn from you and laugh with you make us both so happy. Dad, we love you and cherish our time with you this weekend and for the years ahead!

With much love, admiration and excitement for the future -

Seth, Brae & Davis