17 Comments
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Michelle Richmond's avatar

Thank you for this, Susan. A beautiful piece. That you found the emotional energy to connect with a stranger this way during your time of grief is very moving. You always bring your readers to such meaningful and unexpected places.

caryjac1's avatar

Beautiful, both raw and fine-tuned . Rings so true.

Yaniv's avatar

Something was heard and felt on the phone. Sending you all the love in the world Susan.

Betsy Rubiner's avatar

I want an Ocean Calling booth nearby. What a great idea and you used it well, my dear friend. I remember the need to connect with grief and the value of that effort. Thanks for sharing Suzette.

Laurie Wagner's avatar

I love this piece, the moment you give yourself over to your grief. We ache for moments when we can finally relinquish all that we carry. Sending love.

Dinah Stroe's avatar

I love the twists and turns this piece took. Thank you💜

Ted Streuli's avatar

Ocean Calling is new since my departure, but what a lovely idea. I wrote a column early in my career -- 1989, maybe -- at the Russian River News in Guerneville. Mothers Day was that week, and I made it a letter to my mother, who had died seven years earlier. By the time I was typing the last paragraph, I was bawling like a baby. So much came out that I didn't know was in there. All these years later it's still one of the most popular things I've written. By phone, pen or other means, there's a lot to be said for talking to those we've lost. Thanks for the lovely post; I'll go use that phone the next time I'm there.

Michelle Richmond's avatar

My husband grew up going to the river, reading on Johnson’s Beach. He would likely have read your column. We will be back there soon.

Jeff Greenwald's avatar

This really touched my heart, Susan. My own brother would have been 69 on June 6 and has been much on my mind. So far my only communications with him have been through dreams. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, and for reminding us that music is often the one thing that can bring us back to joy.

Marta Lindsey's avatar

Thank you, Susan. Everything in this piece.

Nancy's avatar

I am so sorry about the loss of your brother. I remember him as so bright and having a great sense of humor. Prayers for healing for you and your family. I love how your mindful gratitude and openness to the universe’s messages helped you. God love ya, Susan.

Susan Freinkel's avatar

Thanks so much Nancy!

Julie Light's avatar

"Like a snail without a shell." Lovely. Sending hugs.

Mary Jantsch's avatar

"As we all should" hit me extra hard today. This is a beautiful reminder, and I'm grateful for your sharing and writing, Susan!

Susan Freinkel's avatar

Thanks so much Mary - back at you!

Dennis Gaffney's avatar

So sorry to hear the news Susan — and moved by how beautifully you describe your grief — and your stumbles through it. You express the bittersweetness of living through the deaths of those we knew and loved. Wishing you a heart that heals — in its time. - Dennis

Susan Freinkel's avatar

Thanks so much Dennis. xoxo