For a while I wasn't sure if I was reading Irv Leavitt or William Burroughs. "Naked Sepsis" was fascinating, but I don't envy you the research. As usual, I found your writing terrific.
I'm so very sorry for your year of twilight living, but it's heartening to hear you write about it with humor and incredible grace. After my own stretch of coma-induced hallucinations last year, I can second your observation that they're sometimes frightening but in the end wildly fascinating. Three cheers for your return to the wider world, and as R. Crumb exhorted us in our youth, keep on truckin'!
That's a most impressive collection of icks. In addition to leading the league in visitors, you win the Olympic gold medal in ick collection. Congratulations. The committee hopes you wear your medal (or catheter) proudly.
You asked, so I'll answer: yes, you can still do the writing thing. Well and entertainingly. Most significant is the existential demand and gift, in that writing is life affirming, even life promoting, both for the writer and the writees (readers). It says, "I AM!" at whatever level of eloquence emerges. Glad you still are.
The "hoary hand of death" - not many can get away with that, but you can.
Irv, lamb chop, I’m so sorry to read about your troubles. So unfair to you and your daughter. I second everything everyone has written here. And though you and I have never met, I know you through your writing. And yet again I say to you that I don’t know why you have not won the Pulitzer Prize for writing.
Irv, thank you for writing this, for writing again. I have missed your writing and am now feeling very silly about that. May things improve (and, as someone said, may no new thing arise). I too am grateful for those fine people who have helped you and for your daughter. I hope you can keep writing because it does us all good.
Irv, glad to hear that you’re on the mend in most areas. Good to see your writing again. Love to hear about your hallucinations- I find the related travelogues illuminating. Keep em coming.
Irv you can still write! Do it often.
Ditto
Elaine Fandell
I second that.
Irv, thanks for sharing your experiences with your usual acumen/superb storytelling.
Lynne and others, thanks for looking out for Irv.
Jeff, call me sometime at 312 383 4980? I read your magazine now and then. Good Man!
I just left you a voice mail message. It would be great to chat sometime.
Please try again!
For a while I wasn't sure if I was reading Irv Leavitt or William Burroughs. "Naked Sepsis" was fascinating, but I don't envy you the research. As usual, I found your writing terrific.
Ay caramba! I had wondered what became of you!
I am very glad that you have returned to the land of the living. Please stay here as long as you are able.
I would rather hallucinate with you than just about any other writer. Burroughs and Thompson are not in your league.
Maybe. But I can't touch Burroughs when it comes to cats.
I'm so very sorry for your year of twilight living, but it's heartening to hear you write about it with humor and incredible grace. After my own stretch of coma-induced hallucinations last year, I can second your observation that they're sometimes frightening but in the end wildly fascinating. Three cheers for your return to the wider world, and as R. Crumb exhorted us in our youth, keep on truckin'!
We got all that free entertainment!
I didn’t know. Sorry to hear of your horrible illnesses. But, as always, your thoughts are so well-written. Take care my friend & keep writing.
Keep wiggling and waggling! I didn't know this but continue to value you a lot!
Whom are youm?
So glad to have you back, Irv!
Glad to be back.
Oh my God. I had no idea. I missed your pearls of wisdom in my inbox. I wondered why you had stopped posting. I'm glad you're up to writing again.
Linda
Wow! Such a life changing ordeal. Thank you for sharing this. Wishing you strength as you recover.
You're a fantastic writer, Irv, and I'm glad you're still with us. I wish you the best, and I hope you continue to feel better and stronger.
That's a most impressive collection of icks. In addition to leading the league in visitors, you win the Olympic gold medal in ick collection. Congratulations. The committee hopes you wear your medal (or catheter) proudly.
You asked, so I'll answer: yes, you can still do the writing thing. Well and entertainingly. Most significant is the existential demand and gift, in that writing is life affirming, even life promoting, both for the writer and the writees (readers). It says, "I AM!" at whatever level of eloquence emerges. Glad you still are.
The "hoary hand of death" - not many can get away with that, but you can.
BTW: the ambulance pic - nice socks!
Thanks for your post, Irv.
Believe it or not, I held back significantly on the "icks!" I took mercy on myself more than you guys.
Irv, lamb chop, I’m so sorry to read about your troubles. So unfair to you and your daughter. I second everything everyone has written here. And though you and I have never met, I know you through your writing. And yet again I say to you that I don’t know why you have not won the Pulitzer Prize for writing.
Irv, thank you for writing this, for writing again. I have missed your writing and am now feeling very silly about that. May things improve (and, as someone said, may no new thing arise). I too am grateful for those fine people who have helped you and for your daughter. I hope you can keep writing because it does us all good.
I miss you, and I miss that clarinet. And say Hi to the missus!
Irv, glad to hear that you’re on the mend in most areas. Good to see your writing again. Love to hear about your hallucinations- I find the related travelogues illuminating. Keep em coming.
Beat the bladder, and I hope to see you soon!
I just received a note from Gail Schechter reminding me that I told her that at Wesley, the staff was throwing me around like a beach ball.
Amazing writer and amazing journey.
Thank you for sharing your story.