My friend and teacher colleague, L, is heading to the hospital for knee surgery today. Then a period of time at home to recover. To help her pass the time, I thought of these three things (using the power of threee in writing!) to tell her.
Dear L,
As you recover, I can recommend the following to help you pass the time in recovery:
- Listen to the podcast Wiser than Me. Always inspiring to hear from smart older women! Laugh along with Carol Burnett, enjoy hearing Julie Andrews voice which I could listen to all day, and you me, I met Ruth Reichl and Darlene Love for the first time. Season 4 just started so LOTS of wise women listening available!
- Listen to this interview with Bryan Stevenson on On Being. After reading Clint Smith’s book How the Word Is Passed YA verison, he is another voice to learn with. I especially liked his explanation of how he helped death row inmates by simply being proximate. Let’s talk after your recovery about this. I believe it is only when I truly am proximate with my students that they are able to learn from me.
- Read Theo of Golden (being sent to your house soon!) as it is also an example of being proximate. I came to really like Theo and his town and I think you will too.
Happy recovery. You got this!
Sally
What would be in your letter to a homebound friend?
Writing Stories by Sally 
Have you read The Correspondent? Your letter made me think of that book. Theo of Golden is being added to my tbr pile!
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Jess is right about Correspondent! It’s a good time of year for knee surgery, and you’ve given her some good things to do. Speaking from experience, you might consider a little bit of different-thinking work– like a puzzle– if you create another three-series!
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Okay, I just added all three of your suggestions to the page in my notebook where I keep recommendations because I trust you that much! What a good friend you are- this letter will bring joy, a sense of being seen, and comfort as L recovers! I will be in DC June 19-24- hope we can meet up!
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I just bought Theo of Golden having seen it recommended more than 3 times. I am catching up on Wiser than Me. I loved her interview with the late Catherine O’Hara. I also recommend “Good Hang” with Amy Poehler for some well needed laughter. Best wishes to L for her surgery. I hope she has patience and perseverance, which are necessary for any surgery, especially knee.
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Those books are both incredible – Theo is, and the comments above about The Correspondent are right on point. I’m going to have to check out the podcast. I seriously need the voices of some older women in my life.
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As ever, what a good friend you are. And here , your other friends can take your great suggestions as well! Theo of Golden is a cultural phenomenon now. One of my book clubs just read it. And The Correspondent is on our list. I will catch up on the podcasts!
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…and you know what I forgot to say? That point about being proximate- so important. I hope you can make a visit and be proximate with your recovering friend. And I also think you might write more about that idea in March, pertaining to your students. Keep it in mind!
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I concur with everyone else about The Correspondent. I also loved Theo of Golden! I have been thinking about starting to write letters to friends. I received a few that really touched me when my husband passed in September. Thanks for the reminder!
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