I feel I read or heard you read this story before. It is wonderful. I first learned about you when I heard you interviewed on This American Life. I was so impressed that I had my husband listen too. You talked about your parents and how, to protect you, they sandwiched you between them. Both your mother and father in a ditch, with you in the middle. So clever! This little game they played with you that kept you safe and unconcerned. So I began following you on Substack... and I feel that I "know" you even better now. Thank you for this story.
Even if your tale has been fondly embroidered a little with recall and repetition it is truly wondeful. I wish I'd known your mother. I'm sure I'd have learned much from her. Here's to better times.
This is so so beautiful- you gave me happy tears and a giant smile. A memory of a time when my boys were kids. A time when they looked at me that way. 💖
I love this. As a mother of six, I understand the quiet rage a mother feels when one of her babies (of any age) is harmed. My children used to say that when mom's voice got low and quiet it was time to run. They knew I was angry.
Etgar - I read the dedication, introduction and story. I'm not sure if the story is real or made-up. One thing I know for sure, it's a true story about all our mothers. May their memory be for a blessing.
Ah mothers. Thinking of mine now, and her love for me. So strong , I can feel it in me as I write these words, though she died many years ago. I think your mum and mine would get along, understand each other, and the mum in this piece too. Sending you warmest greetings, and the mothers too.
Mothers have such powers, in so many ways. No matter how long we had them with us, no matter how long they have been gone, there is a longing for them to still be there.
"And no one will even come looking for you, or try to find out what happened. Because no one will miss you.” I wonder if a boy like Tamir could consider the true terrible nature of these 22 words? He apparently did not fear pain, reprisal or animosity. Would he fear being insignificant? And where are the parents when they know their children are being bullied and beaten? This is a true horror story, Etgar, beautifully conceived and written. I will be affected by it all day long.
Formidable woman! Wish I had her strength and guts.
I want to say this story was one of the best of Etgar’s stories on This American Life, but EVERY one was THE BEST.
I feel I read or heard you read this story before. It is wonderful. I first learned about you when I heard you interviewed on This American Life. I was so impressed that I had my husband listen too. You talked about your parents and how, to protect you, they sandwiched you between them. Both your mother and father in a ditch, with you in the middle. So clever! This little game they played with you that kept you safe and unconcerned. So I began following you on Substack... and I feel that I "know" you even better now. Thank you for this story.
A shorter version of it was read in Ira’s show about my mother. You’ve probably first heard it there 🐰
https://www.thisamericanlife.org/788/half-baked-stories-about-my-dead-mom
Wonderful writing and a wonderful mother. Really enjoyed your letter to her ‘Painful to live through, so painful to tell’ Thank you
Even if your tale has been fondly embroidered a little with recall and repetition it is truly wondeful. I wish I'd known your mother. I'm sure I'd have learned much from her. Here's to better times.
Bullies! They are all around us!
This is so so beautiful- you gave me happy tears and a giant smile. A memory of a time when my boys were kids. A time when they looked at me that way. 💖
just posted sonic.net/artisans/samlefkowitz.net
I love this. As a mother of six, I understand the quiet rage a mother feels when one of her babies (of any age) is harmed. My children used to say that when mom's voice got low and quiet it was time to run. They knew I was angry.
Etgar - I read the dedication, introduction and story. I'm not sure if the story is real or made-up. One thing I know for sure, it's a true story about all our mothers. May their memory be for a blessing.
Oh, it’s real…
A mom like that is with you forever, even in the shelter. Lucky you.
Ah mothers. Thinking of mine now, and her love for me. So strong , I can feel it in me as I write these words, though she died many years ago. I think your mum and mine would get along, understand each other, and the mum in this piece too. Sending you warmest greetings, and the mothers too.
Wow. What a powerful story. This is one of the most direct and indirect snapshots of the world. At least for today.
Mothers have such powers, in so many ways. No matter how long we had them with us, no matter how long they have been gone, there is a longing for them to still be there.
"And no one will even come looking for you, or try to find out what happened. Because no one will miss you.” I wonder if a boy like Tamir could consider the true terrible nature of these 22 words? He apparently did not fear pain, reprisal or animosity. Would he fear being insignificant? And where are the parents when they know their children are being bullied and beaten? This is a true horror story, Etgar, beautifully conceived and written. I will be affected by it all day long.
I've read it-so great having an opportunity to re-read. "amazing, as always"-thank you
Wow...your mom is the mom I always wanted and wanted to be!