Thursday, December 01, 2005

Pay attention


My brother has been gone for nearly twelve years. I don't remember the last words I said to him. I don't remember our last conversation at all, either the details or the topic.

I could have made the very same statement one day after his death.

Hence, I have learned to take the phrase "pay attention" very seriously.

6 comments:

PDD said...

I love that photo.

that girl said...

i had no idea that THAT was your brother.

i went to see 'leaving las vegas' with my mom shortly after my parents' alcoholic habits came to light. it was gut-wrenching, eye-opening, so tender and real. i never forgot it, or the way it made us cry.

i'll be buying a few copies of the book now, if they're available. and yours, too. anywhere in particular you'd prefer i make my purchases?

i'm sending mental-hugs your way, and have a happy december.

Erin O'Brien said...

Confidential to Jennifer:
Many thanks for your kind words.
Amazon is the best place to get the books.

Harvey & Eck

Leaving Las Vegas

mary grimm said...

I was there when my mother died, and even when it was happening, and I was saying to my self, remember, remember, I was already forgetting things.
Not that we shouldn't still try.

that girl said...

thank you.

Joy said...

thank you for the reminder. I love that photo too.