Comments on: 35

By: Carole Carter

Carole Carter — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:42:01 +0000

I know. Yes, I think some people do know through experience. I lost a baby on my birthday many years ago. I don’t forget. I know. The way I think about it now is that it taught me to appreciate what’s already in my life even while feeling unbelievably sad and lonely. Work on that. Then your losses perhaps, while incredibly sad, will not be in vain. I celebrate my lost one on my birthday (and actually everyday) by keeping close those already in my life. When I hear the words Happy Birthday now, I think about how lucky I am to have those people in my life and how lucky I am that we are all able to have another birthday.
So, Happy Birthday to you…a little late.

By: inacrumbling

inacrumbling — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:21:34 +0000

was recently talking with my uncle’s brother who underwent radiation and chemotherapy for cancer of the mouth a few years back. the cancer’s in remission now, thank goodness, but he was telling me how, when he was undergoing treatment, he once told his doctor, ‘i just don’t know if this is worth it.’ and his doctor said, ‘well, we’ll see. if you wake up tomorrow morning, we’ll know it was.’ and he said, ‘okay.’ and he DID wake up the next morning. then the next. and then the next. until finally, the cancer was gone.

as cliche as it might sound, it really is about taking it one day at a time. i wish you both the best on the second half of your journey.

By: Allison Landa

Allison Landa — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:49:26 +0000

Derek, thank you for having the courage and clarity to share this. My best thoughts are with you.

By: Indranil

Indranil — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:10:59 +0000

I’m late, but happy 35th year on Earth.

This post really touched something deep. Why don’t you write? Professionally? You have the talent to hold people to their seats with your words. Use it and write something beautiful.

And once again, happy belated birthday wishes. From a long time admirer of your skills.

By: Daniel Markham

Daniel Markham — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:53:36 +0000

I am touched, not just by the honest and forthright expression of emotional and spiritual struggle here, but also by all of the heart-warming comments left by everyone.

There are so many people that have been where you are, Derek. I know I have. Your struggle is universal even if the exact circumstances are uniquely your own.

All I can say is don’t give up. Know that you have already touched so many lives with your art, your openness, your generosity. When you make it through all of the soul-brutalizing circumstances you are experiencing now the light will shine that much brighter for you. As the saying goes “waiting is the hardest part” but be assured: good things will happen to you and yours.

Peace.

By: heather

heather — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:40:21 +0000

heya! i met you in cardiff at the BBC conference on Digital Storytelling a few years back. You held a Fray Cafe there.. is was so much fun! i heard a crazy story about a guy who pulled an enormous tropical worm out of his bum, and i told a story about cocktails. and i still think about that hilarious event, and the lack of pretension and the creative fun buzz… and of course i remember that it was because of you.

jim willis above posted the derek walcott poem, i second that notion. you’ll find yourself again.

the crappy thing is… when you’re down it’s hard to remember anything else but your pain is real.

i just wanted to send you a memo from ireland to tell you hello… and i wish you and your wife all the best wishes and thoughts.

so glad you could write about it here, and i hope it helped you out.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sun, 25 May 2008 18:24:18 +0000

You’ve been an inspiration to your readers (dare I say fans?) for years, I know you’ll get out of this funk and do it again, with all the good you’ve done around you, this shit can’t last.

My thoughts are with you and Heather.

By: Florencia

Florencia — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:28:30 +0000

Derek, thanks so much for sharing! I don’t want to sound like “I know whast you’re going through” because truth is, I can only imagine. But I do imagine it must hurt like hell. Usually when there is a loss like this people tend to forget that it is not just the woman who suffers, the other parent suffers too, and I am glad that you were able to share this with the internet. As for being 35, dude! You have your whole life in front of you, please don’t wallow in self pity, 35 is the new 25, no? Anyway, I hope you are feeling better. Here’s a cyber-hug for you.

By: Zazzy

Zazzy — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:55:12 +0000

I figure your vortex must be located somewhere out here in the swamp. I haven’t seen your particular vortex, but I know how hard it is to find your way out of the darkness. If it helps, remember that while you’re not exactly where you thought you would be, your journey has taken you some amazing places. I expect that you are going to find a lot more incredible places down the road.

Thank you for letting us come along and share a little of your journey.

By: George

George — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:46:29 +0000

I’m pretty sure I purchased property in the vortex, back in about ’85. As others have said, it’s a wily, self-fulfilling place that’s tricky to escape and FUCK ME, it’s cold there.

My very, very favourite piece of advice from my mum is “just do the next thing.”