dagblog - Comments for "Brett Foster Goes Out Singing"

Ah, barefooted. I can't fool

Doctor Cleveland — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 18:02:46 +0000

Ah, barefooted. I can't fool you. Yes, I have been sad lately, and there have been other losses. I will be sad for a while yet; I have more to lose. I will say more on the blog soon. Yesterday was going to be the beginning of that, but the news about Brett interrupted.

But I don't want to fold Brett's death into the general grief. He was a marvelous individual. I am sad to lose him, because of who he was. And I am so, so sad for his wife and especially for his children.

My wife, who also loved Brett very much, came home yesterday stricken with grief. We both knew Brett before we knew each other; after all, he introduced us. But even that detail, that Brett had introduced me to my wife, was small next to how kind and generous Brett was.

Brett is one of those people who meant an enormous amount even to people who only got to see him once or twice a year, or once ever two or three years. My Facebook feed for the last two days has been an outpouring of love and grief, as people testified to how much they treasured him.

He was perhaps the kindest person I have ever known, and I've known some exceptional people. Everyone speaks today of his kindness and his generosity. He made friends everywhere he went, and kept them, because to meet Brett was to be befriended.

One of his friends at Wheaton College has written a better remembrance than I can manage, which is here: http://www.leroyhuizenga.com/2015/11/10/brett-foster-rip/

Forgive me if I'm

barefooted — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 03:55:35 +0000

In reply to Brett Foster Goes Out Singing

Forgive me if I'm overreaching here, and if I am I apologize with sincerity in advance. It seems clear that his loss is somewhat wrapped in a cocoon of sadness that you have been struggling with recently. What's worse, you appear to find yourself engaged in compartmentalization out of necessity; each pain finding its place even as they all hurt. And holding yourself together, as the world continues impossibly around you.

You're working your way through, as we all do. Here's to you, with love.

Best wishes, Doc. I never

Michael Maiello — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 00:58:07 +0000

In reply to Brett Foster Goes Out Singing

Best wishes, Doc. I never know what to say about these permanent losses. Celebrate your friend and hang in there.

My heart goes out to you, Doc

Ramona — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 22:49:46 +0000

In reply to Brett Foster Goes Out Singing

My heart goes out to you, Doc. Such a great loss for you, and for everyone. A rising poet with so much left to say.

But that last line, "If I have to go out, I am going to go out singing." There is his legacy.