Thank you for this beautiful rendering of my brother. I miss him like a vital organ. I was lucky. I got to be his (apparently bossy) big sister.
For many years I thought he never introduced me to the many friends of whom he spoke because I was not nearly sophisticated or smart enough for his glamorous, erudite New York crowd. But it wasn’t me in particular, it was everyone. He was at his best when he could be fully present with one or two people. He had among his many gifts the rare capacity to make whom ever he was with feel like the centre of his universe.
Unlike my brother I admit to being a hugger. Oh how I yearn to hug him.
Sarah, this is so beautiful. Thank you for writing it. I am one of those compartmentalized friends. I first met David in college in London when he was there for a junior year abroad. I moved to America after marrying an American. I could never visit New York without seeing him. We both became citizens the same year and he came to DC on July 4th to (ironically) celebrate becoming Americans though he, of course, became one because of his special status as a talented immigrant. I miss him so much it hurts. Not a day goes by where I don’t think “I wonder what David would make of X.” Thank you for this lovely piece and capturing his essence. Best, Madhulika Sikka
I never met David, but in some odd alternate reality, always felt like he was a best friend. I'm so happy that you were friends and cannot imagine the loss. I miss being in a world without him in it. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with him.
Sarah, I don't know you (but I read your book and feel like I do) and I never knew David but the story of your friendship is absolutely life-affirming. Both of you were so lucky to have each other. When I say 'life-affirming,' it's the sense of me wanting to become better at tending to my close friendships, whether IRL or via DMs. Thank you for sharing and I am so sorry that you lost your pal.
I have just discovered your writing, Sarah. What an introduction, this piece is just beautiful. Sad, funny, celebratory, a guide for love and life, and more. How lucky to have had David in your life. ❤️
I am not much of a reader. My review of this article can likely be taken with a grain of salt, but I am a fairly avid NPR listener. I am familiar with David's work. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read. It made me want to be David's friend. Your memory and tribute to him moved me, as little ever a piece of literature has. Thank you.
I'm grieving right now and so grateful to have found this - what a beautiful read. Thank you for sharing a small piece of this incredible friendship with us.
This was one of the most well written things I've read in my entire life. Which might not be saying much considering I (secretly) spend most of my reading time on real housewives twitter. I relate so much to the way you described david. I do the same thing with all my best friends, there are many but I appreciate my time with them separately. Also cooking up dishes in my kitchen is one of my favorite things to do for my best friend Matt. Anyway I'll never forget reading this and feel like I've learned to really appreciate the times I share and have shared with my best friends. Even somewhat boring or mundane things as dinner and a movie or beers and a nature walk that I do frequently are really special moments. Also I loved you in strangers with candy. Sincerely, Jash from waterford.
Is there a possibility to directly communicate with you?
Because everything on the Internet can be faked and there are some real experts for destroying communication ways at work.Who knows how many messages never reached their recipient?
I think there is a next wave of anti-democratic forces coming and we really need to hurry.
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for this beautiful rendering of my brother. I miss him like a vital organ. I was lucky. I got to be his (apparently bossy) big sister.
For many years I thought he never introduced me to the many friends of whom he spoke because I was not nearly sophisticated or smart enough for his glamorous, erudite New York crowd. But it wasn’t me in particular, it was everyone. He was at his best when he could be fully present with one or two people. He had among his many gifts the rare capacity to make whom ever he was with feel like the centre of his universe.
Unlike my brother I admit to being a hugger. Oh how I yearn to hug him.
Sarah, this is so beautiful. Thank you for writing it. I am one of those compartmentalized friends. I first met David in college in London when he was there for a junior year abroad. I moved to America after marrying an American. I could never visit New York without seeing him. We both became citizens the same year and he came to DC on July 4th to (ironically) celebrate becoming Americans though he, of course, became one because of his special status as a talented immigrant. I miss him so much it hurts. Not a day goes by where I don’t think “I wonder what David would make of X.” Thank you for this lovely piece and capturing his essence. Best, Madhulika Sikka
Sarah,
I never met David, but in some odd alternate reality, always felt like he was a best friend. I'm so happy that you were friends and cannot imagine the loss. I miss being in a world without him in it. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with him.
Sarah, I don't know you (but I read your book and feel like I do) and I never knew David but the story of your friendship is absolutely life-affirming. Both of you were so lucky to have each other. When I say 'life-affirming,' it's the sense of me wanting to become better at tending to my close friendships, whether IRL or via DMs. Thank you for sharing and I am so sorry that you lost your pal.
A very touching piece to celebrate the life of a worthy man. An example to be followed.
I have just discovered your writing, Sarah. What an introduction, this piece is just beautiful. Sad, funny, celebratory, a guide for love and life, and more. How lucky to have had David in your life. ❤️
I am not much of a reader. My review of this article can likely be taken with a grain of salt, but I am a fairly avid NPR listener. I am familiar with David's work. This is one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I have ever read. It made me want to be David's friend. Your memory and tribute to him moved me, as little ever a piece of literature has. Thank you.
I'm grieving right now and so grateful to have found this - what a beautiful read. Thank you for sharing a small piece of this incredible friendship with us.
This was one of the most well written things I've read in my entire life. Which might not be saying much considering I (secretly) spend most of my reading time on real housewives twitter. I relate so much to the way you described david. I do the same thing with all my best friends, there are many but I appreciate my time with them separately. Also cooking up dishes in my kitchen is one of my favorite things to do for my best friend Matt. Anyway I'll never forget reading this and feel like I've learned to really appreciate the times I share and have shared with my best friends. Even somewhat boring or mundane things as dinner and a movie or beers and a nature walk that I do frequently are really special moments. Also I loved you in strangers with candy. Sincerely, Jash from waterford.
This is so wrenching. Thank you for this!
Hello Sarah Thyre
Is there a possibility to directly communicate with you?
Because everything on the Internet can be faked and there are some real experts for destroying communication ways at work.Who knows how many messages never reached their recipient?
I think there is a next wave of anti-democratic forces coming and we really need to hurry.
Sincerely Udo Eickenberg