Tag Archives: promise

Remembering Alan V. Vaskas

Yesterday I learned a long-time Friend died. We met in January, 1970, while he was in Walter Reed Medical Center as a Vietnam veteran. I wrote about that here: jessandunnotis-writer.com/2015/11/11/m…

It was an extra-ordinary (sic) friendship spanning almost six decades and begun with a long walk along devastating corridors at Walter Reed. Neither of us could have guessed where our lives would lead us nor how long we would sustain our friendship.

When Janet called to tell me you were dead she apologized for “dropping this bomb”. There was no other way to say…

Even though you’re no longer on this earth, Alan, to share good conversations, laughter, talks about current events, family and all; for me, our friendship will continue until I pass over. Until we meet again…

A long time ago I promised I would write a poem trying to describe a moment in time when you were hit in Vietnam. That piece was begun, started and stopped, and begun, again, more than once. I believe I have the nut of it now. I will keep that promise.

Your race is run, Alan. Rest in eternal peace. Your memory will always be a blessing. 🙇🏼‍♀️🙏🏼🫶🏼🕯️

June 1, 2022 – Talking to myself… #essay

This is me, talking to myself: How can you call yourself a writer if you don’t write?

Me replying to me: You mean writing inside my head doesn’t count?!

Sort of; but, not really. Where’s the proof?

Dang!

Okay! Okay! I’ll put it down on paper/print. Better?

It’s a start. Now what?

Keep going.

Everything worth doing is worth practicing. Like any activity, writing takes practice. It doesn’t much matter what form the writing takes – be it prose, poetry, opinion piece, an article, a letter, a journal entry, etc. The thing is the writing of it. Getting it out of your head and putting it down in some form. If nothing else, it’s talkin’ to yourself, through writing.

Does anyone else have to read it?

Nope, not necessarily. Your choice.

If noone else reads it, does it still have value?

Always.

So, what you’re saying is that you’re re-committing to “putting it down”, no matter what, in whatever form, on a regular basis – yes?

Yes. I promise.

I’ve got my eyes on you; and, look forward to what comes next.

Thanks. Me, too.