Dear Hal, thank you. I have so many feelings and thoughts whirling as I read your latest piece, My Three Commitments. The first was a kind of joy (I know, a strange reaction) to hearing your mention of Erik Erikson, as his work was also the theoretical foundation of my doctoral dissertation (an acknowlegement of the context for our shared overlapping journey). His brilliance in capturing and providing a framework for understanding human development never fails to inspire me (and give hope when in the midst of the next phase!). Thanks again for his reference, as he feels like an old friend.
Hearing you so beautifully place your lived experiences (past, present & future) into Erikson's framework does indeed provide a context for understanding - and appreciating - your life, Hal.
May I offer an additional layer of context? And that is contribution. By this I mean (hello our friend, Erikson) the impact of our interactions with others in the social world (aka, development). In your essay, you brilliantly shared from your point of view (the only one you could share from) but there is more, much much more. And that is the realm of the impact you have made in the lives of others.
For me, the impact came through social interactions that began with Dr. David Olson when I met him through my work as a then social worker in the field of adoption. David introduced me to you, Hal, and your impact on my life and career had begun. Who could have imagined that those two steps in the social interactions of my life at that time (David to you 20 years ago) would lead to my master's degree and on to other life-altering social interactions (i.e., Dr Paul Rossenblat, who would serve as my doctoral advisor)...and my work, also with Erikson's human developmental theory in intimate relationship development in young adulthood!
My point here, Hal, is to say...Wow! What a huge and impactful life you have lived, Hal! And my story is only ONE story of the thousands of lives you have touched over your 50 year academic career, not to mention your life with Susan, your sons, family and friends throughout your life.
My prayer for you today is that you allow yourself to FEEL the impact of a beautiful life well-lived ( a la, Mary Oliver's invitation, What will you do with this one precious life?).
Thank you, Hal! And here's a proverbial glass raised to your next chapter! Celebrating you, Jane
Dear Jane, Thank you for this thoughtful and heartfelt response -- it brought a tear to my eye. I love your closing prayer for me for today -- I rarely allow myself to consider such things; it has made for a very special day. It was an honor to be alongside on your journey as well ... and forward!
Hal, I can't tell you exactly which tendon this piece touched ("it's complicated") but I can thank you for writing it, even though I'm over here bawling like a an infant who has just learned she is no longer in the womb...because everything is about the ephemeral nature of this current existence. Everything is rebirth, isn't it?
Indeed "it's complicated" .... Thank you for sharing this. I do think it's all about re-birth --- in many different ways, small and large. Many days, it's a lot to take in. With you on the journey...
Wonderful post, Hal, and I look forward to the next installment. So long as you have the commitment to continuous learning and the zeal to discover parts of your identity that remain untapped, you will find new connections you never thought you had and strengthen those that have always been there.
Dear Paul, Thank you so much. I do feel those commitments and that zeal, especially now, when the learning and connections feel really fresh and exciting - perhaps moreso than in a long while. I am taking nothing for granted and no longer consider anything "routine." But yes, at the same time, strengthening the aspects that have carried me well thus far.
Dear Hal, thank you. I have so many feelings and thoughts whirling as I read your latest piece, My Three Commitments. The first was a kind of joy (I know, a strange reaction) to hearing your mention of Erik Erikson, as his work was also the theoretical foundation of my doctoral dissertation (an acknowlegement of the context for our shared overlapping journey). His brilliance in capturing and providing a framework for understanding human development never fails to inspire me (and give hope when in the midst of the next phase!). Thanks again for his reference, as he feels like an old friend.
Hearing you so beautifully place your lived experiences (past, present & future) into Erikson's framework does indeed provide a context for understanding - and appreciating - your life, Hal.
May I offer an additional layer of context? And that is contribution. By this I mean (hello our friend, Erikson) the impact of our interactions with others in the social world (aka, development). In your essay, you brilliantly shared from your point of view (the only one you could share from) but there is more, much much more. And that is the realm of the impact you have made in the lives of others.
For me, the impact came through social interactions that began with Dr. David Olson when I met him through my work as a then social worker in the field of adoption. David introduced me to you, Hal, and your impact on my life and career had begun. Who could have imagined that those two steps in the social interactions of my life at that time (David to you 20 years ago) would lead to my master's degree and on to other life-altering social interactions (i.e., Dr Paul Rossenblat, who would serve as my doctoral advisor)...and my work, also with Erikson's human developmental theory in intimate relationship development in young adulthood!
My point here, Hal, is to say...Wow! What a huge and impactful life you have lived, Hal! And my story is only ONE story of the thousands of lives you have touched over your 50 year academic career, not to mention your life with Susan, your sons, family and friends throughout your life.
My prayer for you today is that you allow yourself to FEEL the impact of a beautiful life well-lived ( a la, Mary Oliver's invitation, What will you do with this one precious life?).
Thank you, Hal! And here's a proverbial glass raised to your next chapter! Celebrating you, Jane
Dear Jane, Thank you for this thoughtful and heartfelt response -- it brought a tear to my eye. I love your closing prayer for me for today -- I rarely allow myself to consider such things; it has made for a very special day. It was an honor to be alongside on your journey as well ... and forward!
Hal, I can't tell you exactly which tendon this piece touched ("it's complicated") but I can thank you for writing it, even though I'm over here bawling like a an infant who has just learned she is no longer in the womb...because everything is about the ephemeral nature of this current existence. Everything is rebirth, isn't it?
Dear Katherine,
Indeed "it's complicated" .... Thank you for sharing this. I do think it's all about re-birth --- in many different ways, small and large. Many days, it's a lot to take in. With you on the journey...
Wonderful post, Hal, and I look forward to the next installment. So long as you have the commitment to continuous learning and the zeal to discover parts of your identity that remain untapped, you will find new connections you never thought you had and strengthen those that have always been there.
Dear Paul, Thank you so much. I do feel those commitments and that zeal, especially now, when the learning and connections feel really fresh and exciting - perhaps moreso than in a long while. I am taking nothing for granted and no longer consider anything "routine." But yes, at the same time, strengthening the aspects that have carried me well thus far.
Ohmigoodness, Hal, I so relate to this - maybe we can discuss at some point...
Absolutely. Sending you a text.
Rebirth is a big for me along with transformation. Looking forward to learning about your next chapter
Thanks so much Marjorie -- yours in transformation!