15 Comments

Such a lovely, heartfelt piece. I'm actually leaving for Louisville today, Richard to attend the last couple of days of residency and see alumni. It is a special place because of the special community and people and, as you wisely said, that atmosphere was created and nurtured by Sena. I am so glad that you were/are a part and that, because of the program, we got to be friends. Thank you for this lovely letter and tribute.

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Thank you, Terry. They should at least plant a tree for you!

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Yes, yes, and yes. Thank you, Richard. And I was/am honored to see that photo of you and me and Sena. I think we were in Rome for that, perhaps?

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Yes, Rome, Jody!

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Richard, your words captured the heart of Sena and the folks who nurtured that special program. I arrived terrified because with a background in geology, how was I going to write essays about literature? Several kind students held my hand and I swam away in the current of creativity. I am so grateful that I experienced such a magical time.

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And I was happy that I was there when you were! You've gone on the publish more books than Stephen King!

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I don't think so !

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Richard. This is lovely. I will be sure Sena sees it. Your description is, of course, the experience we want to create for everyone and still do! You are not forgotten either.

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Thanks, Karen. All sincere and I wanted people--or as many read this!--to know how I feel about her.

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My college professor, Nancy Jensen, had a book published through Spalding and is good friends with Sena. I listened to her speak once at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville a number of years ago. The word “aura” is spot on. Ahab’s Wife is also one of my favorite modern novels.

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She's quite something, Sena is.

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A fitting tribute to a strong, peaceful leader. I remember exactly that common, foreign language at Spalding. We students delighted in it. One fellow student stopped a group of us mid-stream at the pub to exclaim, "Wait! I just want to say I love that we are all discussing meter! Where else can one do this?!!"

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Great story--and typical!

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A wonderful piece about a special person I admire.

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Thanks, Rosanna.

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