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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Your writing is so powerful, Mary. I was with you on this journey as well. The Irish reaction to death in this instance is the same one I grew up with. The wake is full of sadness and laughter. It is how the Irish weave life.

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Mary Swander's avatar

That’s right. So nice to have you as a reader, Kathi.

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Roberta (Robbie) Lipsman's avatar

Oh so heart wrenching and dramatic. I cannot begin to imagine a life like that.

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Mary Swander's avatar

It’s pretty tough…

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Maureen Doallas's avatar

An outstanding essay, Mary. You provide such a sense of place: the isolation, the dangers of sea and land and weather, and you write with grace and admiration of the people and the traditions they uphold and the rites they perform. Beautifully written.

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Mary Swander's avatar

Thanks so much, Maureen! I appreciate your readership and your support. I’m trying to capture a unique culture that still exists and resonates with those of us in a more “modern” space.

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Maureen Doallas's avatar

You do that so well, Mary. I hope to visit Ireland sooner rather than later (I'm 72), and am drawn to learn more about such places you describe. Thank you.

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Mary Swander's avatar

You should go to Ireland. A deep, rich, complex place with the arts seeping out every pore and ironies out every crevice.

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Elizabeth Cunningham's avatar

You bring us there, Mary. May these fishermen and others whom the sea has taken rest in peace. May their families find what comfort they can.

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