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llarkinhollis@gmail.com's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful piece about Joyce. I was one of her graduate students in the early 1990s at the University of New Orleans. You can imagine what an experience that was. As a professor, she was challenging, enticing, and unforgettable. I was able to see her when she did a reading of *Dream Homes" at the University of New Orleans. She signed my copy and I was able to thank her for all that I learned from her. Her memory will always be a blessing!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I wish I knew your first name so I could thank you more personally. The person you describe is the person I imagine Joyce to be. I only know her in her illness, but she shines through. Being able to read Dream Homes while getting to know her a little bit surely helped, and then of course, being able to witness the love coming from others who've known her so much longer was wonderful. I'm so happy that you hold such warm memories of your experience as her student. Our teachers make such a difference in our lives, don't they? Your comment here means so much to me. Her memory will always be for a blessing. Be well, friend of Joyce Zonana!

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llarkinhollis@gmail.com's avatar

Nan, my name is Lisa.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Hi Lisa, it's lovely to meet you. Thank you for reading the essay. xo

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Audrey Gran Weinberg's avatar

I just started reading her memoir after reading this beautiful living / loving eulogy. She does write so well! Thank you for sharing Joyce with us all!

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I’m thrilled the library has it! That’s even better. Thanks for letting me know. xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

You got her book? Oh, Audrey. How beautiful. I tell her today. I’m going to see her in a little while. Thank you, my friend! xo

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Audrey Gran Weinberg's avatar

Well, tbh I borrowed it from the library 📚:). It’s so special! Thanks for the tip! And if she’s awake then definitely send her my love!😍

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Barbara Fried's avatar

A beautiful tribute to Joyce - but I think too how you have enriched her life, by wring this memoir and by connecting so deeply with her at a time when others might have shied away. If only time was limitless…

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Barbara. I wrote this, as a gift for the many people who've loved her. And as a reflection on how we can connect to magnificent people if only for a short time. She made an impact on me, and so many others. xo

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According to Mimi's avatar

Touching tribute to a lovely person and to a heartfelt relationship - all because you took a risk and tried something new. Powerful lesson here.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

A very lovely person. I'm going to see her this afternoon. Life is full of opportunities. When I say no to things, there's a good possibility I might close the door on something marvelous. xo

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Leslie Senevey's avatar

Beautiful tribute. I'm sure it will help her loved ones celebrate her. Hope it also helps you.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Leslie. That was my motivation for writing about her, for sure. And it does help, immensely. xo

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Vz's avatar

Thank you Nan for seeing and truly “getting” my beloved sister Joyce. You write beautifully. I feel you’ve brought Joyce to life for many who will never meet her. Many thanks.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Oh, Victor, thank you. It was my intention to also provide this story to the people you do know her and do love her. I'm so glad you liked it. Hope to see you soon and say hi.

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Chris Stanton's avatar

I think this is my favorite piece of yours yet, Nan. Simply beautiful.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Wow. Thank you, Chris. What a wonderful thing to hear from you. It was one of those essays that just poured out of me. Sending love and gratitude to you, my dear friend. xo

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Ann Cooper's avatar

This is really special, Nan. Thank you for sharing Joyce with us. She sounds beautiful. I hope she is able to read or hear what you wrote. Xx

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks, Ann. She's not reading anymore. I read it to her the other day, and maybe Mike played it for her, too. She's a special human. I wrote this for her, but I think on some level, I was writing it for all the people in her world who love her, and will miss her when she leaves. xo

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Michelle Gramoglia's avatar

Nan, this is beautiful and made me cry. You have perfectly captured so many things here. Thank you for this gift….

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I'm glad it holds meaning for you, I figured it might. Joyce is beautiful and so well taken care of by so many. You know what I mean. And thank you so much for becoming a subscriber. I hope you'll read more. Thank you for that gift and sending love and appreciation for everything you do. xo

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Sally French Wessely's avatar

Thank you for sharing this touching tribute with us.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you for reading, Sally. xo

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

A beautiful eulogy for a memorable woman. There is no fairness in losing those dear to us. She has such a vibrant smile and, clearly, a mind to match. How all who know her must already be grieving the loss.

I hope her writings and your budding friendship will serve to mentor you in some small way in the days ahead. Hugs, Nan.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, Elizabeth. Your comment is so lovely. A lot of people love her. That’s very clear from the stories I’ve heard. It’s been also nice to get to know Mike. We talk in her room and he loves her so much. He’s been an exemplary caregiver. Very devoted. Hugs back to you. xo

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Bless him.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Yes. He’s very sweet.

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Marilea C. Rabasa's avatar

A lovely rremembrance of you pouring out your heart to this lovely woman as she neared death. We can never do that enough, Nan, until the day we die.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

I agree, Marilea. It's the most important thing people can say to each other. "I love you." Right? xo

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Nancy Jainchill's avatar

I love this one Nan. It says so much about you, the amazing person you are, as much as it says about Joyce.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

That's so kind, Nancy. Thank you. xo

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Nancy Jainchill's avatar

I don't do kind. It's true.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

You might not do kind, but you are kind! I know. And thank you, lovely friend. xo

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Nancy Jainchill's avatar

Back atcha. xo

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

You've left me weeping and grieving for a woman I will never meet and for the mentor you desire, but can never be fully realized. Her writing (and yours) will be a gift to many I'm sure. Thanks for introducing us to Joyce. xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Oh, sweetie. I love you. Yeah. She's special. I can't imagine how vibrant she was before the diagnosis, but I will imagine it anyway! I hope you consider ordering her book. It really is gorgeous and wonderful example of effective memoir. I haven't forgotten about figuring out a time to catch up. XO

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

It’ll happen when meant to. Xo

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Nan Tepper's avatar

YES! xo

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Christina Patterson's avatar

What a beautiful piece, Nan. I am so very sorry about your friend. xx

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thank you, Christina.

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Ann Richardson's avatar

I just tried to restack with a note about why this is special and the place where you type kept getting into a tangle. Never saw this before. I tried three times and then just restacked without the note. But wanted you to know I tried.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Thanks for letting me know, Ann! xo

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