Thanks, Irena. I miss you. Let's meet up on Zoom soon? Wait until you see the first book event...July 25. Will be posting about it all sometime this week. xo
Thanks, darling. Yeah. Still beautiful for sure. There are photos from his party. He made it into a wheelchair and ate some cake. Debra and I gave him a soothing baby stuffy that makes sounds and has a heartbeat. It’s a sloth. Dark humor for the win. The thing that’s cool is that Debra’s dog has a sloth stuffy that Steven gave to her. It’s her favorite toy. That made him laugh. The card was from the pup, with a photo of her holding the sloth in her mouth! xo
What a lovely piece, Nan! You started being the very best big sister your brother could wish for, and it sounds like you've never stopped. My best wishes for his recovery.
Thanks, Suki. Oh, no. We went through a huge break. Years of minimal conversation...After our dad died (15 years ago, I can't believe it's 15 years), we started getting close. But he only lets folks in just so far. Everything is different now. There's a before and and after. And I wish that weren't the story right now. It's fucking heartbreaking to see him struggling. XO
He's not doing great, but we aren't losing hope. He had a small birthday party last night at the facility where he's "living." I was supposed to receive a FT call so I could be there virtually but it didn't happen. It's okay. It was overwhelming to have a roomful of his closest people there. I'm bummed because I didn't see him or wish him a happy birthday. That's the first time ever. It was a logistics issue, more than anything. Should I send you a link to the next slam? We're about to launch a new arm of the slam. Will be announcing this week...stay tuned! xo
I love that version. But ick, for back story, you know? And yes, as soon as I post the new event, I'll make sure you get it. Is it okay if I put you in as a free subscriber? That way, if you have your email delivery turned on, you'll get them. I don't trust my memory to send you the link. There's a lot going on right now. xo
Beautiful, Nan. I love that you wrote it in your child voice. You described the scenes so well I felt like I was back in NYC.
Like you, I had a baby brother that I loved with all my heart. Yours looks like you- at least in this precious baby picture. I know that sisterly yet parental type protective love!🫶🏽
I’m sorry to hear about his accident. I have a chosen family brother who was in a terrible motorcycle accident but has mostly recovered now- it’s taken over a year.
May your brother continue to recover and may the talent of your writing continue to bring comfort to all who read your words. 💜
I'm glad your CFB is doing better. I hope my bro will, too. It's a whole different world to navigate. He's a good guy. We all take everything a day at a time. xo
What a beautiful story, Nan. I was so in the moment, feeling what you were experiencing as a little girl. All of the beats and details come together with love. I’m thinking of you and your brother. 🙏🌹
Wow… I’m so deeply sorry to hear about his nightmares. I think this product sounds great and hoping it will really help. Let’s talk this week if you have a chance. I’d like to hear more about what’s happening with him. Again, what a wonderful piece of writing. You’re a loving big Sis.
Thanks, Elizabeth. And thanks for your kindness. It's been a hard day for me. He's far away and struggling a lot. His current state is far and away from the man he was before his accident. It's really hard to see, but it's harder for him than it is for me. I happened upon an exciting product and he's going to start using it by the end of the week (I hope). It's fascinating. Called Nightware. It's a dedicated iPhone and Apple watch that's been programmed to read his vitals during the night, and through the wonder of AI (in this case, it's proper use of AI), the watch shares sleep data, and the program is trained to know when he's having a PTSD nightmare, and applies a haptic that will very gentle break the dream cycle without waking him up. He's been going through panicked waking every night about the same time and wakes up screaming. This device set has been approved by the FDA, and used by veterans and law enforcement who live with PTSD. It's not inexpensive but it's doable. I think my mother and I are going to share this expense. It'll be a positive thing for us to do together. Fingers crossed that this will lighten his load some. The dreams and what they elicit can't not affect his waking hours. xo
Nan, you are a great storyteller. Moment to moment in the retelling, every detail paints a fuller picture of the whole experince. And this is what makes for a compelling story. Thanks for sharing Steven with us. I pray he recovers in time. xoxo
Thanks Marilea. I pray every day for his recovery. He won't be the same, because an accident and injuries of the scale he's suffered, you can't but change. I just hope he gets some mobility and emotional healing. Brain injuries are so serious. I love him. There's a whole bunch of Californians (and my mom flew in from NYC) to celebrate his birthday. I'm expecting a FT call any minute so I can celebrate with them. xo
Oh, I'm glad your mom is still with us. Her presence, plus all his local friends, can only aid in his recovery. A difficult passage for you, watching your brother go through this. Hang in there. xoxo
I’m hanging. I have no control over the outcome, as you and I both know. I the people who are more local help boost his mood, but yesterday was a tough day for him. So…
I try not to project or assume. It makes life a whole lot happier.
This recovery is not necessarily about what we all want for him. That’s secondary. It’s primarily about what he wants for himself, and if he can gather the fortitude to fight for it. It really is in his hands (as you and I both know).
We can pitch in, in various ways, but ultimately? Yeah. xo
What a lovely way to celebrate your brother during his recovery and his birthday. I loved this when you first wrote about him and love it even more now as we await the birth of two babies in the coming days and weeks. I hope and pray he continues to recovery and gain strength. One day at a time. I'm so pleased you were able to make the trip to see him. xo
He's got a very long road ahead. June 16th was one year from the accident. He's not made tremendous progress; there were so many complications that had to be dealt with first. We're hoping he's able to go to an excellent neuro/physical rehab by the end of the summer. It's going to take work and love of courage for him to recover movement. The prognosis seems encouraging, but this is a long fucking road. Enjoy the new babies! That's lovely. xo
Thanks, Kim. That's so kind. I really think that I'm sad, and hopeful. My family doesn't have to deal with this nearly as much as he does. We have to support him for sure, but ultimately he's got to do the work, he's the one who knows how much it hurts. I can only be loving, compassionate, and generous in ways that help. xo
I had a wonderful time working on it more last night. I indulged in editing. It was a great reminder of what I've been missing, with most of my attention going toward building the slam. And design work. I'm so behind in my reading. I will get back to it soon. I think my essay structure may change a bit. Shorter pieces than I've done in the past. Hope you're well, Wendy. I've missed so many people! xo
Thanks, Nina. We're not together today. I'm in NY, he's in LA. My mom got on a plane on Thursday. It's a big trip, I'm so proud of her for making it. His partner is throwing him a little party; it's starting soon, they're going to FT me any minute! I won't get to have cake, but I'll see it. xo
Oh, are you kidding me? He hates it when I write about him. Oh, well. So we just won't mention it. I wrote this for me. Maybe he'll read it one day. I can hope.
PS. I haven't shipped your books yet, I promise I'll do it tomorrow or Tuesday. Love you!
Lovely, lovely post, and sending all good wishes for your brother's recovery. ❤️
Thanks Andrea, so much. And an extra thanks for your kind donation. Talk soon. xo
Hoping for continued healing for your brother and more time together for both of you. 💗
Thank you, Leslie. Yes, me too. xo
Loved this the first time I read it, love it now. You, my dear, are a gem. Sending healing wishes to your beautiful brother. xoxo
Thanks, Irena. I miss you. Let's meet up on Zoom soon? Wait until you see the first book event...July 25. Will be posting about it all sometime this week. xo
Oooh can’t wait to hear more. And yes please to zoom—I miss you too! ❤️
MWAH! Will text you. xo
I love so much about this, Nan. Your 4-year-old point of view, the tradition, riding in a checker taxi, and having a nurse come home.
There's so much that I learned just from your description.
Sending love and healing energy to your brother as he continues his journey. ❤️
Thanks lovely. I hope your son’s wedding was amazing!
Let’s make a plan soon. xo
Looking at my calendar today and will contact you!
Still beautiful. Love to you and the whole family. Every day. All the time.
I like Debra more and more. That’s perfect. I hope Diane was glad to be there too.
Thanks, darling. Yeah. Still beautiful for sure. There are photos from his party. He made it into a wheelchair and ate some cake. Debra and I gave him a soothing baby stuffy that makes sounds and has a heartbeat. It’s a sloth. Dark humor for the win. The thing that’s cool is that Debra’s dog has a sloth stuffy that Steven gave to her. It’s her favorite toy. That made him laugh. The card was from the pup, with a photo of her holding the sloth in her mouth! xo
What a lovely piece, Nan! You started being the very best big sister your brother could wish for, and it sounds like you've never stopped. My best wishes for his recovery.
Thanks, Suki. Oh, no. We went through a huge break. Years of minimal conversation...After our dad died (15 years ago, I can't believe it's 15 years), we started getting close. But he only lets folks in just so far. Everything is different now. There's a before and and after. And I wish that weren't the story right now. It's fucking heartbreaking to see him struggling. XO
What a sweet story. I hope that your baby boy is doing well and will regain his full strength.
He's not doing great, but we aren't losing hope. He had a small birthday party last night at the facility where he's "living." I was supposed to receive a FT call so I could be there virtually but it didn't happen. It's okay. It was overwhelming to have a roomful of his closest people there. I'm bummed because I didn't see him or wish him a happy birthday. That's the first time ever. It was a logistics issue, more than anything. Should I send you a link to the next slam? We're about to launch a new arm of the slam. Will be announcing this week...stay tuned! xo
I'm excited about the new arm. Send me the link, and I will def check my calendar.
I hope you get to talk to him today. Sing him the Marilyn Monroe "Birthday" song. For some reason, it always makes me laugh.
I love that version. But ick, for back story, you know? And yes, as soon as I post the new event, I'll make sure you get it. Is it okay if I put you in as a free subscriber? That way, if you have your email delivery turned on, you'll get them. I don't trust my memory to send you the link. There's a lot going on right now. xo
Thanks, Nan!
I really think I have the Slam email coming, but if you have time to check, that would be great.
You seem to be subscribed. I sent out a post this morning about our first book slam on 7.25 at 3pm ET, did you get it?
I did - just finished reading it. Thank you!
Beautiful, Nan. I love that you wrote it in your child voice. You described the scenes so well I felt like I was back in NYC.
Like you, I had a baby brother that I loved with all my heart. Yours looks like you- at least in this precious baby picture. I know that sisterly yet parental type protective love!🫶🏽
I’m sorry to hear about his accident. I have a chosen family brother who was in a terrible motorcycle accident but has mostly recovered now- it’s taken over a year.
May your brother continue to recover and may the talent of your writing continue to bring comfort to all who read your words. 💜
I'm glad your CFB is doing better. I hope my bro will, too. It's a whole different world to navigate. He's a good guy. We all take everything a day at a time. xo
What a beautiful story, Nan. I was so in the moment, feeling what you were experiencing as a little girl. All of the beats and details come together with love. I’m thinking of you and your brother. 🙏🌹
Wow… I’m so deeply sorry to hear about his nightmares. I think this product sounds great and hoping it will really help. Let’s talk this week if you have a chance. I’d like to hear more about what’s happening with him. Again, what a wonderful piece of writing. You’re a loving big Sis.
Thanks, doll! I’m hoping, too. It felt like a huge victory last week…
I”ll have some time, text me and let me know what your availability is?
xo.
I’m going to send you a secret link to a post (and graphics) I spent the entire weekend designing. It was A LOT OF fun! xo
Can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to via the secret link! Going to look at my calendar and you’ll be hearing from me soon. 🌹
I will. I’m sending you two. In a few minutes. xo
Thanks, Elizabeth. And thanks for your kindness. It's been a hard day for me. He's far away and struggling a lot. His current state is far and away from the man he was before his accident. It's really hard to see, but it's harder for him than it is for me. I happened upon an exciting product and he's going to start using it by the end of the week (I hope). It's fascinating. Called Nightware. It's a dedicated iPhone and Apple watch that's been programmed to read his vitals during the night, and through the wonder of AI (in this case, it's proper use of AI), the watch shares sleep data, and the program is trained to know when he's having a PTSD nightmare, and applies a haptic that will very gentle break the dream cycle without waking him up. He's been going through panicked waking every night about the same time and wakes up screaming. This device set has been approved by the FDA, and used by veterans and law enforcement who live with PTSD. It's not inexpensive but it's doable. I think my mother and I are going to share this expense. It'll be a positive thing for us to do together. Fingers crossed that this will lighten his load some. The dreams and what they elicit can't not affect his waking hours. xo
Nan, you are a great storyteller. Moment to moment in the retelling, every detail paints a fuller picture of the whole experince. And this is what makes for a compelling story. Thanks for sharing Steven with us. I pray he recovers in time. xoxo
Thanks Marilea. I pray every day for his recovery. He won't be the same, because an accident and injuries of the scale he's suffered, you can't but change. I just hope he gets some mobility and emotional healing. Brain injuries are so serious. I love him. There's a whole bunch of Californians (and my mom flew in from NYC) to celebrate his birthday. I'm expecting a FT call any minute so I can celebrate with them. xo
Oh, I'm glad your mom is still with us. Her presence, plus all his local friends, can only aid in his recovery. A difficult passage for you, watching your brother go through this. Hang in there. xoxo
I’m hanging. I have no control over the outcome, as you and I both know. I the people who are more local help boost his mood, but yesterday was a tough day for him. So…
I try not to project or assume. It makes life a whole lot happier.
This recovery is not necessarily about what we all want for him. That’s secondary. It’s primarily about what he wants for himself, and if he can gather the fortitude to fight for it. It really is in his hands (as you and I both know).
We can pitch in, in various ways, but ultimately? Yeah. xo
What a lovely way to celebrate your brother during his recovery and his birthday. I loved this when you first wrote about him and love it even more now as we await the birth of two babies in the coming days and weeks. I hope and pray he continues to recovery and gain strength. One day at a time. I'm so pleased you were able to make the trip to see him. xo
He's got a very long road ahead. June 16th was one year from the accident. He's not made tremendous progress; there were so many complications that had to be dealt with first. We're hoping he's able to go to an excellent neuro/physical rehab by the end of the summer. It's going to take work and love of courage for him to recover movement. The prognosis seems encouraging, but this is a long fucking road. Enjoy the new babies! That's lovely. xo
Very sad. I’m sorry for what your family is having to deal with. How precious life is and how it can change in an instant. Hugs. xo
Thanks, Kim. That's so kind. I really think that I'm sad, and hopeful. My family doesn't have to deal with this nearly as much as he does. We have to support him for sure, but ultimately he's got to do the work, he's the one who knows how much it hurts. I can only be loving, compassionate, and generous in ways that help. xo
Good to re-read these childhood memories, Nan. I was wondering how Steven was doing. I know there’s no magic wand. Thinking of you and him. x
I had a wonderful time working on it more last night. I indulged in editing. It was a great reminder of what I've been missing, with most of my attention going toward building the slam. And design work. I'm so behind in my reading. I will get back to it soon. I think my essay structure may change a bit. Shorter pieces than I've done in the past. Hope you're well, Wendy. I've missed so many people! xo
It’s great you’re varying your projects - keeps things fresh! x
Yep! And wait til you see what's coming from WBTYS. xo
Made me think of and miss my little brother. I'm glad yours has you! 💜
I hope he heals. It's so hard right now. I love him a lot. xo
So much love to you and Steven! I'm glad you're together.
Thanks, Nina. We're not together today. I'm in NY, he's in LA. My mom got on a plane on Thursday. It's a big trip, I'm so proud of her for making it. His partner is throwing him a little party; it's starting soon, they're going to FT me any minute! I won't get to have cake, but I'll see it. xo
Love anyway! So glad you can go to his party online.
Nan, I felt the anticipation of meeting your little brother for the first time and the love you've had for him for the beginning.
Thank you, Frances. He's a special man, talented, smart, funny as can be. We haven't seen too much "funny" for the last year, but it's in there! xo
Oh, Nan. What a sweet and salty memory. I hope it brings a smile to Steven on his birthday.
Oh, are you kidding me? He hates it when I write about him. Oh, well. So we just won't mention it. I wrote this for me. Maybe he'll read it one day. I can hope.
PS. I haven't shipped your books yet, I promise I'll do it tomorrow or Tuesday. Love you!
xo