188 Comments

What a beautiful tribute to an extraordinary man. You are so lucky to have had him, and you carry him in your humor, your grace, your strong sense of community, and your bold, powerful prose.

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Becky, I am moved to tears at this gorgeous and heartfelt tribute to your father, which I read today on my own father's Yahrtzeit. I think we all feel honored that you have shared your father with us in this way and I'm sure I'm not the only one who wishes we had a teacher like him when we were in high school. I hope you'll keep writing about him. May his memory be for a blessing.

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Dear Becky, your eloquent and masterfully-written elegy for your dad brought me to tears. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and profoundly in awe of the objectivity it took to write such an elegant piece. Your dad sounds a lot like mine, who was born just 7 years earlier than yours to a Jewish couple in New Haven, CT, and whom I lost when I was 8 years old to a drunk driver. Rest assured, I DO know your dad now, and have immense respect and admiration for him. In moments when my father's loss again feels overwhelming, I remember a saying from the Talmud: "Each person is an entire universe." That universe, though neither tactile nor visible, exists everywhere and always. I will light a Yahrzeit candle for your dad. Thank you for sharing your talents and your dad's with us. Most respectfully yours, Prof. Alexandra Burack

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I'm never a commenter, but had to tell you how moving this piece is. What an incredible father. Sending him a high five through the universe.

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Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. You've written a beautiful tribute to him.

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Becky, what a beautiful tribute to a remarkable man. In my memory, because of what you wrote, he will live on for a long time.

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Thank you, Becky. What an extraordinary man. May his memory be a blessing.

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Oh, how I love this eulogy. Your father sounds amazing. I think I've just learned a few things from him, too. What wonderful memories you'll always have.

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Becky, how lucky you were to have your father, who taught you so much in such a loving way. He obviously lives forever in you.

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What a wonderful essay, Becky, and what a wonderful life your dad lived. I'm inspired. Wish I could ride in his cab and go to his "MFA" program.

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What a gorgeous tribute to an amazing person. And what a gift, the education he gave you and so many that continues to live on. May his memory be a blessing.

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Ahh, the reticent daughter and the bold, loving father... the daughter cautiously, tentatively finding her voice. And what a voice she finds, laced with the timbre of her loving dad--with his acuity, his passion, his boldness. Congratulations, Becky, for being able to write such a lovely goodbye!

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Thank you for that beautiful essay. May his memory be a blessing.

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Absolutely beautiful, Becky.

What a life!

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Oh Becky, thank you opening your heart and family to us with this deeply moving ode to your father. It immediately plunged me deep into empathy and appreciation of your father and into memories of mine who’s been gone for 17 years but sometimes most days feels like he’s right here with me … thank you thank you so so much. May his memory be a bless blessing.

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I am so, so sorry. A good dad is hard to lose. May light perpetual shine on him.

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