More than six years ago, I began writing weekly blogs, weaving personal anecdotes with learnings from sacred texts and commentary on current events. It has been an unprecedented time: a global pandemic, Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Trump presidency and ongoing shenanigans out of Washington, way too many mass murders, our society’s continuing national trauma around race, gender and class, Hamas’s barbaric assault in Israel and the heartbreaking response in Gaza, the growing climate crisis and so much more. (You can find all 300 of my posts in chronological order here).
It has been a special privilege to share my thoughts and perspectives with you in these historic times. And I have been moved, challenged, honored and inspired by the countless occasions when you have responded—sometimes to agree and expand on my thoughts and sometimes to critique and challenge them.
I believe, though, that it is time for me to end this endeavor and so this shall be my last weekly entry. This is not to say I’ll never reach out again; the issues of the day will continue to offer multiple opportunities to reflect on current trends and explore how we might learn from them to create an ever-more humane world, reflect on ancient wisdom and shape an innovative future. I doubt I will be able to remain silent and so you will likely hear from me again.
I’ve long believed that it is important to connect global events with personal experience if we seek to become more empathetic human beings and effective global citizens. The weary world reflected in today’s headlines and the carolers’ herald has echoes in my own life. It would be inconsistent with my premise, then, if I did not share some very personal information which factors into my decision to bring this weekly exercise to an end.
In August of 2022 I was diagnosed with high-risk prostate cancer. That October I had surgery and while the initial word was that the cancer had been removed; subsequent reports revealed some remaining cells, thereby requiring additional treatment. After multiple blood tests, injections, body scans and consultations, in April I started hormone therapy and in July an intense regimen of radiation treatments (five days a week for eight weeks). Fatigue is an expected side effect and my treatment schedule coincided with the final days of our four-year journey producing Happily After Ever, which included its own level of tiredness and stress.
Then, days before we opened in Montclair, I fell (weeks later, I saw this article in the New York Times which explored the emotional toll of falling when you are in your 70’s; I could relate—at this stage in life, a fall is not just a fall). My injured shoulder stubbornly refused to heal and this week I learned of serious tears in my rotator cuff. Treatment for this awaits. Then finally, just as Happily After Ever was concluding its run, Blythe and I both got whacked by Covid, testing positive for 3 ½ weeks. I had to miss our final performances of the show and lingering fatigue and congestion kept us down until Thanksgiving.
Yeah, it’s been a lot.
The overwhelmingly good news in all this is that tests taken in late August indicate that for the first time in almost two years I am cancer free. I am profoundly grateful for that.
But, the weariness continues and it is time to prioritize my healing. My energies in the weeks ahead will be directed primarily to this pursuit. The effort required to produce a weekly post cannot be a priority right now (but, as you know, there is a Presidential race just around the corner and it will be tough to be still!)
Thank you for your loyal readership. This exercise has given me an anchor in my life and a point of connection with so many of you. Do not be surprised if my words appear from time to time in your In Box. I have deeply cherished this connection and I hope we will be able to continue it in in the future.
Blessings,
Bob
I will miss hearing from you — perhaps you’ll be moved to offer periodic insights. We’ll continue to march together through this 4th age of our journey — together I ahome
Bob, you are a hero and a wounded healer and a prophet and a pastor!
Best wishes for your continued recovery and am looking forward to your inevitable
return to sharing your wisdom
So sorry to learn of all you have dealt with but happy there have been some good outcomes. I am taking you at your word that this is not the last we hear from you.
Your voice is much needed now and I look forward to hearing it again.
Dear Bob and Blythe, You’ve been carrying quite the load these past two years. A pause to heal is wise. Joy, peace and rest help to restore the thymus. A beautiful gland located center in the upper chest that creates B & T cells and other magical immune enhancing juices. I’m glad to hear you’ll be tending your healing for now. Love, Barbara Baker
As has been the case for a quarter century, it has been a rewarding experience knowing you. That we grew from colleagues — what was accomplished during those few years remains a bold stroke — to become friends is both remarkable and, yes, extraordinary. Thank you, my friend, for, in so many ways, being there — faithful, true and stalwart.
If you have not yet done so, I strongly encourage you to read the recent and acclaimed memoir “Did I Ever Tell You This?” by Sam (Jurassic Park) Neill. You will quickly understand why.
In the interim let us both, you and I, “not fare well, but fare forward… .” [Four Quartets — T.S. Eliot]
Bob,
With each new disturbing event in the news in recent years, I automatically turned to your latest post to help myself find perspective. You express yourself in a language I relate to, a language I speak and understand. I will so miss hearing it.. but I recognize the need to pull back and focus on yourself.. your health comes first.
I’m happy that your 300+? entries will be available but still, I look forward to hearing from you from time to time. Merry Christmas to you and Blythe and our warmest wishes for good things in 2024 ☺️❤️
Lauren P
Bob and Blythe, Sending you hugs, love, and healing prayers. I miss both of you. Hang in there. Bill & dl
Dear Bob, I will always thank our God that I had the opportunity to be part of your life. Love to you and Blythe, from Barbara Costigan
I miss seeing you and Blythe in church, Bob, and will miss your thoughts in this forum. I understand your need to simplify, though. Hope to see you at UCC around Christmas if you are up to it. In the meantime, keep the faith and know that you are in our prayers. God bless and keep you both. With much love, Della
So sorry to hear about your health struggles, Bob, but very heartened that you are winning the battle! (my eldest sister likes to say that aging isn’t for sissies -LOL- and I’m finding that out more and more as each year passes).
I owe a lot to you in my career and look forward to all the awesome things you have yet to achieve in yours. I’ll be tuned in.
DEEP THANKS, as ever, Bob for sharing so sincerely, realistically and peacefully where this ADVENT moment finds you and Blythe. How many unique ‘moments’ we have shared through these last two decades – from Iraq & InterSections to Martin & Eduardo & Cory & more, sisters
& brothers crossing borders from NY to NJ, Gaza to South Orange, inserting UN times in it all…
enlivened too with Winter Solstice echoes from Paul’s jazz bringing ‘cathedral to our caves. You
have been an inspiration and often necessary challenge for moving forward. Be sure I will hold
you in THE LIGHT as this year seizes us with what THAT MANGER yet calls us to as 70’s grow.
PEACE of CHRIST moment by moment, sarx et soma, grace recreating your safe space. joe d.
I am glad you are taking this time to heal and, at our age, meditate and not be in a hurry. It has been a most wonderful journey and I am so very happy to know you. I will be extremely interested in what you might write in the future. I have looked forward to your weekly email..May you and Blythe experience joy and peace and wellbeing and wonderful freedom from cancer. Hooray!
With lots of love, Elsa Seifert
Bob, I never perhaps said so (but hopefully I have said so) what a blessing your writing has been to me. While I am sad to see this come to an end, I am glad that you are taking some time to rest and continue to heal from a clearly challenging season. Thank you, greatly, for a ministry in word well done, and blessings to you and Blythe!
You continue to evoke, shed light and provide hope in your writings and living. Tender blessings on you and Blythe. Please, no more shoes to drop!
Sorry to hear of the health challenges, Bob, but glad of the good results and *very* glad you’re making healing your priority. Hats off to you for your discipline and faithfulness in writing these commentaries for so long. Warm Advent and Christmas greetings to you and Blythe.