11 Comments

“…this sort of thing vibrated like a camel ride across the desert.” What a great image! This essay is perfect—the topic and images flow rhythmically. (And all three of these jobs sound fascinating.)

Expand full comment
author

This was a meaningful inquiry for me since my journey through life as a person without a formal career caused me great distress for many years. But now I see that there was always something I was doing that was important....at least to me.

Expand full comment

And to many others. People would say I had a career at SUNY. But I believe I had a mission. And, like you, I feel lucky to be able to look back and believe that I was doing something important.

Expand full comment

Marvelous story telling. So clear, I am right back there with you asking questions, listening with fascination to the answers.

Expand full comment
author

Thought a lot about Spiritual Direction when I wrote this. Was mostly fascinated by how much of my life I’ve spent asking.

Expand full comment

I so identify with you here. I could hear about a person's day from the moment they wake up, what cereal they like, as much as what makes them tremble in wonder. For hours...

Expand full comment
author

It's the stuff of fiction, all art in some ways, as well as the work you do with directees and clients.

Expand full comment

So beautifully written! Thank you for sharing this.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Renee. Your support means so much.

Expand full comment

That's not archaeology, Susie! That's oral history, and on behalf of future historians, thank you so very much for your role in saving people's stories. Even though I'm an early American historian by training, I've used oral history transcripts for various projects, and they're a godsend.

Expand full comment
author

I love evidence of all kinds, oral and written. Was at one time an archivist....But the spoken word is the most immediate.

Expand full comment