At times I also feel like a massive disappointment to my parents—why can't I be the affluent, settled-down doctor with babies who visits them every weekend like they'd hoped? I try to tell myself that their whole point in having me was to create someone new who would find his own way in life, and I can't imagine your parents *not* being proud of the inspiring, zany, courageous person you so clearly are. We inherit our parents' foibles but also their strengths. It sounds like your dad's strength lives on well in you. I'm grateful he raised someone crazy and brilliant enough to invent snail yogurt and ramen packet dipping sauce.
So much love to you and the family, Dennis. May your dad's memory be a blessing, and may we find some of the peace in our lives that eluded our parents in theirs.
What a beautiful tribute. Dennis, you've been a bright spot in my life since The Pizzle days and I'm sitting here wishing I could reflect some of that light back toward you. I lost my Dad almost 16 years ago (just got teary realizing that...) and I still miss him everyday. But over time, the smiles come more often than the tears when I think of him. Sending peace your way.
This is a beautiful (and funny) tribute to your dad. My mom died when I was a preteen, but I eat McDonald's fries and think about her. We're latine so whenever we went to a daytime matinee movie wed go to Micky D's first and sneak in a full meal in her giant mom purse. It gets easier and it gets harder and it gets easier again, to grieve and to miss your parent. I hope it's as easy as it can be for you.
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of your father, Dennis. This is an amazing tribute to him. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for your family too.
Thank you. I have been dealing with some heavy shit in my own life and this essay meant a lot to me. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this painful loss, though, would obviously much rather life was infinitely kinder to you.
Dennis this made me so mad at you. (with love). I actually said "fuck you" to the screen. (with love). I'm so sorry these feelings poured in like that. I know you _know_ that's not how it works, but I hope you feel it too.
> all that stuff you just read is the header to my recipe
These mommy food blogs really are getting out of hand - just get to the ingredients already.
> I’ll still do my best to bring the joy that you all deserve in this newsletter
Only when it brings _you_ joy. Take care of yourself brother.
That was hard to read. In fact, it took me at least three days to get through the whole thing. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your grief with us readers, Dannis. Know that you’re not alone in the struggle and you have friends and family and devoted readers like us here to lean on when you need it. Stay well, and keep writing and shoving those hot dogs up your keister!
Beautiful and sad and powerful and lovely. Thank you for having the courage to write it and share. Sending all the healing thoughts your ways.
What a read. You've always been such a tremendous writer.
(And not for nothing, reading you casually uncorking a movie sequel joke midstream like that is what it felt like to watch Jordan in his prime)
At times I also feel like a massive disappointment to my parents—why can't I be the affluent, settled-down doctor with babies who visits them every weekend like they'd hoped? I try to tell myself that their whole point in having me was to create someone new who would find his own way in life, and I can't imagine your parents *not* being proud of the inspiring, zany, courageous person you so clearly are. We inherit our parents' foibles but also their strengths. It sounds like your dad's strength lives on well in you. I'm grateful he raised someone crazy and brilliant enough to invent snail yogurt and ramen packet dipping sauce.
So much love to you and the family, Dennis. May your dad's memory be a blessing, and may we find some of the peace in our lives that eluded our parents in theirs.
What a beautiful tribute. Dennis, you've been a bright spot in my life since The Pizzle days and I'm sitting here wishing I could reflect some of that light back toward you. I lost my Dad almost 16 years ago (just got teary realizing that...) and I still miss him everyday. But over time, the smiles come more often than the tears when I think of him. Sending peace your way.
This is a beautiful (and funny) tribute to your dad. My mom died when I was a preteen, but I eat McDonald's fries and think about her. We're latine so whenever we went to a daytime matinee movie wed go to Micky D's first and sneak in a full meal in her giant mom purse. It gets easier and it gets harder and it gets easier again, to grieve and to miss your parent. I hope it's as easy as it can be for you.
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of your father, Dennis. This is an amazing tribute to him. I'm so sorry for your loss, and for your family too.
Thank you. I have been dealing with some heavy shit in my own life and this essay meant a lot to me. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this painful loss, though, would obviously much rather life was infinitely kinder to you.
Thank you for sharing, a wonderful tribute to your Dad.
Dennis! I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing this piece with us.
I am so sorry for your loss.
This is beautiful and poignant. My condolences to you and your family. May you find peace in your hearts.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful tribute. ❤️❤️ Also, I'll never look at chicken mcnuggets quite the same again.
I’m sorry for your loss Dennis. I hope that you can find a modicum of peace in this difficult time.
> wishing I could have been a better son
Dennis this made me so mad at you. (with love). I actually said "fuck you" to the screen. (with love). I'm so sorry these feelings poured in like that. I know you _know_ that's not how it works, but I hope you feel it too.
> all that stuff you just read is the header to my recipe
These mommy food blogs really are getting out of hand - just get to the ingredients already.
> I’ll still do my best to bring the joy that you all deserve in this newsletter
Only when it brings _you_ joy. Take care of yourself brother.
That was hard to read. In fact, it took me at least three days to get through the whole thing. I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family peace and comfort.
Thank you for sharing your grief with us readers, Dannis. Know that you’re not alone in the struggle and you have friends and family and devoted readers like us here to lean on when you need it. Stay well, and keep writing and shoving those hot dogs up your keister!