WHY RUSKIN has been silent for quite some time, our last post being put up on November 3, Election Day in the U.S. There’s been good — rather, bad– reason for the hiatus. On November 7, I suffered a stroke, this followed by 6 days in hospital, and 3 weeks in a rehab facility. I am now repairing, if slowly, at home, a great blessing to be with my blessed wife, Jenn Morris, as my constant helpmate. The stroke was hemorrhagic but the bleeding was not nearly as severe as it might have been, one more blessing. Some damage on the left side, now lessening somewhat because of the body’s intrinsic and wonderful desire to heal itself. In time, the experts tell me, with perseverance, patience, and dedicated exercise, I might get back to where I was before all this happened. May it prove so!!
Life, my mother was fond of saying, has a way of throwing you curveballs just when you think you’ve seen it all! Indeed!! Happily, certainly from our point of view, the contentious election in the U.S. resolved itself to America’s, democracy’s, and the world’s benefit. I have no doubt that under our current circumstances and world stresses, Mr. Ruskin, who resolutely never voted in his life, (distrustful of the wisdom of popular rule as he was), would have applauded the outcome. We have less than a month before the official, world-altering transfer of power occurs.
I have been much heartened by the numerous messages of support and well-wishing I have received from many who are following Why Ruskin. My abiding thanks to you all.! By this time in life I see myself as a fairly tough old bird who can deal, however haltingly, with the new hurdles he encounters in his path. Rest assured that I am, daily, attempting to do so. Why Ruskin is on break, and will, in due course, be back, hopefully at full strength. I have about five posts bubbling about in my head, and, once I can again type properly, will share them, my goal in ongoing retirement being, as from its first day, to use the time remaining to me to do all I can to make the world safe for the genius and abiding goodness that inheres in John Ruskin.
In the meantime, do continue to be well out there in our Brave, if exceedingly Strange, new world! May your days be merry and bright in this festive season!
🙂
Jim
genius and conzmmate goodness that is
johmn Ruskin, the time reman
UNexpectedly, Ruskin met his beloved,”Sacred Soster, his “Sorella,” in Florence in the waning months of 1884.
Hullo Jim
Great to hear from you again – what a wonderful Christmas present!
Very best wishes
Frank
How frightening, Jim! So sad to hear of this—but relieved by the prognosis! Very, very best wishes for a speedy and full recovery! (What a year!!!)
Get well soon Jim! Charlie Clough, East Aurora
Hope you improve steadily, and a happy New Year ahead…
Dear Jim,
HURRAH !!!! You’re back! I was worried about you!
We hope that you and Jenn have a wonderful Christmas!
Sincerely,
Sabina and Bob Knight
We wish you well, dear Jim!
Thank you for your lovely well wishes! Love to all of this holiday time!
Dear Jim,
Sorry to hear about your medical issues but sounds like you are recovering well. I had a good Christmas with my daughter and her family. But I think last year was the first in my life when I didn’t go anywhere! Hopefully, I’ll make it across the Atlantic in summer to see my Brit family.
All best, Bria
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All the best for a speedy recovery, Jim. I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. May Why Ruskin make a return in 2021.
Hi Jim, I wish you robust recovery, Now, I can go back and savor some of your past Ruskin essays and be enlightened. Glad that you are slowly feeling better. Best to you and your sweet wife.
Peter
Jim, I’m praying that you are recovering! Please keep in touch!
How are you doing, dear Jim?
Repairing, albeit slowly. Can’ type v. Well. Stronger each day! Long haul!! ❗️👍 spirit OK!!
I’m so glad to hear it! We need you.
Hope you’re doing well, Jim!