Seriously!!! I didn’t even consider the surrogate’s job! How does one decide on that for a career? And yet, such needed work! And so different than hiring a prostitute, as O’Brein pointed out. Through the surrogate’s presence, tenderness and heart, Mark’s life radically changed.How about Mark’s friends, especially the one that hops on one foot? Really cool how safe he felt with them and how they supported his “mission.” The same with the attendant taking him to the apartments. The futon! I had to laugh, that in our 22 year relationship, George never mentioned seeing the iron lung! And, it was on “our” boardwalk in the 1950’s! I read a few of Mark’s poems and feel his real gift is his essays. I could not stop reading this! I felt inside his head, completely understanding every word, every thought he had. And, could imagine someone falling in love with him despite his physical condition. There is something SOOOO attractive about authenticity, courage and being vulnerable that just makes me swoon!!!
Yes. Exactly. We had similar reading experiences. Authenticity is attractive. Definitely surprised myself a few times with the thought: this dude’s a catch.
An amazing story. When I was a teenager I saw a person in an iron lung in the middle of the boardwalk at a resort. It was in a tent and you could walk around this large cylindrical metal machine. Having that memory makes this story even more incredible.
An absolute 10, unlike anything I have ever read. Mark O’Brein’s story is one of amazing courage, honesty, tenderness, emotional integrity, sadness and miracles. I can’t put into words how much I admire this man. Just blown away. This story will stay with me. I need to read some of his poetry.
Wow!!! So. Much. To. Think. About.
Seriously!!! I didn’t even consider the surrogate’s job! How does one decide on that for a career? And yet, such needed work! And so different than hiring a prostitute, as O’Brein pointed out. Through the surrogate’s presence, tenderness and heart, Mark’s life radically changed.How about Mark’s friends, especially the one that hops on one foot? Really cool how safe he felt with them and how they supported his “mission.” The same with the attendant taking him to the apartments. The futon! I had to laugh, that in our 22 year relationship, George never mentioned seeing the iron lung! And, it was on “our” boardwalk in the 1950’s! I read a few of Mark’s poems and feel his real gift is his essays. I could not stop reading this! I felt inside his head, completely understanding every word, every thought he had. And, could imagine someone falling in love with him despite his physical condition. There is something SOOOO attractive about authenticity, courage and being vulnerable that just makes me swoon!!!
Yes. Exactly. We had similar reading experiences. Authenticity is attractive. Definitely surprised myself a few times with the thought: this dude’s a catch.
An amazing story. When I was a teenager I saw a person in an iron lung in the middle of the boardwalk at a resort. It was in a tent and you could walk around this large cylindrical metal machine. Having that memory makes this story even more incredible.
Great to know you can still surprise me!!!
An absolute 10, unlike anything I have ever read. Mark O’Brein’s story is one of amazing courage, honesty, tenderness, emotional integrity, sadness and miracles. I can’t put into words how much I admire this man. Just blown away. This story will stay with me. I need to read some of his poetry.
Upvote! Powerful stuff.