Comments on: The Sunday Rumpus Essay: Getting Made (in honor of Ronan Louis and Emily Rapp)

By: Jenna

Jenna — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:38:16 +0000

This is another amazing piece. It gave me tears. I understand and feel you, and I’m grateful for the reminder, even though it hurts. It’s also comforting because sometimes I start to doubt the way I love when I love; but, then I read this, and I remembered, once again, why the present moment is all we have. Love your writing.

By: Patricia Harrelson

Patricia Harrelson — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 01:07:06 +0000

Every word of this essay makes me want to do better.

By: Alanna

Alanna — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:57:07 +0000

I’ve been thinking of Emily and Ronan, off and on, since I first saw her writing here on the Rumpus. I am sad for them, for everyone touched by the story as I have been. This is a beautiful essay, and thanks for letting us know.

By: Medea

Medea — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:59:13 +0000

I just finished Emily’s book on Monday. To know that Ronan is physically gone now-we knew it was coming, all familiar with his unspeakably maddening story-crushes the spirit. There are no miracles, we have no control. We have this minute, we have those we love and who love us, we have words and music and sun and hope. When the world loses a baby like Ronan, or a loved one like Steve, we always think ‘I will change. I will visit my grandmother more often than once a quarter. I will be honest and true and I will dedicate myself to only what matters.’ Then days and months pass, we slip, we tell a white lie then a coal black one. We forget to call our mom. We feel awful about it, but it doesn’t burn enough to put us back on the Path. Then someone else leaves us forever. And the cycle repeats. With every synapse and corpuscle, I want this time to be different-it’s what I vowed as I read Ronan and Emily and Rick’s story and I hear it in Jennifer’s words as well. Maybe this time, this baby, this smack in the face will be the one that changes us for the better, forever.

By: Denise

Denise — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:20:00 +0000

Jen,I am moved to tears once again. So sorry to hear of Ronan passing on…..much Love and some peace to you all. Xoxo

By: Lisa

Lisa — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 22:55:22 +0000

Dear Jen: Terribly sorry for your loss and such a beautiful essay you wrote to honor your loved one … Angels with glistening wings, take flight through the stars, from Heaven to Earth, bringing the light of Peace to those who grieve. “It is true” they say, “The one you love is glorious in the hands of God, and at Peace in the arms of the Angels”. Wishing you Peace.

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 21:23:48 +0000

The greatest lie that was ever told was that you are safe. YES. What a beautiful, extraordinary moment of clarity and sharing. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

By: Jake Ferree

Jake Ferree — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:07:29 +0000

Thanks for opening your heart with this essay Jen it was beautifully written. So sorry for the loss of Ronan.
Much love to you.

By: Lynda Krumpholz

Lynda Krumpholz — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 05:28:05 +0000

This is utterly beautiful and luminous.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 04:50:16 +0000

Jennifer,
I stumbled upon your website via your Instagram feed. I love the uplifting and inspirational things you post there. In the strange way the universe works, I was kinda wow’ed the other day when I was reading Emily’s blog to see you posted there. Emily was my professor at Antioch LA several years ago and I have been following Ronan’s story for the last couple years. I didn’t ever know Emily well, nor Ronan, nor do I know you. But I share in your grief and thank you for the sentiments you wrote here. My family unexpectedly lost three beautiful souls between August and November. Grief is a weight unlike any other. Your words grab at it and pry it off a bit. Sadly, we know the familiarity of loss that, paradoxically, feels different every time. I appreciate this so much. Sending love and healing and light to you, Emily and all those who love little Ronan.