From reader Phyllis DeSmet-Howard of Portland, IN:
You have no idea how often I think of Debbie Phemister and wonder how such a horrible murder could have occurred. It truly boggles the mind! As someone who has lived in major world cities, I know the importance of always being aware of one's surroundings. It is essential to develop street smarts. Sadly, we will never know what happened to Debbie, but she touched so many hearts, and I know she will never be forgotten by those who knew and admired her. Thank you, Dan, for such a touching tribute.
I disagree ... "Just as a native New Yorker like me develops street smarts by osmosis...." I was TAUGHT to be untrusting and cautious. I was TAUGHT to walk near the curb and NOT close to buildings and doorways. I tell people that a certain degree of paranoia in New York is HEALTHY. New York, in general, is NOT a friendly place. In order to succeed in New York, a resident MUST be willing to step on others. I never was capable of doing that, and I never fit in!
Truly a well-done piece…. Lyric. Haunting and strangely Inspiring. Thanks for including strangers in your recollections in a way that allows use to see ourselves.
From reader Phyllis DeSmet-Howard of Portland, IN:
You have no idea how often I think of Debbie Phemister and wonder how such a horrible murder could have occurred. It truly boggles the mind! As someone who has lived in major world cities, I know the importance of always being aware of one's surroundings. It is essential to develop street smarts. Sadly, we will never know what happened to Debbie, but she touched so many hearts, and I know she will never be forgotten by those who knew and admired her. Thank you, Dan, for such a touching tribute.
That certainly hasn't been my experience, or my family's.
From reader Arthur Yellin:
I disagree ... "Just as a native New Yorker like me develops street smarts by osmosis...." I was TAUGHT to be untrusting and cautious. I was TAUGHT to walk near the curb and NOT close to buildings and doorways. I tell people that a certain degree of paranoia in New York is HEALTHY. New York, in general, is NOT a friendly place. In order to succeed in New York, a resident MUST be willing to step on others. I never was capable of doing that, and I never fit in!
That certainly hasn't been my experience, or my family's.
What a moving story, Dan. Thank you for sharing. Ps my father is reading Finding Your Fathers right now.
Truly a well-done piece…. Lyric. Haunting and strangely Inspiring. Thanks for including strangers in your recollections in a way that allows use to see ourselves.
Dan...thanks for sharing that story, sad though it is.
Dan, you keep surprising me with your essays; this one brought me to tears.