May 9, 2016
It's almost halfway through 2016. HOLY COW. This has been a fast year so far, but I'm not complaining. I feel like I've been wise with my time for the most part. The reading slump is over at last. The current book I'm reading is Almost Interesting by David Spade, which sparked an idea. (By the way, his book IS interesting, so read it!)
So, after I finish an autobiography or biography, I'm going to write a thank you letter to that person. Even if the person is no longer with us, I'm going to write something. Having the rather low, harsh and embarrassing moments of life on display isn't always easy to do. I appreciate the authors who choose to shed light on those moments, especially when I'm reading an autobiography or a biography of a person I admire or want to learn more about. It's those moments that make him or her more relate-able and, in some cases, more human. The icing on the cake: If the subject is somewhere out there active in the Internet, I hope he or she finds my lovely words and knows he or she has made an impact in my life. I'll try to keep it short, too, which will be difficult. Here we go!
I'd like to start with Martin Short. His autobiography, which I finished months ago, was one I listened to rather than read. In my opinion, I still believe this counts. Listening to audio books is a different experience, but in this case, I would have read it in his voice anyways. So, I don't see the difference! Anyways...
Dear Mr. Short,
Let me start by saying I listened to your audio book (I Must Say... to be clear juuust in case there's another book of yours there) on the way home from spending holiday with my family in Chicago. I live in a small town east of Columbus, Ohio, seven hours away. That being said, it may have heightened the sensitivity of my emotions, but I feel I would have felt the same nonetheless.
Thank you for sharing the stories of your childhood and what it was like to lose your parents, brother and wife... especially your wife. I didn't expect to cry just as much as I laughed or to get the chills when you talked about the day your brother died. Your relationship with Nancy is incredible. I was brought to tears, on numerous occasions, throughout. I actually replayed the last chapter multiple times, being brought to tears, calmed down to be able to drive then overwhelmed with tears again! I hope your connection with Nancy never dissipates. I hope to have a bond as strong as you have with her; I also hope to have strong friendships like you have, too. It was a much needed reminder that friends are extremely important during dark times.
I admire your strength to continue life with optimism and to pursue your ambitions. I have yet to experience loss in my own life, so I hope I remember your ongoing courage and ability to push through the difficult times and find my own way to do the same. I didn't know a lot about you before (besides you are Canadian and your work on SNL and one of my favorite childhood films, A Simple Wish), and I'm glad I took to time to learn more about your professional and personal life. Thank you for the effort you put into writing this, and even higher praise for the effort into the audio book version.
With deep appreciation,
Amanda