|
|
 |
| Pit's last letter |
|
What Pit wrote to Les
LES BROWN writes I'd like to share with you muggs the last letter I received from Pit, because it tells so much about his courage and determination to keep
going. To read it you'd never know this guy had cancer of the liver and flunked the attempt at a surgical procedure and also the first round of chemo, and at the time was soon to be subjected to another last-ditch try.
He was one brave hombre, and though he was always a pal he became in his final round of life a real hero to me. He never once complained or felt sorry for himself. I sure hope I can measure up to that.
Actually, this was not our last communication because we spoke by phone until quite near the end, and then he had sent by post a packet of sample columns that I was going to try to help him get syndicated in local newspapers. Having gotten erudite in his dotage, he had done a book (hard to describe in brief) on universal topics that he commented on and into which he wove the wise quotes of history's famous thinkers.
It was a neat idea, actually. When he couldn't get the book published I suggested he try to adapt it into a syndicated newspaper column and offered to help him do that, even though I had no contacts in the field.
That will help you to understand the second paragraph. So here's the letter, dated Aug. 21, 2002, and typed typically on his trusty manual on thin paper that would take the minimum overseas postage.
Dear Les:
Firstly, thanks to you guys for the sweet birthday greetings. Hey Hey, I'm still alive at 75!
Secondly, tnx for the offer to help on syndication. I was thinking of putting together 3 or 4 samples adapted from the book manuscript, but fewer than the 700 or so wds you suggest. More like 300-400, if that
(I'm a minimalist, hence partly to suit me but also because I think it might have a better sell chance). I'm also developing a cover letter to
syndicators. Sample cols and cover letter will be sent to you in due course for suggestions, editing, etc. You say DBR Media reputedly is
most open to new writers, so mebbe we should pitch them first.
All this, however, won't get started for a few days cos I'm booked for eye surgery tomorrow (22). They're gonna give my right eye a new lens under local anesthetic; it's routine invasive surgery – I go in at noon and come out at around 6 same day. Ah, the joys of aging and all that wear and tear.
I take your (& Jean's) point, namely that 75 is a milestone, not a millstone. I think that's all I've got to say at this moment. If you wanna disabuse me about anything above, pls do; your savvy in these things is much valued by me, as ever.
Love to Jean, and you too. And the usual warmest hugs from Ruth, who I find more terrific with each new day. I could have done a lot worse, but I couldn't have done better. Enuf sentiment for one letter. Have a nice day, and like me, count they blessings.
Luv,
Pit.
See also Les Brown's letter to Pit
and
Tributes to Pit
Les New York -- Jan 17, 2003 |
|
|
More from this Mugg |
|
|
 |
|
| Jack Pitman – the work mate who became a friend and then a hero |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
