22 Comments
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Peter B's avatar

Sad, Gideon, for all. Of course, there is some good in all but there is also hurt and pain and anger within us all. We can only try to learn to be better, as you say.

You’ll recall I met him once, at a medical conference in Orlando, maybe 25 years ago. He was running some kind of display that sells things to hospitals. When I said I was from Melbourne, the first thing he said was he was your father. I said you were my favourite cricket writer. He seemed proud and genial. That was it.

Beautifully written and no doubt spoken, and I hope both he and you have found peace.

Jan Gross's avatar

A nice piece for both Isabel & Gideon to take with them - I give my best wishes to Isabel for the mother Grandmother & woman she has been & still is - kindness is all we can aim at

Matthew Price's avatar

That was incredibly moving Gideon. Thank you for sharing.

David's avatar

Thank you for writing and sharing

Thomas Miles's avatar

What a beautifully written and moving piece Gideon. You are a great man

Greg Harris's avatar

I'm not sure i know what to say Gideon. I loooovvveee Cricket but pieces like this make me love Et Al even more. Dammit, you made me cry.

James Mcleod's avatar

That's a great piece, Gideon. I love your cricket writing, however it is your broader perspective on things that sets you apart. Boy... A painful, bitter sweet read. Thanks for sharing and best wishes.

Ellis Taylor's avatar

Gideon, this moved me deeply and I feel sorry for your loss, both now but perhaps more the grief that you have carried for decades before that. Our fathers can wound us the hardest, especially by their absence - and doubly so when it is a voluntary one. I hope that putting this post up is healing for you and others for whom it resonates.

Nick Johnston's avatar

Well done on getting to this point. It’s certainly a journey.

Kerrie Friend's avatar

So eloquent so real and heartfelt thankyou

Michele Round's avatar

I read your story this morning, very early, and am still thinking about and moved by it. I wish you well

Ian's avatar

When I read My Brother Jaz after you released I was left with a feeling that was difficult to put into words, the evocative and compelling story you told. Sorry is not the right word, perhaps sadness is.

A sadness that you, Jaz and your parents all spent much of your lives with 'holes' largely instigated by your father for reasons none of us will ever know.

I hope that you can find real closure, Gideon, from your previous writing of My Brother Jaz and the piece you have shared today.

Simon Killen's avatar

Terrific piece Gideon. I had a very broken relationship with my father. And an even worse one with my mother in the end. But when my father died - and I was not close to him at all - I cried like a baby in a way I never have before. But that was it. Full stop. My sympathies to you - and to all who end up in these pathways...

Ross's avatar

Sad and beautiful. Thank you.

Tony Neilson's avatar

Thanks for sharing this Gideon. The loss of a father is a complex thing under “normal” circumstances, and you’ve done a beautiful job of expressing your feelings in this decidedly abnormal situation.

Andy Cochrane's avatar

A very thoughtful piece. Thank you for sharing.