I’ve been listening to Dan Savage‘s podcast since he started it — been reading his column for even longer — and I thought it odd that he’d taken the last couple of weeks off from the “out loud version” without any notice. I’d been a little miffed, more because I’ve come to look forward to Tuesdays when I can get the download and either disappear into my headphones while walking around the city or fighting the loud and obnoxious commuters on my bus home.
Then, in today’s column, I found out the reason for Dan’s absence — his mother died on Monday. His mother, with who he had co-written a column series, has always been a huge presence in his writing and is always, always spoken about with such reverence. When I read that his mom had passed, I felt like someone I knew had died, and I ached for him and his family and I’m sure most of his readers are doing right now.
Popnography wrote this about his tribute: If you’re sitting in a private office or don’t give a shit if people see you sobbing in your cubicle, or you just want to read a piece of beautiful writing about being the most lucky of mama’s boys, here’s what I’ve got: Dan Savage wrote an incredibly heartbreaking, amazingly honest column in tribute to his mom
After you finish it, and you’re able to take a small break from crying — and you will cry. Whether it leaves you thinking about losing your mom or dad or someone else that means so much to you, you will cry. But yes, once you blot your tears for a bit, pop over to the This American Life site.One of my favorite pieces Dan has done on was part of the Leave the Mask On episode. He discusses how, despite the fact that he “makes his living writing a nationally syndicated sex advice column — admits that there’s one group of people he does not want to discuss sex with ever. Sadly, it’s a group of people who have his home phone number: his family.”
The tears might come again, but this time — the laughter will probably break through.
