I contacted Janet Burroway after rereading this story, for I had been her student in more than one class at Florida State University. When, in our correspondence, she told me that "Michael" had indeed taken his life at age forty, I was shocked speechless. I could hardly bear the transition from the rich living-ness that Janet delivers in this story, and I could not answer Janet's kindly, confiding letter. Now I have read the story again and know its awful prescience. But nothing can kill its rich living-ness, the mother's love and pulsing hope for her son, and its incredible human beauty.
Charlotte Harrell replied on Sun, 10/23/2016 - 08:05pm
I contacted Janet Burroway after rereading this story, for I had been her student in more than one class at Florida State University. When, in our correspondence, she told me that "Michael" had indeed taken his life at age forty, I was shocked speechless. I could hardly bear the transition from the rich living-ness that Janet delivers in this story, and I could not answer Janet's kindly, confiding letter. Now I have read the story again and know its awful prescience. But nothing can kill its rich living-ness, the mother's love and pulsing hope for her son, and its incredible human beauty.