736 entries.
Nancy Medaris Stone
from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dearest Dr. Sacks,
My life will be diminished when you embark on your great journey. It means so much to have had you here among us. I will, of course, continue to learn from your extraordinary accounts of your life’s course and the experiences that gave it meaning. You are a magnet for souls and we all embrace you and envelop you with love. Onward to the stars!
Rebecca R Tsurumi
from New York
I was so pleased to see your familiar byline in the NY Times last Sunday in your opinion piece-- Sabbath-- in the Sunday Review. It was very interesting to read about your life in the Orthodox Jewish community in Cricklewood. I was so happy to read that Robert John, through his wisdom and kindness, brought the peace and the warmth of the Sabbath back to you. More importantly, I was glad to know that during your later trip to Israel with your partner that your family and friends embraced both of you. You have certainly lived a good life. I hope that you find the peace and rest that you deserve.
Andy
Dear Dr. Sacks,
I heard your personal story while exploring Glacier and Grand Teton National Parks. I shared your sense of adventure as I drove full bore into a massive thunderstorm in Utah. I felt your heart beat as I returned back to my own work: giving at-risk youth the chance to graduate high school and succeed in their lives.
Now, as a 25 year old, I have chosen to make you and your story a part of my life. I will be applying to medical school next year to study neurology. I plan to work with kids and families, investigating the intersection of poverty, stress and childhood development. I do this because your passion and duty ignites a fire deep inside of me, affirming that my calling is to listen to the voices unheard and stories untold.
I am grateful for the person you have become: not only for you, but for your family, your friends, your readers and your patients. I choose to thank you not through words, but by vowing the same service and dedication to understanding both individual people and the essence of humanity, hoping to walk through life with a sliver of the grace and kindness with which you've filled yours.
Sören is right in saying that "life must be live forwards". I now take upon my own torch to blaze mine.
Warmly,
Andy
Valerie Fintel
from Fremont, California USA
Dear Dr. Sacks,
I was overwhelmed with wonder and fascination, after hearing your book on tape, On the Move. Coming from a financial field, I was interested in everything you had to say, even thought I didn’t understand all the technical medical jargon. Having the exposure to your information enriched my mind.
I also note that you have led a very rich life, even though you had some shyness that inhibited you in certain areas.
Loving photos of all sorts, it was a true gift to see you on your motorcycle in your buff young age, as I had only been exposed to photos of you in your mature years.
Your body of books are a contribution to society. They will endure for many years as a teaching tool to a wide audience around the world. They will reach more people than any dry, technical medical textbook.
Thank you again for the gift of your wonderful writings.
Jane Farrell
from Washington, DC
Dear Dr. Sacks,
My partner and I recently listened to "On the Move" as we drove around the American west, hiking in Glacier, Yellowstone, and the Tetons. Listening to your words and reflecting upon them as we took in the impossible beauty of the landscapes around us, formed by glaciers and geologic events over millions of years, I couldn't help but contemplate the preciousness of the brief time we have. But hearing your story has made be more hopeful about the power of compassion and kindness to leave an equally lasting impact on the world as mile-high sheets of ice have done over millennia.
Thank you for your love and for sharing your story. We are forever grateful.
With love,
Jane
PJ Meehan
from Naples
Dear Dr. Sacks,
You have made a difference. The ability to improve individual lives and to contribute to positive changes in psychiatry and across societies worldwide must provide a measure of contribution that demonstrates the richness of your achievements. We will be learning the wisdom of your insights for generations to come. Thank you.
robert irvine
from Halfmoon Bay, B.C.
Enjoyed 'On The Move' mightily, your wonderful openness is most laudable. You have been one of my heros for a long time, Dr. Sacks. Net effect is most surprising in that at age 66 I am returning to Dread Chemistry (39% in Gr. 12) with full intention of comprehending the incomprehensible.
Onward Kind Sir...
Jason Elias
from Croton NY
Dear Dr. Sacks,
Your work and stories have moved me deeply since The Man Who Mistook His Wife For a Hat. I've read them all, and now so is my son, who is studying music therapy.
After reading your NYTimes piece this Sunday, I felt a deep resonance with your journey and the gift of story.
Warmly, Jason Elias
Sylvia
from Seattle
Dr. Sacks,
You're the reason I decided to go into medicine. In college, I loved my literature classes so much more than my science ones, but after reading your books, I began to think of becoming a doctor as a pursuit of the humanities rather than just a mastery of science.
My dad, a psychiatrist, introduced me to The Man Who Mistook HIs Wife for a Hat, which marked the first adult conversations I remember trying to have with him where I felt that he was listening to my opinions as a fellow reader, rather than as a little kid.
I ended up going into oncology to do melanoma research, ironically, and was very sad to read your post in the New York Times about your illness. I wanted to let you know how much you have meant to my career and how much you have influenced the type of doctor and person I try to be. Thank you!
Lorna Richman, BA, LMT, RCST*
from Cleveland, Ohio
Dear Dr. Sacks,
On August 3, I turned 67. It could be the 2/3 mark if I live to be 100. Tonight I read your piece, "Sabbath," from Sunday's New York Times. It spoke volumes to me about a theme in my life, the desire to belong. Although I was raised as a Reform Jew in Michigan, I moved to Ohio to attend nursing school. All of the synagogues here felt foreign to me, so I left organized religion.
When I couldn't find the healing part in nursing, I became a licensed massage therapist and ultimately a biodynamic craniosacral therapist. By developing compassion for others, I learned to be more patient and loving with myself. I failed to marry a man, yet was able to find a woman who has become my life partner. After years of searching, I have found families of friends who love and support and hold me dear.
I wish you peace and time with those you love, your life has made such a difference for so many.
With deep appreciation for all your many gifts,
Lorna
P.S., I have also ridden Harley Davidsons and BMW, R69S.
Anne stadler
from Lake Forest Park WA. US
Dr. Sacks,
I just finished your NYTimes opinion piece about Sabbath. I'm moved to write you to thank you for carefully and diligently revealing the arc of your life in your writing and public actions, a life well lived, indeed. You are a dear son and glorious human. Thank you for enriching my life, over and over again!
Mar Benavent
from Valencia
Estimado Dr. Sacks,
Usted me hizo interesar por el ser humano desde una perspectiva tan fascinante que jamás he podido ya dejar aprender, de estudiar. Hoy investigo en Neurociencias gracias a que un día, una de mis profesoras, me recomendó que leyera "El hombre que confundió a su mujer con un sombrero".
Además, como enferma de migraña crónica, tengo que agradecerle que gracias a su libro "Migraña", dejase de ver mi enfermedad como una maldición o una locura y comenzase a comprenderla y no sentirme sola, puesto que en ese momento descubrí que había miles y miles de personas compartiendo mis experiencias y sufrimientos, y más allá, científicos como usted estudiándolos.
Le quiero porque de alguna manera usted forma parte de lo que soy, de mi familia y siempre le reconoceré como maestro, ídolo y amigo.
Mary Ellen Levie
from Miami Beach
Dear Dr. Sacks,
Thank you for being an inspiration to me.
You have given me courage to face the unknown .
I send you my blessings and my love. Peace be with you.
Mary Ellen
Albert Span
from Alameda, CA 94501
Dear Oliver Sacks,
Thank you for everything. We first came to know you by your television shows, many of which I still remember. I know we read "Uncle Tungsten." I printed a list of all your books and I will look for other publications. Seeing you on those shows was deeply satisfying.
I recently read "Sabbath." It was beautifully written and very moving. I also just finished reading "My Periodic Table." I hope I can face my end as squarely as you are yours. I will still hear you when I continue reading your books, so your life will be extended for me. You are a uniquely wonderful man. DOB(11/30/36)
Jane de Groot
from Centerville
Dear Dr. Sacks,
It's been such a delight to witness your extraordinarily insightful and magical work over the years. I saw you speak once in Brooklyn. Now I am celebrating your life when I swim. The sun, the wind, and the ocean are all sending you love and peace.
Evelyn Wolke
from Manassas, VA
Dr. Sacks,
I'd just like to say thank you. Your books and articles have been inspiring to me. The honesty in your autobiography, the kindness and humanity of your writing, and the vivid characterization of the people you write about should be a lesson to all clinicians.
I wish you the best, and all happiness. We will miss you in your next journey.
André Lahitte
from SALTILLO ( Mexico )
Dr. Sacks,
I admire and thank you for the admirable equanimity you show us at this peculiar moment of your life. You are near the "amor fati" of Nietzsche through his "tragic" view of the existence. Since you like reading and poetry, I dare suggest that you read The Abyss by Marguerite Yourcenar, Embers by Sándor Márai, and the poetry of Edmond Jabès (especially Je bâtis ma demeure).
I understand your tranquillity, "your work is done," as you said... And well done, I will add. Since I am 76 years old, and with rather bad health, I am just a step behind you, trying to learn from your fortitude.
With my best sympathy,
André Lahitte
Victoria B
from Vancouver, Canada
Dear Dr. Sacks,
I have been moved and inspired by your work and your writing for a long time. Your recent piece, "Sabbath," however has found a special place in my heart. It reminded me that it is okay to not always know where you're going, and that things will not always be easy or straightforward, but that seeking peace in your heart throughout your days on earth is, in itself, the path. I wish I had the words to describe how all of the different parts of the piece resonated with me but I am not nearly so adept with writing. I just wanted to thank you, truly, for sharing your thoughts and experiences; and let you know that I will be inspired by them for the rest of my life.
Jennifer Mariacher
from Butler, PA
Dear Dr. Sacks,
Your mother was wrong! The dictionary lists antonyms for abomination as delight, kindness, happiness, beauty, benefit, pleasure, blessing, enjoyment, esteem, joy, right (although not politically, I hope!) and treat. Although her assessment of you was wrong and hurtful and caused you great pain, you have overcome it and become an inspiration to millions! I would add to those antonyms inspiration, amazing intellect, incredible sense of humor, bon vivant, and, in general, a gift from God to the whole human race! I hope that you are able to "go gently into that good night" with the peace and serenity that you so richly deserve.
Mildred A. Schwartz
from Hackensack
Dear Dr. Sacks,
Your article in Sunday's New York Times on the Sabbath was very moving. I hope and pray that the peace of the Sabbath can bring you some comfort as you struggle with your cancer, and I pray for a refuah shlaimah. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I've been a cancer survivor for 18 years and I know how that sharing can help others.
Mildred
