736 entries.
Kathleen O'Neill
from Hampshire UK
I was so sorry to hear of the death of Oliver Sacks. I have always enjoyed his writings and appreciate how accessible they are, mainly as I think it has encouraged us all to be less prejudiced and narrow-minded. I feel very ashamed that our societies were so cruel to homosexuals and I am so glad he found true love before he died. Oliver did not know me but, not only do I feel I knew him, I also felt a love that will long outlast his breath. Rest assured I will make sure he continues to live through my children and my students, many of whom have physical and learning disabilities.
Kelly McGuire
from Grand Junction, CO
Dr. Sacks,
You were truly an inspiration for many. You will be missed.
Emilia
from Northridge
I learned about Dr. Sacks in graduate school in 2011. I'm bummed I didn't learn about his work earlier. Ever since, I've been collecting his books, what an incredibly amazing person and great role model!
"The brain is the most intricate mechanism in the universe...I couldn't imagine spending my life with kidneys." ~ Oliver Sacks
Ivonne Yeste
from Coconut Creek, FL
So terribly sorry to hear of your passing. I've enjoyed your stories and interviews on the many Public Radio shows over the years. This is a terrible loss to medicine and a terrible loss for humanity. May whatever this next adventure brings be amazing! My thoughts are prayers are with your family and loved ones.
Sharone
from New York City
Sadly, I write this too late for Dr. Sacks to read, but perhaps in our strange universe the words will reverberate where they belong. I was first touched by Dr. Sack’s work when I saw Awakenings as a child. Even then I was moved by a man’s ability to bring life to others.
Later, it seems, Dr. Sacks brought some of that life to me. In a world without many role models, Dr. Sacks stands out as a person who moved beyond the constraints of culture and expectations and found the joy that lives only in the actualization of the self. This courage, his gentle reflections, and honest inquiry are rare and powerful gifts. Thank you Dr. Sacks for sharing yourself so gently and beautifully with the world.
Kathy
from Omaha
Along about 1992 - 1995 I wrote a letter to Dr. Sacks because I was the mom of a young son who had so many overlapping neurologies, it made the doctors I spoke to go silent. I asked Dr. Sacks if he could send me any information about anyone in the Philadephia area that would have the curiosity to try to untangle all my son had going on. He wrote me a hand written letter that I still have sending me the name of a doctor in Philadelphia who was very interested in more complicated arrangements of neurology.
Now my son is 30, handsome, well spoken, off the chart energetic, still with some tics, unable to sleep well but he can cook like no one else and has been able to do that for a living. Physical activity was the only medicine that ever helped his symptoms. We hung on to the idea that Dr. Sacks proposed - that his neurology would become an integral part of my son and "getting rid" of the symptoms would probably not be possible or even the happiest ending. This mom will forever be grateful for his help.
Lynne Cawley
from Sebastopol, CA
Dr. Sacks, you may have "moved on" but you will forever be a part of me. I have read and cherished your books for their honesty and curiosity but mostly the love you were able to express about caring for your patients. You deepened my own experience of being a nurse and validated my need to remain at the bedside, not removed from patient contact. Thank you for the joy I felt as I visited your patients with you!
I loved your memoir and I want to extend my condolences to Billy Hayes and your family. I am so happy to know that you found love in your life. Perhaps my use of mixed tenses expresses how very present you seem to me. I don't think I'm exaggerating to say you were among the most important influences in my life.
God bless you, Sir. You are very loved.
Lynne Cawley
Matilde
from Munich
Dr Oliver Sacks,
Reading all of your books, particularly Migraine and Awakenings, really changed my life.
Thank you
RIP
Michael DeFilippo
from Ozark, MO
For some reason, I stopped receiving Dr. Sacks's monthly newsletters, and as life has a way of doing, I was distracted me from events happening outside my world, so I never noticed they had ceased. As a result, I never even knew he was sick, so news of his passing took me completely by surprise. I am stunned to say the least.
I met Dr. Sacks at a Tourette Syndrome Association conference back in 2002, and have fond memories of speaking with him. I do have a photo of the two of us together, so at least I have that wonderful memory. I wrote to him shortly after my son was born in 1997, and described what I thought were motor tics (I have TS). He wrote back and told me not to worry, that it could be nothing. But he did suggest that I follow up with him in a few years’ time, which I never did. Once again, procrastination had its way with me, and I do hope I soon learn to act in a more responsive manner. My condolences to those who loved him. He will live on forever, though, and will touch lives in the way only he could for generations to come.
stevette
from charlotte
Dr Sacks,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your passing. It has been a great pleasure to get to know you better through On The Move. You have made this world a better place with all of your genius contributions but most importantly for being true to yourself. You will be missed by so many.
Michelle Bentolila
from New York
Dr Sacks was a most inspiring human being. I have read all his books and even called him once...in hope he could help to treat my migraines!
I never met him personally, but I will miss his wit and understanding of the human brain.
My thoughts go to his family for this immense loss.
In Peace .....
Michelle
Anjan Kumar Basu
from Kolkata, India
I pay my homage to Dr. Oliver Sacks. I never met him but have two of his books, brilliantly written for laymen like me. He was not just a physician but a man with humanistic philosophy. Such persons are becoming rare in the present world. It is a great loss for all the world. I sincerely share my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Polly Rawlings
from London
Dearest Oliver Sacks, Your joyous teachings have inspired many & made the world a better place. Thank you and Rest In Peace.
Anita Sapper
from Forest Hills NY
To the Recently Departed Oliver Sacks,
I truly hope the transition was not painful. Through your books, essays and pictures I came to know you as so delightful, brilliant, and humble a man. A Mensch of the first order. I adored you.
May you Rest in Peace Always Dr. Sacks.
elaine smith
from san jose, ca
I had never heard of you before today. You had a fabulous and useful life helping many with your medical research. May you rest in peace.
Jeroen van Drie
from Arnhem, Netherlands
Rest well dear friend, thank you for everything.
Gail Zoppo
from Woodbridge
Thank you, Dr. Sacks , for your tenderness, talent, and for opening my eyes (and the eyes of many others) to the remarkable world of the mind! Your positive spirit and brilliance will be missed.
Doug Spahn
from Sydney
I was very sad to learn of Oliver's passing yesterday.
Despite having only met him once, it was enough time to recognise him as a beautiful human being.
January 2003. A half an hour meeting that turned into three delightful hours of genuine warmth and desire to help a complete stranger. Time I have and will always cherish.
Eyes of Silence was eventually published in 2013 and it was Oliver's belief and encouragement that provided the inspiration to make this dream a reality.
That meeting was the catalyst that changed the course of my life, which is still an ongoing journey. I will be eternally grateful to Oliver for his writing, particularly Awakenings, and his remarkable spirit.
A sad day but also a celebration for a man who made his mark on this world in such a profound way.
Marianne
from Palo Alto
Dear Oliver,
I believe you are on your most surprising adventure, now.
You made a remarkable difference, to more people than you will ever know.
Hugs and highest regards,
Marianne
Virginia Chau
from Edmonton, Canada
Despite knowing this day would come, it was still heart-breaking to learn that a great light has gone out today. Thank you for all your words, Dr. Sacks. I am a better reader because of you.
