Another young man who died of liver cancer, in this month's Harpers

I just read this article in Harpers.  Since the author, Roberto Bolaño, died of liver cancer at age 50, it seemed an appropriate reflection to share. I hesitate to draw any correspondences between the two myself, but I think there are many there if you choose to read this - substituting painting for writing.  I do not believe Josh ever surrendered to illness - as Arthur wrote, he continued to travel, to work, and to live all aspects of his life as fully as his body permitted and then some.

When Barbara Jean and I visited Josh at Croton before his last hospitalization, he took me aside and we sat on his steps, and he said, "I want to you know that I feel I have lived a good life.  I love my wife very much, and I've done what I wanted to do. I have no regrets."

Josh did not want anyone to feel worry or stress about what he was going through, and could have been saying this to comfort me.  However, from his tone, and eye contact, and the way we were sitting together, I fully believe him.

-Bram

P.S. I'm receiving many emails from Josh's old friends, who will be coming to the memorial this Sunday.  Josh's favorite restaurant in Croton was http://www.umamicafe.com and it would be a great place for those who've come from far away to find themselves after the formal gatherings at the temple are over. I'll be there if you will.