The White Horse
Those Mosers!
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 9, 2006
Dear Stephen Moser,
I have read your sister's writing for many years and have experienced many different emotions when doing so, as well as learning a great deal more about a variety of subjects. Now, I find myself looking forward to reading your column every issue as well. You seem to be having a lot of fun being a social butterfly in this town then sharing it with the rest of us. The column you wrote about bringing your mom to Texas was really great because it reminded me of moving my father here after my mother passed away [“After a Fashion,” Arts, Dec. 30]. I decided to try and empower him to believe that he was able to have a new and different life here in Austin that he wouldn't have had with my mother (of course in the most respectable way possible toward my mother's memory). I know you'll do the same for your mom. My father did develop a new life here. I bought a duplex and lived in one side and he lived in the other because I never wanted to see him in a nursing home. I originally had plans to build a single-family home, but his arrival changed my plans in a positive way. He lived with me for five years and died from an inoperable tumor in his lung, although I had hoped he would be with me for 15 years or more. Sadly, that part didn't happen as I would have liked. The amazing thing was I had two memorial services for him (one here and one in Wisconsin). I was stunned when a couple hundred people showed up for the service here, and I found myself talking about my father in front of all of these people, many of whom I had never seen nor knew anything about. As it turned out, he had a whole social circle of friends and acquaintances I was unaware of even though I lived next door to him and saw him almost every day. Enjoy your mom every chance you get even though it may seem tedious at times, simply because an elderly family member can often have special needs and may be set in their ways, making it difficult for their children. I always considered it a privilege to be around and help my father, not to mention it was the right thing to do as his son. The column you wrote compelled me to respond to compliment you on how you welcomed her to Texas. I'll continue to read the writings of the Mosers. Keep up the good work Stephen. My only regret is that I don't have as much of an opportunity as you do to go to some of these parties and meet the kind of people you get to meet. I'm sure it's not always fun, but you write the column as though you're always having a good time and then entertaining the rest of us. Thanks again for the column and for being a thoughtful and loving son.
I have read your sister's writing for many years and have experienced many different emotions when doing so, as well as learning a great deal more about a variety of subjects. Now, I find myself looking forward to reading your column every issue as well. You seem to be having a lot of fun being a social butterfly in this town then sharing it with the rest of us. The column you wrote about bringing your mom to Texas was really great because it reminded me of moving my father here after my mother passed away [“After a Fashion,” Arts, Dec. 30]. I decided to try and empower him to believe that he was able to have a new and different life here in Austin that he wouldn't have had with my mother (of course in the most respectable way possible toward my mother's memory). I know you'll do the same for your mom. My father did develop a new life here. I bought a duplex and lived in one side and he lived in the other because I never wanted to see him in a nursing home. I originally had plans to build a single-family home, but his arrival changed my plans in a positive way. He lived with me for five years and died from an inoperable tumor in his lung, although I had hoped he would be with me for 15 years or more. Sadly, that part didn't happen as I would have liked. The amazing thing was I had two memorial services for him (one here and one in Wisconsin). I was stunned when a couple hundred people showed up for the service here, and I found myself talking about my father in front of all of these people, many of whom I had never seen nor knew anything about. As it turned out, he had a whole social circle of friends and acquaintances I was unaware of even though I lived next door to him and saw him almost every day. Enjoy your mom every chance you get even though it may seem tedious at times, simply because an elderly family member can often have special needs and may be set in their ways, making it difficult for their children. I always considered it a privilege to be around and help my father, not to mention it was the right thing to do as his son. The column you wrote compelled me to respond to compliment you on how you welcomed her to Texas. I'll continue to read the writings of the Mosers. Keep up the good work Stephen. My only regret is that I don't have as much of an opportunity as you do to go to some of these parties and meet the kind of people you get to meet. I'm sure it's not always fun, but you write the column as though you're always having a good time and then entertaining the rest of us. Thanks again for the column and for being a thoughtful and loving son.
Gregory Reichner
