Welcome friends,
I’m pleased to bring you this inaugural post of The Full Catastrophe Blog. I hope to come to you regularly with mini-essays, excerpts from my memoir-in-progress, thoughts on the writing process and life and loss and family, and random things I find particularly thought-provoking or inspirational.
I’ll also include occasional news from the familial hypercholesterolemia front and our latest travels and probably other completely unrelated topics, because we are, after all, people with passions rarely confined to a single theme.
For me, the through line is empathy and compassion and connection. If that speaks to you, join me in this ongoing conversation about the things that make our lives worthwhile. Perhaps we’ll both learn something we wouldn’t have known flying solo.
Though I’d give everything I have to undo the many losses I’ve experienced, most of all what happened on that gorgeous Saturday in June 1999 when my oldest son, Eric, died, life continues whether we want it to or not: the grief, the joy, the ups and downs…as Zorba would say, “the full catastrophe” of living.
This writing life, this memoir, and now this blog: each is another way of getting what I’ve lived through down on paper and excavating meaning, of unearthing the many ways that grief and joy can and do, indeed, coexist.
It’s a beautiful story, a beautiful site, and beautiful writing, Casey. Congrats on a big first and I look forward to hearing much more!
Thanks so much, Karen!
Casey, I love every single word of this❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you. ❤️
❤️😘 Miss you, Jean!
I never tire of reading your heartfelt thoughts couched in beautiful prose. So happy to see your blog go live!!
Thank you, Nancy, and as always thanks for reading. I’m happy to see it finally live, too!
Of course this came at the perfect moment. I could never pass up a read of yours. Your voice reads it aloud in my mind and my heart soaks in each perfect word so beautifully written.
That comes from all those weeks listening to each other read our work. But I appreciate your words, especially coming from such a wonderful writer and one who knows.
Beautiful writing, Casey.
Thank you, Allison. 🙂
Thank you for the invitation to your blog and newsletter. You are awesomely brave to do this, and your writing is very touching I’m looking forward to your future posts. Enjoy the journey.
Thank you, Wendy. Your kind words when we met recently meant so much to me, and I’m happy you’ve signed on!
You have me hanging on every word. I can’t wait to read more. 🙂
Wow, thank you Millie. Hope to have more for you very soon!
Great website Casey, and wonderful writing.
Thanks, Margaret. I’m so glad you’re here.
Thank you Casey for sending this my way.
Thank you for reading, Linda!
Beautiful Casey, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading. 🙂
I’m so impressed with the work you’ve done to, as they say, “build your platform.” It’s a herculean task (that you probably didn’t really anticipate) on top of the one you meant to take on, the actual writing. As always, your writing is beautiful. Holding my breath for the memoir —
I’m holding my breath to see it out in the world too! Yes, a huge task for sure, yet though it was frustrating at times I find I really enjoy the design element. I’m thrilled you’re here.
Heartbreakingly beautiful and brave. I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Eileen. Your kind words mean so much, coming from you. I’m so happy you’re here.
I remember your beautiful writing from class many years ago, and it has gotten even better in the years since. Brava!
Thanks so much, Betsy. I met so many terrific people in that class!
WOW – I am speechless and filled with emotion. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to reading more (and more). xo
Thank you so much, Norma. I’m honored to have you as a reader. You were there for so much of it.
Casey, you are so talented! Promise you’ll never stop writing.
❤️ Thank you. I’m not sure possible for me to stop :).
This site is beautiful, Casey. Congratulations and best of luck with it. Your blog is also wonderful. Your vision for the blog content is very similar to mine. As soon as my site is up, I’ll share.
Thanks for taking a look—I’m so glad you liked it and look forward to reading yours!
Casey,
Sitting here with my evening coffee enjoying your beautiful writing. I am very excited that you shared with me.🙏
Of course, I sent to Aunt Carole. I know she would appreciate the way you are sharing your story.
I look forward to more time spent with you through your catastrophe blog.
You continue to be a source of inspiration.
BTW, whenever I compose a particularly fine report card comment, I always tell people, “The spirit of Casey Walsh is upon me!”
Happy for you! Kate Tully
Kate, you made me laugh! 😍 Those were the days, writing those report card comments, right? I’m so happy to be reconnected with you, too—please give my best to Carole—and I’m so glad you’re well. ❤️ Let’s keep in touch. Please sign up for my mailing list at the bottom of the blog page so you get new posts automatically and share with anyone you think might want to read. XO
I feel the same as everyone who has read and commented on your writing. It is beautiful, lyrical and the quality is outstanding. Such a pleasure to read. Bravo! We all want more! ♥️
Thank you. Kate. I’m honored to have you as a reader and dear friend. 😘
Casey, thank you for bringing me back into your life. I had forgotten you were orphaned at a young age. You have always been connected to the cause, the result, the continuation and the purpose of “life”. Your connecting “thread” is defined by your choices. You have chosen happiness. Thank you for letting me in on your journey. I feel blessed!
Claire, what a beautiful thing for you to say. I miss our friendship and your own lovely way with words. I’m so glad we’re back in touch and honored to have you walk alongside me here.