One of the most influential people in my life was Dr. Jim Redmond.
Jim, as I was privileged to call him in adulthood, was my college English professor, who gently encouraged me to continue exploring the world, not just through literature, but through experiences. He’s probably the reason I write this silly inane musing.
How many people correspond with college professors throughout the years? It’s a gift I was given, mostly because I felt compelled to send Christmas cards every year to the people that mattered most to me 40 years ago. Dr. Redmond always responded with handwritten letters to my handwritten missives, both of us ruing the lost art of letter writing. He called when he was in town and continued to encourage me by merely phoning randomly and asking about my life. It was a mutually beneficial friendship, because I felt acknowledged by someone who was a genius in his field. I’m sure he felt somewhat inspired by a student who continued to explore the world – he enjoyed my travel writings pre-blog, and I began to feel like we were becoming the same age. What a lovely convergence.
I will miss his ”out of the blue” calls. He was a true educator. He was a friend.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-patrick-redmond-obituary?id=36839638
A lovely tribute to a dear man. I remember him fondly from our college years, one of my favorite teachers. His love of literature was inspiring and encouraging. His influence beyond the classroom. A life well lived.
What a lovely tribute to a friendship that grew over the years. All your memories and connections will serve you well as you journey on.