20 Comments
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C.P. Alemdar's avatar

What a wonderful piece, thank you so much for sharing.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thank you for reading!

Helen McLaughlin's avatar

This is so beautiful, Caitlin. I keep coming back to it. I was really sorry to hear about your dad's passing, but glad to learn a bit about him. May he rest in peace and may your memories of him buoy your spirit forevermore.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thanks so much, Helen <3

Abby Farson Pratt's avatar

This is beautiful, Caitlin, and I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I hope your happy memories of your dad will continue to lift your spirits in the days and months to come. Thank you for writing. Glad you wound up in Charlottesville for a season.

Heidi Dumke's avatar

Hi, Caitlin. I've had your post in my inbox, looking forward to the weekend when I knew I'd have time to savor your writing. Quite a few parts here really spoke to me---from the synchronicities to the words we carry from our fathers. May he continue to surprise you, comfort you, and cheer you on for the rest of your days as my dad does. I also appreciate your reading recommendations. I'm sending you the biggest hug. Oh, and thank you for sharing your gift of writing... whether you perceive it ranging somewhere on shit to the shit...I think it's all pretty genius 😉

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thanks so much, Heidi. This means a lot. I’m glad your dad continues to surprise and support you ❤️ I’ve been enjoying reading your newsletter as well ❤️

Margaret West's avatar

Caitlin, Thank you for this deeply moving post. I have contributed to the Zayneb project.

Your Dad was the Executive Producer of All Things Considered when I was hired to work there. I had heard good things about him ahead of time (that he was a great guy, that nobody swore in his presence!). All were understatements. His moral core was steel-like, but he was kind and soft spoken. He inspired us to be and do our best because of who he was. He set the tone at NPR. Long live Ted Clark.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thanks so much, Margaret. Long live indeed ❤️

Elinor Abbott's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss Caitlin and thank you for sharing your father's wisdom with us

Prof X's avatar

Donated to Zaynab, for you, for your Dad, for a better, more peaceful world. 🙏

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thank you Doualy! ❤️

Sonari Rhodes Glinton's avatar

In Chicago, we say, "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". It's such an important thing to remember. It says a lot that Brenda helped you write the notice. Ted Clark was an ally. He fought for his reporters, and he was a kind man. Trust me, these were rare traits among NPR editors. May his memory forever be a blessing.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thank you for this ❤️

Benjamin Eric's avatar

Ted was such a good neighbor. I was sorry to hear about his passing. I was not familiar with his work, but his moral code is admirable and this piece is a great tribute to his legacy. It is inspirational.

You and your family are in my thoughts.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Thanks, Ben. We loved being neighbors with your family. I wasn’t familiar with much of his work either. Trying to get more so although much of it preceded the internet

Carol Gawle's avatar

Re: the photo of your dad....Yes! Hold them close.

Caitlin Kindervatter-Clark's avatar

Ha yes holding close in an attempt to quieten