 |
|
 n November 15, 2002, Marty finally succumbed to the cancer he had been battling for 13 years. In 1989, at the beginning of his illness, he enrolled in a writing class, and for the next several years gradually added written pieces to his thought-provoking collection of stories and poetry. Not knowing if Marty would make it to 60, Harriet had it published in 1993 in time for his 59th birthday – a slim, beautiful volume entitled Healing - Reflections by Martin A. Radwell.
At the funeral chapel, filled to overflowing with family and friends, Harriet and her son, Steven,
lovingly read selections from Healing: “Change in the Weather”
and “Cleansweep” revealed the sharp contrasts in Marty's state of mind – from a sometimes aching despair – to – soaring optimism; and “Ode to a Handkerchief” reminded us, with great wit, of the humorous qualities found in even the most mundane of objects. With each piece we gained greater insight into Marty's remarkable courage and sensitivity.
Over the next several months, as a tribute to Marty, all the stories and poetry collected in Healing will be reproduced on the MJC website, in this special section under Jewish Perspectives.
Marty Radwell was a very special person. I will miss him – we will all miss him. I hope that these pages – containing his words – will allow us to hear him again, if only in our hearts. — Suzi Schwam
Marty's bench on the boardwalk in Long
Beach.
|
|
|
