Facing Up
Grateful Ned's Guide for Living and Dying with Grace
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DO’s AND DON’Ts IN SE ATTLE January 25, 2003 Dear Friends and Family, I am avoiding large crowds in anticipation of treatment. I am sending a photo of Suzanne and me taken on Thursday, January 23rd at Lake Union which is where our hotel is located. As you can see, I buzzed my hair a little to avoid hair on pillow which inevitably follows chemo. The temperature was a balmy 46 degrees and a little overcast but the sun was out most of the day. The beauty of this place assaults you and creates a wonderfully relaxed feeling. Every waiting room at the Hutch faces the lake. Great planning. ...... Based on my limited observation of the locals, I offer the following: “Do’s and Don’ts in Seattle”: n Don’t wear LL Bean. n Do wear Northface. n Don’t refer to your possessions as “things” or “stuff;” every inanimate object here is “gear.” n Do carry an umbrella but never use it; it marks you as a visitor. n Do use your windshield wipers; but always keep them on the lowest interval, no matter if you are in a monsoon Ned and Suzanne in Seattle 43 January 2 0 0 3 • s e a t t l e.
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About the Book
Ned Stutman’s career prosecuting Nazi war criminals for the U.S. Department of Justice forced him to confront one of the darkest periods of humanity. His most courageous act, however, may have been facing his own death. Through his sustained struggle with illness, Ned remained passionately engaged in the world, finding humor and joy even into his final hours. He wrote to family and friends about the ironies of life, about unexpected kindness and gratitude, and about the spiritual and magical importance of love. This moving memoir is a celebration of life and a reminder to be grateful for our time on earth.
“On Saturday the doctors will be ‘harvesting’ my stem cells. In this context, the use of the word ‘harvest’ seems odd. It conjures up little combines plowing through my blood collecting, baling, and loading my stems cells on flatbed trucks while doctors in John Deere hats sing ‘Oklahoma.’ (excerpt from Facing Up)
“Ned’s jokes allowed us to view everyday events and people with a new appreciation and to see the joy and humor in them.” (excerpt from Forward by Congressman Henry Waxman)
Anyone struggling with finding joy, fulfillment, and equanimity must read this poignant, uplifting, humorous account. Ned’s vision can help transform your world-view.
About the Author
Ned Stutman attended Temple University law school, practiced in Pennsylvania, then moved to Washington, DC to become a civil rights attorney for the Department of Justice. Ned's principal motivating factor was a belief in justice, whether it was working for persons with disabilities or working as a Nazi hunter. He was also voted Funniest Lawyer in Washington.