An Ode to Pat Conroy

Some of my closest friends know this, but there is an American Author living today who is one of the greatest writers and repeatedly changed my life by telling his stories who I had given up on.

His name is Pat Conroy. He is of Charleston, South Carolina and is extremely well known for his books: "The Great Santini", "The Lords of Discipline," and "The Prince of Tides". There are others. But it has been years since this man published anything new.

I know of no one better to tell the tales of family--both the love and hate, the cost of abuse, the real struggles of integrating the races in the American South, etc.

For me he is my hero as an author and as someone that has repeatedly put into words my own traumas, disappointments, courage, reason for my activism and my loud need to right injustice.

And, finally he is out with a new book. Just when I had decided he had said his say and made peace with his life. He Hits another Home Run with the book, 'South Of Broad'.

Again this is about racism, family trauma, real life.....and he tells it with a story tellers' wit and anguish that is unmistakably his gift and voice. Thank you Mr. Conroy. I wish someday to tell you that as I shake your hand and look you in the eye. From the Great Santini, where you uncompromisingly tell my story of abuse by a parent and the hatred a father has towards his son, to the love and devotion you gave in the Prince of Tides to a mother who allowed such abuse and covered it up with gentility.

I am now just 25% of the way through the "South of Broad" and am proud to finally be able to say thank you again for writing and telling stories that Americans and families need to hear.

You speak to me; you have healed me at times; You have taught me to look for meaning and beauty in this messed up world. You are my favorite American Author and I honor you for returning to the pen and publishing your stories.

Rob