Dr. Howe, I wanted to leave you one last comment--not a question, sorry, but a kinda book review and a thanks:

I finally picked up the book you gave me (work has been crazy lately so I haven't had much time to actually sit and read). I'm pausing reading at page nine just to write this post. Your writing style is so wonderful, so vivid descriptive with just enough humor. I'm currently going through the gamut of emotions as you describe Gordie's passing because it brings back memories of my grandfather's decline before he passed, too, but it feels so real and raw like you're right here with me, telling me the story personally. I don't know if it was intentional, but ending page 9 with his passing was a very nice little touch.

I'd love to encourage everyone on the sub to read the book. I know you posted about it in the main body, but everyone really, really should. Here's the Amazon link through Amazon Smile, which will donate a portion of the sale to charity.

I'm so proud you're a Toledoan now and it's a bittersweet pride knowing that Gordie spent his last days here in Toledo, too, and that he frequented places like Tamoshanter and Meijer just like a normal guy. When I'd go to Tamo for open skates, I'd always look around hoping I'd maybe run into Gordie there. I never did. My first hockey lesson was the day after your father passed away and I made sure I got jersey #9.

I laughed a bit when I read the part about you being the 'runt of the litter' and inheriting his nose but not his hockey talent--I had commented to my coworkers how much you looked like photos of Gordie and had that same twinkle in your eye that he had in his.

I'm going to go back to reading now, even if it almost pains me to read these stories about how wonderful Gordie was, knowing I never got to meet him.

Thank you for everything and this AMA, Murray!

(EDIT: And most of all, thank you for taking the time to give answers to questions you answer in your book without just directing us there first--I've seen too many AMAs that go, "For the answer to this question, buy my book!". I appreciate the fact you 'repeat' yourself here rather than turning this into one big advertisement. I'm on page 14 now, I think I'm going to be reading all night.)