For those of you who might enjoy hearing about how Peg made out after this incident:
She wrote to her mother that “Papa’s letter was a beautiful one; it cheered me immensely.” She also said she was determined to act upon Papa’s advice; and “with God’s help I think I shall be a better girl.” She went on to attend Bryn Mawr College, acted in a couple of plays, married, and had two children. She was viewed as the best of citizens in San Francisco, working with the civil rights group, supporting the Community Chest operations and heading up the Ladies’ Protection and Relief, and devoted her time as war began in 1939 to British War Relief. Throughout her life, she did have two more bouts with depression, but she handled them well. The last one, at her husband’s urging, she went with him hiking in the foothills near Santa Clara, and after a while, the exhilarating experience of being in the wonderful and exhilarating landscape, along with the lively exercise, led to the depression passing. The family legend pronounced this a California cure for a New England psychological illness.
Hi All,
I’ve been following the various comments that the article generated. I certainly agree with Julia that William James’s letter is lovely. I very much appreciate the very kind words Rosalee shared–much thanks. PacificDawn, your narrative of K. left me thinking how I would address the concerns that would come up if I knew a similar person. Dr. Paula J. Caplan, first let me say how much I admired your contribution to these types of issues. I remember reading “They Say You’re Crazy” and loved the insider perspective you shared. With regards to your view that there was nothing confusing about what James wrote, for it seemed to you he meant that Peg should avoid taking out on others her sad/upset feelings…–Your interpretation seems sound. Thanks for sharing with us your keen perspective. Frances Dale, you came away with the impression that James was saying that Peg should stuff her feelings, but it was okay to write him a letter about it. Hmmm. I had some concerns that this is the way he might come across, and some confusion about this, though I now think there is some merit to Dr. Caplan’s interpretation.
My Best,
Jeff
For those of you who might enjoy hearing about how Peg made out after this incident:
She wrote to her mother that “Papa’s letter was a beautiful one; it cheered me immensely.” She also said she was determined to act upon Papa’s advice; and “with God’s help I think I shall be a better girl.” She went on to attend Bryn Mawr College, acted in a couple of plays, married, and had two children. She was viewed as the best of citizens in San Francisco, working with the civil rights group, supporting the Community Chest operations and heading up the Ladies’ Protection and Relief, and devoted her time as war began in 1939 to British War Relief. Throughout her life, she did have two more bouts with depression, but she handled them well. The last one, at her husband’s urging, she went with him hiking in the foothills near Santa Clara, and after a while, the exhilarating experience of being in the wonderful and exhilarating landscape, along with the lively exercise, led to the depression passing. The family legend pronounced this a California cure for a New England psychological illness.
Report comment
Hi All,
I’ve been following the various comments that the article generated. I certainly agree with Julia that William James’s letter is lovely. I very much appreciate the very kind words Rosalee shared–much thanks. PacificDawn, your narrative of K. left me thinking how I would address the concerns that would come up if I knew a similar person. Dr. Paula J. Caplan, first let me say how much I admired your contribution to these types of issues. I remember reading “They Say You’re Crazy” and loved the insider perspective you shared. With regards to your view that there was nothing confusing about what James wrote, for it seemed to you he meant that Peg should avoid taking out on others her sad/upset feelings…–Your interpretation seems sound. Thanks for sharing with us your keen perspective. Frances Dale, you came away with the impression that James was saying that Peg should stuff her feelings, but it was okay to write him a letter about it. Hmmm. I had some concerns that this is the way he might come across, and some confusion about this, though I now think there is some merit to Dr. Caplan’s interpretation.
My Best,
Jeff
Report comment