BACKGROUND: Thanks

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On February 2nd I asked my readers if an art experience at a crucial moment can help move forward in the grief process.
      There had been examples previously, when I had written about Patti Smith and the comforting song Paths That Cross.
      The answers that have come since then have brought a lump to my throat. So great was the anguish in the letters, and so great was the relief when the process had moved forward.
      The readers' answers are well-thought-out texts about grief and survival. Many letters are works of art in themselves. Only a few extracts would fit onto the page.
      I thank the readers for these answers. I hope that even brief extracts will reflect the personal nature of the experiences, and will serve as proof of the meaning of culture that runs deep.
     
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 14.4.2006

More on this subject:
 In grief, art can help transcend time and space

VESA SIREN / Helsingin Sanomat
vesa.siren@hs.fi