April 24, 2016
Steve Julian died today.
His lovely wife, Felicia Friesema, has been keeping vigil for the past five months. The intelligence of Steve and Felicia to not fight a losing fight was, to me, the right decision. His diagnosis was terminal and unlike most folks who would 'fight' with every tooth and nail, these beautiful people took what had been dealt them and found a way to peace with minimally invasive interference. Almost every day Felicia would recount the steps that ultimately led to Steve's final curtain today.
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| Steve Julian NPR Morning Edition KPCC 89.3 FM | . |
I only met Steve one time for lunch. I'd seen his play, Ribbons of Life, and found it well constructed and even though it was just a staged reading, the characters were all well defined and the issues the play discussed were relevant and important. That we lose a guy like this at the age of 57 is a tragedy. That his legacy will succeed him is a must.
Steve Julian was present and accounted for. He was kind. He listened. If anything, those qualities would be something that every one of us might do to respect his memory and to simply be better people: being kind and listening.
I didn't know him well, but after meeting Felicia and feeling her good energy, I know that this was a power couple who might have gone on to make really wonderful theatre. Now, Felicia.. it's up to you and the hundreds of friends who love you and love the memory of your husband... to carry on.
The last thing I'll ever wish for anyone who dies is for them to "rest in peace." No play ever written would have ever worked were it not for the conflicts that were resolved in the plot. So.. for Steve Julian, I wish for an opportunity to thrive in that fair land... if it exists. Let's all be grateful for the joy he shared by example with his work... to inspire us all to make art.
It's time to be present and accounted for.
April 24, 2016
michaelsheehan
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