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Anne Kadet's avatar

After Mr. Hudson interviewed me for his podcast last month, I was hoping to meet him someday—I felt we had so much in common and he seemed like such an interesting, lovely, talented and thoughtful person. Reading this Q&A, I feel that way even more.

I'm glad you published this interview Jane, and am so sorry Mr. Hudson is not here to enjoy it.

Yes, may he rest in peace.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I wish you had been able to meet him IRL, Anne!! I think you two would have gotten along so well! And I'm so super duper sad my interview didn't happen. I wish I hadn't pushed it back so many times. Ah well. Yes, yes, yes, may he be at peace. xx

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Writer Pilgrim by So Elite's avatar

I thought you two had met. I remember that interview as I listened to it and was in awe. You are both brilliant writers and the way you spoke in that podcast had me think you were in the presence of each other, in the same room. May he rest in peace.

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Gayle Brandeis's avatar

Oh, what a gift this is! Thank you so much for sharing it, dear Jane, for allowing Gabe to speak to us now. Such a beautiful treasure in the midst of this wrenching loss. He is leaving such a legacy of kindness and generosity (and your kindness and generosity are such treasures, too! I love that you two beautiful souls were connected!)

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, thank you, Gayle. I only knew Gabe through a Very Long exchange of emails that resulted from me having to push back my interview with him (he was going to interview me) multiple times. Something I'm now super sad about. And then, of course, through social media. But his warmth and kindness radiated through every word. It's shocking that he's gone. And YOUR kindness and generosity are also treasures! Here's to honoring Gabe by bringing mountains more kindness into the world, friend. xx

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This Wild and Precious Life's avatar

His beautiful soul and heart shines in this interview. May he rest in peace.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I feel the same! He is so missed. And, yes, may he rest in peace. What a kind man.

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Michael Estrin's avatar

Thank you for publishing this, Jane. Reading this felt like we got just a little more Gabe, and that’s a very good feeling.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you, Michael! I'm glad you enjoyed it and got to spend a bit more time with your dear friend. xx

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Jane. It's a wonderful tribute to someone who so many people on here and elsewhere experienced as a wonderful human being. He was so kind and generous to newcomers (like me), a lesson that I hope I will remember and will always be inspired by. May his kind spirit live on in all of us.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thanks, Jeffrey. I agree with every word you wrote!

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Cindy Lamothe's avatar

This just made me tear up. Thank you so much for sharing some of Gabe's last thoughts with us, Jane. I really appreciated reading this today and will take everything he's said here to heart.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I know, Cindy. It made my heart hurt, too. But likewise I'm grateful for his beautiful words. What a loss. Sending you big love. xx

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Framing-the-Story w/AK's avatar

Thank you for this, Jane. I didn't know Gabe Hudson personally, but I was certainly a fan of his writing. From your interview with him I was happy to discover that I shared his affinity for Wegner hats with flaps. :)

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Aw, thank you, Alex. And how wonderful you share a love of Wagner hats with flaps! They're pretty great!

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Amy Brown's avatar

What a remarkable human Gabe Hudson was. I am so sad that we have lost him, having just "met" him here through you, Jane. I see he has left a beautiful legacy of writing and interviewing that reflects his kindness, deep compassion and humanity, and that will certainly live on to change others' lives and perspectives in the best way.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

All so beautifully put, Amy. And so true. He's deeply missed!

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Kim Van Bruggen's avatar

What an incredible man, with an incredible heart. Reading this after reading people's stories about their friendships or interactions with him, it's clear he had a quiet yet significant impact on so many people. Such a terrible loss. I'm sorry to those who are grieving his loss. I wish I could've known him.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Such an incredible heart! Thanks for your kind words, Kim! xx

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Xixuan's avatar

It’s so hard to reconcile with the fact that he’s not here anymore...thank you so much for this

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I so agree! I’m still in shock. 🌸

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Jillian Hess's avatar

I wish I had gotten to know Gabe Hudson while he was still here. After reading this, I'm even more sad that I didn't get to know him. Grateful for this window into his personality.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you, Jillian. I wish I'd gotten to know him Gabe. What a gentle soul. xx

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Kate's avatar

The question "What are your hopes for yourself" just breaks my heart. Clearly he had so much more to share in this world. Thanks, Jane, for sharing this.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So heartbreaking. Yes, I believe he did have much more to share. We're the lesser for his absence. xx

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Gary Gruber's avatar

Jane, your interview with Gabe (R.I.P.) and his comments brought the follwowing to mind. It fits both of you.

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” ― Etienne (Stephen) Grellet

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

That's beautiful, Gary! And very much sounds like Gabe. Thank you for sharing!

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Sandra Murzin's avatar

Love Gabe's line about being raised by Momma Cat and Poppa Cat...

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I know! So beautiful!

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Deirdre Lewis's avatar

Thank you for posting this. Wow. I had only just started listening to Gabe Hudson's podcast and loved it and the way he was so supportive to the author he interviewed. I really loved especially that he was a champion for people who didn't have a lot of followers here on substack. He seemed so interested and genuine. I'm so sorry for his loss and wish his family love and peace.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes, this is all so true, Deirdre. Beautifully put. And, yes, wishing peace for his family including his sweet dog, Coco.

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Jennifer Lauck's avatar

Too young. Too soon.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Truth. xx

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