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The Dude Abides

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Progressive Christian

Last updated on: September 9, 2007 at 8:40 pm by Cathleen Falsani

2007-09-09T20:40:00-07:00 Cathleen Falsani

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Readers respond to “An Open Letter to Owen Wilson”

Well this is a first for The Dude Abides, but at the urging of my boss/friend, Michael Cooke, editor-in-chief of the Chicago Sun-Times, I’m going to post here below some of the many responses readers sent me at my suntimes.com address. I hope you find them as edifying as I did. And if you’re one of the authors, thank you so much for writing.

Grace and stuff,
God Girl
__________________________________________________________________

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

You put into print the words my heart silently sang to Mr. Wilson.

Two of my three children fall into the abyss too often when they journey through the bleak depths of bipolar disorder. (See: http://www.behlerpublications.com/titles-mclaughlin.shtml ) Mr. Wilson’s body of work lifts them repeatedly, a raft upon which they bob along with heads above water until their strength returns and they can safely re-enter the sea of life.

God ventures forth in many forms. You illuminated his existence in the ever-so-human form of Owen Wilson.

Blessings,

— Kate
Tucson, Ariz.

Dear Cathleen,
I live in Massachusetts so I don’t really read your newspaper. I found your column on Rosie’s blog. I was genuinely moved by it. Not in some sappy or brief emotional response ; but in a way that spoke to my spirit. Too often, we as the public take joy in seeing the downfall of the rich and famous.
Probably because it takes our eyes off ourselves and our own struggles and problems.

I like the way you talked about showing grace to one another. That the most beautiful part of Owen shone through because of his imperfections. I believe through your column you allowed us to get a glimpse of the way God would respond. Not in a judgmental way, but in love, in encouragement and patience.

Thank you for the reminder that it is ok to be human, to feel lost and not lose your worth or special ness in the eyes of the ones who love us.

— Nan

Oh my God! I read you article in Friday’s paper this morning and I can’t stop crying. You see, I lost my job 2 years ago. May not seem devastating to you- but it totally blind-sided me. I was in a deep depression for …..maybe I’m still a little bit from time to time. See, I LOVED my job, I mean LOVED my job, and what I didn’t understand was why I lost it when I thanked God for it every morning while driving to work. I was the go-to person there. Everyone suggested I bid for a supervisor’s job – but I never did nor did I desire to. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to go int he garage and just sit there with the car on. I wa tired no trying not to look depressed when my husband came home. He would look at me so funny and just say “It’s gong to me alright” but when he said it he would always look at my puzzled like he didn’t know what else to say to me. I didn’t want to bring anyone down, but I didn’t want to smile or laught or even talk- let alone even get out of the bed. Maybe you think this is over dramatic behavior; I even made an appointment with my primary care physician and he referred my to a psychiatrist who prescribed me some kind of medication which I refused to take bacause I was leery of meds that alter your personality. This is such a heartfelt article I wish I had received it. Good job, Cathleen. Please pray for me. I have another job, with a little less pay and on another shift, but it allows me to continue my studies (I’m in my 3rd year pursuing a bachelors degree in Elemntary Education – it has been my life dream, albeit a dream deferred). God Bless you and your family, and your newspaper ministry!

— Deborah

Your column of Sep. 7, “an open letter to Owen Wilson” touched me deeply.
I have always been the jovial, funny guy and I’m currently working through some pretty heavy, gut wrenching issues.
Your eloquence regarding the importance of a sense of humor really helped me and I just wanted to say Thank you.

— Matt

Thank you for writing the open letter to Owen Wilson column.
It was a blue day for me. Reading your words of love, love for Owen Wilson, for Owen Wilson’s humor, for Annie, and for each of us who despair and laugh cleared my vision.

— Veronica
Oak Park

WOW! Ms. Falsani,
that was a great column you penned for mr. wilson. i
hope that in some way shape or form it can be brought
to his attention because that letter has some very
real healing power in it. May whatever god you pray to
shine some special grace down upon you for being such
a caring person. I thank you from my soul because my
soul always feels refreshed after reading your column.
have a great week!

— mike

Dear Ms. Falsani,
What a wonderful article you wrote concerning Owen Wilson. You are very sensitive and a real Christian. If people knew how much they mean to people they have never met , it would be a better world. I certainly hope he receives the article and that you hear from him. Thank you for writing something that is so meaningful. The news is almost unbearable to watch or read anymore..There should be more of you who are willing to communicate their inner feelings. You are well appreciated and please remember that when you have dark times.

— Conni

Dear Cathleen,
This is a bit of a departure for me, (smiles) but I could not end my day without letting you know how much you column inspired me today. Your thoughtful moving words were just what I needed to hear to remind us all we are not alone!

— Theresa

Dear Cathleen,
Just a note to thank you for the open letter to Owen Wilson. I live in Seymour, Indiana (John Mellencamp’s “small town”) and I work at the local middle school as an instructional assistant, but on Sundays you’d probably find me in the First Baptist Church choir loft. I have a great husband, two sweet kids, and I happen to be an adoring fan of Owen Wilson as well. Just this week I sent him a letter, but you know how that goes, he’ll probably never even receive it, but a lot of what I wrote to him is very similar to what was in your open letter, so I thank you for that. Hopefully, he will get the chance to read a letter from at least one of us to remind him that he is special, and I feel like he was chosen specifically to bring a smile to people’s faces and warmth to their hearts. I pray that God will guide Owen of the dark place he’s in, sooner than later… I enjoyed reading your letter, and thank you again for caring enough to write to Owen!
God Bless,

— Lori

I agree totally w/your column today re: Owen Wilson. We tend to forget that even people who seem to have everything and seem to be totally happy also have their problems. I pray for Owen Wilson that he become enlightened and know that he is responsible for bringing laughter and joy to many, many people. God bless him and keep him in His care.

— Anthony

I loved it, I thought it was so sweet! I feel the same way – and eventhough I’m not a “fan stalker” or get caught up in sending out fan letters (like yourself), I felt so sad when I heard about Owen Wilson attempting suicide! I wanted to cry! I think it was for many reasons – he has SO much talent! So much to give to other people! He’s put out things (movies) that have helped other people – make them laugh and feel better. He so “normal” in the sence of being like someone we would know – a friend (not typical celebrity status attitude, etc). From what I can see of him on interviews, movies, etc. he seems like such a nice, funny guy who you would want to hang out with! The thought of someone like that – or anyone for that matter – feeling that bad, like they should end it all… it’s heartbreaking.

Thank you for posting! It’s nice to see someone who is smart and caring, put out a heart-felt message out there for him and for everyone who is reading.

— Heather

Dear Ms. Falsani,
Thank you so much for putting into words your (& my) feelings about Owen Wilson. As a happily married mother of 2 twentysomething sons, my attraction for Owen is that he makes me not only laugh, but just feel better.

I have checked on him (by computer) every day since he was hospitalized, before I even start the day running our small business. I realize that I have seen at least most of his movies, not because I go to see him, but because he makes movies that are funny and make me feel good. We need something to make us feel good after watching “An Inconvenient Truth” right?

I look forward reading your column every Friday. You demonstrate that religion can be fun, too!

— Vicki

Cathleen,
I just finished reading your Owen Wilson column and I wanted to thank you. I agree 100% with what you said. There has to be some of the real “Owen” in the parts he plays for them to be so believable and for all of us to relate to him. His movies brighten my life. Perhaps the good to come out of this situation will be that Owen realizes what a difference he makes in the lives of many and that to many he may be that one little laugh that keeps them from falling into that pit of despair. My prayers are with him.

— Kerry

Wow. Thank you for writing such a beautiful piece. It almost made me cry. I came across it as I was on Rosie O’donnel’s website. She quoated it in its entirety—and I’m glad she did. That was powerful and plain. Spiritual but not preachy. Heaven sent, yet wonderfully human. I was blessed.
Sincerely,

— Laine
Bronx, NY

Dear Cathleen,

Just as you are not in the habit of writing fan letters, neither am I. But after reading your open letter (reprinted on Rosie O’Donnell’s blog), I felt I must reply. That was one of the most beautiful letters I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Your genuineness seeped through your words, and while we may never know if it touched Owen, it surely touched me and I’m sure countless others.

Thank you for being a kind stranger to a kind man in need of a kind word. We need more Cathleen Falsanis in this world of ours.

You rock!
— Carey

Dear Ms. Falsani,
As you probably are aware your ‘Open letter to Owen Wilson’ has been posted on Rosie O’Donnell’s blog – which is where I read it, just a few minutes ago. I could not – not contact you. It is one of the most beautifully written pieces I’ve ever read. The kindness with which you ‘speak’ and the intelligence with which you write moved me to tears. We can only hope your words reach Mr. Wilson. They certainly touched my heart.
Today happens to be my 53rd birthday, what a ‘gift’ reading your letter has been. Thank you. It is obvious you have a wonderful soul.
Much happiness to you,
— Fran
(Statesville, NC)

Cathleen: I just wanted to let you know that I read your article from last week and was so moved by it – I think encouragement of the sort that you wrote about (even if from a total stranger) has to be helpful. I have never written a letter to a celebrity except for once and then I never sent it. Years ago, Charlie Sheen was on the news shows because he had been to rehab and had nearly died from heart trouble related to his lifestyle – he’s always been a favorite of mine and I felt compelled to write something to him (alot of good it did since I never took the time to send it) but maybe the sentiment reached him somehow. You would have more than just a TV friend, I am sure, if Owen gets the chance to read your letter and he seems like he could use some good friends.

— Tracy
(River Forest, IL)

Ms. Falsani

We’ve been reading you for some time at the Brown house. To be frank, that you went to Wheaton College peaked our interest early on, but you clearly outgrew your roots (Sidebar: Our oldest son graduated from there; of course, Wes Craven was there once, too…).

In any case, you are clever with words and we love your slant on things, most of the time. I consider myself to be a left-leaning Evangelical, whatever that means today (not TBN, not CBN, probably Billy Graham). Labels are too sticky, anyway. That’s why we like your approach. The message is there: incarnated.

So, to my point. Your piece to Owen Wilson (9/7), in light of his present suffering, was especially moving. Gospel, Jesus, redemption–it was all there, along with kindness, mercy, grace, and righteousness. I found it amazing you said all of it without using the jargon. And we are praying for Owen, and hope he somehow reads what you wrote.

Have a nice day.

From a “Newspaper Friend”

— Robert
Bolingbrook, IL

Hi
As you put it so well, this is a bit of a departure for me too. I don’t usually comment on articles in the newspaper. However in this case I just wanted to say your “Open Letter To Owen Wilson” was very well said and it speaks volumes for myself, my husband and everyone we know as well as all the folks who share your thoughts that we don’t know. Thank you for putting into words what we all are feeling and hoping for the very best for Mr. Wilson and his family. They all are in our prayers.
Sincerely,

— Tina
Fort Worth, TX
PS I sure hope he reads your “Open Letter” thanks again.

Dear Cathleen

I have just read your open letter to Owen Wilson.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/falsani/546145,CST-NWS-fals07.article

I was shocked upon learning of Owen’s attempted suicide after I came back from holiday.

It was nice to read your letter. You have shown understanding & compassion for Owen.

It is not that difficult to understand the desparation that someone feels when they are at the end of their tether & try to take their own life. The idea that someone can feel so bad & feel like they have nothing left to live for is for some people hard to understand. But I can now understand why ( after learning of a stranger’s suicide -no-one know why, I had to educate myself & try & understand the various mental health issues & then I figured out why he took his own life & it was a very sad)

I’m still not sure exactly what / how Owen attempted to commit suicide. ( drugs? cut wrists?) as reports differ & his pictures after coming out of hospital don’t show any bandages but he could’ve passed out without cutting deep enough. He could’ve taken drugs : in which case it doesn’t help for his spokeperson to deny this. But the picture somewhere on the internet of him coming out of a car in the garage does show he was not at all well.

I am warmed by the fact that some people commented in a positive way in their blogs etc that Owen is loved & respected by the people who admire his work & talents.

Their were, however a few small minority who were negative & very judgemental without bothering to make the effort to understand anything about Owen & his problems or reserving their judgements. ( although we dont know exactly what Owen’s problems are). No-one should be judged on why they attempt or commit suicide. Least of all when Owen hasn’t spoken himself on why.

We need Owen well & up but not necassarily in films etc unless he recovers really well. We wouldn’t want him to over do it & for him to lose the sparkle that he had. I hope that sparkle returns soon.

His recovery on the inside could take a while, though, but in time his feelings of desparation should pass.

On a final note mental health issues such as severe depression, bi-polar disorders, schizophrenia etc can affect anyone: rich & poor, old & young. Some people in thier ignorence made comments that Owen has it all : money, property good career etc but that doesn’t mean he has happiness.

I wish Owen a very speedy recovery & for Owen to know that there are people out there who do care about him & others like him who need that extra little bit of TLC. We should give it more often even to those we don’t know, it doesnt cost anything to give our love & support to others.

— yasmin
birmingham, UK

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