by Murray Weinstein
Walking into the DCAC space I was wondering if I should put myself through a show about a man mourning for his father who had died of lung cancer. I had gone through a similar experience because my Mom was a heavy smoker and her fight and losing battle with lung cancer was so horrific. I nursed her in my home for the final ten months of her life. She also died two years ago. My friends told me this could be good therapy if I came to the show, so they waited for me. I barely made it to the performance and slipped in at the last moment, and luckily there was a ticket left for me.
I prayed that I wouldn’t have to relive the nightmare of watching my mother suffer, but to be consoled by someone else who learned to move on. It didn’t hurt that Jay Nachman reminded me so much of one of my best friends and I felt instantly like he was talking directly to me. I laughed at his stories and jokes, and cried when he spoke about caring for his Dad while he was dying.
After the show was over my friends and I hugged and they walked me home. I thanked them for encouraging me to attend. Since that night, I have been writing down memories and stories and jokes my parents told me. Thanks Jay! Your show touched me and moved me.
[Note: I am friends with several writers on this site and they asked me if I would write a review for the show. After much urging I agreed. It was very therapeutic]
My Dad is Now Ready for His Spongebath closed.
