42 Comments
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Rick 'The Cheapskate' Broida's avatar

One of your best, sir, and that’s saying something.

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Sy's avatar

Keep at it as long as you can. You're good at it. Advice from one old fart to another. I'm soon to be 82! ;-)

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Jessie Lendennie's avatar

I think Dora would be very proud of you! America is proud of you!

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Colleen Z's avatar

So am I- feel free to come to Canada. 🇨🇦

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Bebe Web's avatar

Your musings have been enhancing my life for years. Thank you to that special someone who encouraged you to “Write it down!” and to you for your belief in humankind & your tenacity! Perhaps I’ll begin my own writing journey someday.

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Danny Hoback's avatar

Super nice.

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Joe's avatar

I’m now a big fan of Dora. We need a lot more of her spirit in our midst these days.

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Donna M. Padgett's avatar

You bring people joy, and joy is something we need mightily now. Controversy aside, you're a national treasure. Regardless of whether your grandmother would be proud or not, you should be pleased that you brighten lives. Lives need much brightening now.

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Janice Zuidema's avatar

Isn't it wondrous that you're still working at making Dora proud of you? I often wonder what my beloved grandma, Cecilia, would think of me, her beloved first grandchild. Also, my father. Having grown into understanding myself better in my mid-60's, what would they have thought of their daughter as the first female president of council in her somewhat progressive congregation. Hopefully they would have evolved along with me and been proud of me, in the humble mid-western manner.

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John's avatar

An entire column with no mention of The Felon. Thank you. I realize the irony of this post.

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Dana's avatar

There's definitely a contrast in there, albeit an inexplicit one. People like Dora would have none of Trump's lies and other assorted fascist garbage.

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John's avatar

True. My point was that I need relief from the firehose of lies and garbage. It's just nice to read something sweet and life-affirming. I agree with GK when he goes after the felon, but it's nice to take a break.

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Anita Schrader McMillan's avatar

All the relief is in the huge archive... the news from Lake Wobegon, the skits and music. I can't seem to fond Rhubarb Pie and the other fake ads so easily, but there are plenty of cowboys. I agree how much we need all the delight GK brings.

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Kate's avatar

What an absolutely lovely tribute to your grandmother and, by extension, your cousins. It made me wish I could have known her. You are always humble, Mr. Keillor, and downplay your own accomplishments and contributions. You knew your grandmother and I didn't, so I won't dispute that she would be more proud of your cousins in the medical field, but I will say that your contributions to this American life cannot be measured. You contribute both love and laughter, neither of which can we live without and both of which are needed now more than ever. So I am patting you on the back, even if you don't do it yourself.

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PamTyree's avatar

I certaily agree that GK contributes love and laughter and boy do we ever need it now !!!!

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David Dixon's avatar

Well said, Ms Kate.

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Majik's avatar

I needed to read this today. Thank you!

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Heidi Emanuel's avatar

Laughter is still the best medicine!

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Eduardo's avatar

Hi Mr Garrison,

I don’t sing your patriotic and god blessing songs. I am not United-Statian nor Christian.

I was born in the most southern South American country, so I am another kind of American. The good pope was born there also. My grandparents escaped east Europe deadly discrimination when entering the XX century. I immigrated to Canada 20 years ago. Here I discovered you in VPR Vermont one weekend. Happy that radio can pass through the border without visas. Then followed you many other weekends. I saw you live two times in movie theatres in Montreal. I had the honour of applauding you live while vacationing in Hampton Beach NH. I am still following you. I admire you and I would like to see people of the new generation as inspiring as you. My intention with this digital letter is to make you notice the diversity of people you have reached with your charm and professionalism. Congratulations for doing what you do.

Eduardo P.

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Tom King's avatar

It's a fine story, Mr. K. I am also a Mr. K, a few years older, but with a Grandma King, like yours....When I walked in her kitchen, 80 years ago, she'd say "Make yourself useful!" and I would turn the crank handle and pursh down the beef and out would come raw hamburgers.

What a world we all lived in back then. But at least I was useful and only 7.

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David maiman's avatar

I’m thinking that you spend entirely too much time dwelling on your “old” age. You’re not that old! In your grandma’s day….yes……but today, a large proportion of. The people in. Western civilization live well beyond your present age. Get over it and carry on! Best, David ( by the way, I’m ninety…..)

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Nichael Cramer's avatar

Speaking for all of those with Grandmothers (and Mammaws): Absolutely lovely.

Thank you.

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Carole T. Beers's avatar

Aah. I agree that most all of us who've made something of ourselves are trying to impress an admired one--teacher, preacher, parent or grand. Even if they are physically absent. To show that particular someone they mattered. To back-earn and pay back the love and energy they bestowed on us.

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Geoff Merrill's avatar

And to show ourselves we matter, perhaps.

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Dana's avatar

A lovely thought!

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