Whole Life Times: Kudos from Down Under

December 2005 | Letters from Readers

Kudos from Down Under

I am a freelance journalist living in Australia, having left the US two years ago. An LA newspaper friend recently came to visit and brought the latest copy of your mag. I loved your magazine—the stories were fresh and original and very readable, and I have made my friend promise to send me a copy of every issue! —Kasey Brunt, via e-mail

Good Job on Election Day, California!

Thanks for sticking up for important issues like voting! It’s vital that people like you use your editorial position to remind the yoga/health/higher consciousness crowd that there are real problems and real battles to fight. We won’t enjoy the luxury of our “whole life” if we ignore the political realities of our state. I am so grateful that you write about propositions and voting, you are right on target. —Mona Field, LA

Loves Change, But Vasectomies are Forever

While I applaud Penrose’s attitude on reproduction ("replace yourselves, then stop,") and agree wholeheartedly that men should be involved in the birth control process, I want to suggest to men—even those in committed relationships—that things change, and vasectomies usually don’t.

For almost 10 years, my husband was married in what he thought was a committed relationship. The conception of their third child was not a cause for celebration but instead a time of weeping and wailing on the part of the mother. Neither one intended to have a third child and it dramatically changed the household dynamic. Following the birth, my husband was neutered.

Fast forward... my husband’s wife left him for another man. For two-and-a-half years, my husband and I had a long distance relationship, breaking up three times. Each separation was about his inability and lack of desire for another child. You see, I’m in my thirties and have not “replaced myself.”

Finally, I came to the hard decision that this man is the person I want in my life. Now, we’re married and I’ve been drop-kicked into step-parenthood. I’m grateful we’re not blending “yours” and “mine,” but at the same time I think that one of “ours” would unite the family and change my perspective. However, that’s not an option.

Oh, I know, the urologists mention these things before they snip, but vasectomies have long-term side effects for more than just the two in the “committed” relationship.

I picked up your magazine in an optometrist’s office and I’ll definitely keep reading it. Your articles are diverse and insightful. —AH, Altadena

Daryl-d Over

Truly excellent your interview with Mademoiselle Daryl C. Hannah (“All the World’s Her Stage,” 9/05)—I love people like her! She is not only a beauty, she is a great actress and she understands life isn’t all beer and skittles. Congratulations, we need more ladies like Daryl. —Werner Koch, Weis, Austria

Gone but Not Forgotten

We have decided not to proceed with the Organic Makeover Promotion at WLT at this time. Thank you to our participating sponsors, to all the readers who sent in profiles and to the three selected candidates— Sherry Robb, Jennifer Califf and Brad Stanfield—for their time, energy and support.

Correction

Margery Epstein was the photographer for the image of Cindy Sheehan in our October issue. WLT regrets the omission.

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