Reclaiming Ordinary

This book came into being through the generosity of Randy’s friend, Peter Block. In June of 2020, during a phone call, Peter told Randy he’d like to publish his writing. Randy was really taken with the offer, and the project tasks of choosing which songs, written pieces, and images to include kept him very much living his life even when his body was tiring. Along the way, it was decided that some of my writing would be included as well, to help tell the story and I was invited to join in. Working on this project with Peter and his team made Randy’s last months happy, purposeful, and fulfilling.

The interview Randy did with Peter was a moving and meaningful day for him. Afterward, he was tired but very happy. During the first team call, Peter shared his vision of how the book might look and feel and his vision was so clear that his team, Executive producer, Maggie, Rogers, Development editor, Leslie Stephen, and Designer/project manager, Suzanne Pustejovsky-Perry expertly brought his vision to life while tending every detail with love and reverence.

Peter said more than once that he wanted to see the book in Randy’s hands and it came very close. Randy was able to hold and read the first draft and experience the book very much as it is being experienced by you, today.

The book was completed after Randy’s death but it was whole before he died.

After September 27, 2021, the day Randy died, Peter, Maggie, Leslie, and Suzanne stayed the course and did the remaining work. I contributed wherever I could by proofreading and providing additional imagery. In the months after, they kept the project moving with love and compassion for the material, for Randy’s memory, and for me as I navigated the first days of life without my mate.

My gratitude to these four people is deep. Peter. Maggie, Leslie. Suzanne. I feel challenged to express myself and I will keep writing and writing until I say it exactly how I want it to be said. Today, I  honor their dedication and love for Randy as a person, his music, and his words. This team cared for me and my writing just as deeply. I fear I will never be able to voice my thank you loudly or completely enough and that pains me. I think Peter would say, “thank you is enough.”

Because this book exists, Randy’s voice still speaks, his songs are still sung, and he is remembered in his own words and works by the people he touched in life. I knew him well and  I know this book and the care taken with its creation made him happy.

Love,

Jane

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