A courageous man, Howard Hornstein

Subject: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Margo
Date: 10 Sep 99 - 10:50 AM

I just love sea shanteys, and so does Howard Hornstein. Howard was a pediatric dentist, of all things, but he so loved the songs of the sea that he spent many hours in his off times singing with a group of shanteymen, and going to festivals.

Last night, at a friend's house, I saw a book he had written. It is a collection of shanteys with music notation. There was more information about him in the introduction, and it was there that I learned he has ALS disese (Lou Gherig's disease). He wrote the entire book using his left eye! He uses a computer program that reads the movement of his eye and translates it into letters. (Professor Hocking does this).

I was so impressed. There is a line from a shantey where the crew is shipwrecked and clinging for life throughout a storm, and the singer says "Describe our state, who can?" And indeed, it is hard to imagine what Howard has endured, having to give up his practice, lose control over his body, lose the ability to sing!

Learning all this, I am happy to declare that I love the forthright, honest, and jovial obscenity of sea shanteys because those are his very words, the words I had read days ago without knowing of his plight.

Bravo Howard, may I have such courage to endure hardships! Margo White

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 10 Sep 99 - 12:33 PM

Both of my sons went to Howard Hornstein as their pediatric dentist. He was a patient, gentle doctor and gave them good care as well as wise advice. It was a shock to us several years ago to find that his practice had been discontinued. He never let on to any of his patients that there was a problem.

I read much later about his disease and also about his love for music and what he had done with it. Let me add my praise for his courage and perseverance as well as his accomplishments.

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Barbara
Date: 10 Sep 99 - 01:04 PM

Yes! and, Barbara, good to see you around again. Welcome back.
Blessings,
the other Barbara

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Barbara
Date: 10 Sep 99 - 01:05 PM

...actually, there's bbc too...

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Dave Swan
Date: 10 Sep 99 - 02:33 PM

My friend Dave Skinner participated in the early research and development of the technology which helped Howard Hornstein to write his book. Skinner was a mountaineer, educator, activist and environmental advocate. Although ALS caused his body to fail him miserably, his wit and intellect never did. When it became possible for him to write again, write he did, and I treasure the long clever letters which survive him. In matters technological I'm usually in the camp of General Ludd, but when it fosters communication and expression I'm proud of what humans can do. Skinner would have been pleased to see a book of chanteys and pleased to see that his early efforts laid groundwork for what's now possible.

Dave

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Art Thieme
Date: 11 Sep 99 - 11:46 AM

Truly inspiring!

I wish I knew him. I'd gladly work on the software so he might do a root canal on me. (Meant humorously---but maybe not...!)

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 11 Sep 99 - 04:11 PM

Thanks, Barbara. Barbara.

Subject: RE: A courageous man, Howard Hornstein
From: Margo
Date: 12 Sep 99 - 04:01 PM

I emailed Howard, hope he emails back. Dave, I am in awe of people who have such a horrible disease, lose control physically, but still keep going mentally, and with a sense of humor! You're lucky to have his letters.

Margarita