Love, Community, and Solidarity

Monday 21 July 2008

Professor Chmiel,

Hi, my name is Jason Sengheiser. I graduated from SLU undergrad in 2000. I never took one of your classes, but a lot of my friends did and they always raved about you.

You may not recall this, but I was seated at the same table as you at Cab Gutting’s wedding.

Anyway, I am writing because recently another former student of yours, Katie O’Brien, gave me The Book of Mev to read. I just finished it, and I just felt like I had to write to express how much I appreciated the book.

On a basic level, I thought it was a beautiful love story between two extraordinary human beings and also their community. However, in addition it brought into focus so many questions about acting morally and living solidarity with the poor and persecuted. I suspect I will be reflecting on this book for years to come.

There are numerous points in that book to be contemplated, but the one that is currently resonating with me appears near the end. I think someone tells you “you never get over things, you just get through them.” There is wonderful wisdom to that statement.

I just want to thank you for writing the book and for sharing the story with the world.

Jason Sengheiser