Likeness

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This powerful memoir explores a father's love for his dying son, weaving themes of fatherhood, identity, love, grief, memory, and healing. The author reflects on the harsh realities of life, acknowledging that the worst can happen and time can run out, a truth he grappled with as he faced his son Blake's battle with aggressive cancer. In his living room hangs a life-size portrait of himself, painted by John Hartman, which serves as a portal to his past. Gazing into the painting, he recalls his happy, privileged childhood in Hamilton, filled with bright possibilities and memories of his parents' swimming pool. In stark contrast, Blake, young and full of aspirations, lies confined to a hospital bed, facing a future that feels increasingly uncertain. As Blake undergoes treatment, the father confronts his own past and the painful reality of losing his son. Through achingly beautiful prose, the author captures the essence of love, grief, and the passage of time, demonstrating how memory can transform tragedy into something precious and profound. This poignant narrative ultimately affirms the enduring bond between fathers and sons, even in the face of unimaginable loss.