Sometimes a child doesn’t walk this earth, not even for a day. But they remain in the hearts of their parents forever, these miscarried or stillborn children and the dreams and hopes they inspired. An essay by Prof. David Hlavsa, who teaches theatre arts and interdisciplinary studies at Saint Martin’s University, reflects on the birth of his son James, who died before he was born, and on the pain, grief and growth that followed for Hlavsa and his wife Lisa Holtby.
On Wednesday, Hlavsa’s essay, “My First Son, a Pure Memory,” will be read on “Modern Love,” a widely downloaded weekly podcast produced by NPR station WBUR Boston and the New York Times. Hlavsa’s essay will be read by Emmy-nominated actor Sterling K. Brown. “Modern Love” features a well-known actor reading an essay of their choice, then commenting on why she or he chose the piece. Afterward, the podcast’s editor, Dan Jones, comments on the piece and interviews the author. Because of the subject matter, he will interview both Hlavsa and his wife Lisa. Hlavsa’s essay was originally published by the Times on Sept. 19, 2008.
To hear Hlavsa’s essay and interview Wednesday on “Modern Love,” go to www.npr.org/podcasts/
