Response to Dead Stuck

I have heard of gung-ho football players and those who keep track of every famous play of every famous and not-so famous football star, but never have I encountered anyone with the knowledge of the game and the experience with it, like that of Richard Mounce.

I’ve seldom met anyone as well-traveled, with adventures and mis-adventures in every city and berg he has sojourned in.

Then the whole world of cave diving was new to me, amazing to me, frightening to me. I find myself marveling that you are here to tell about it.

Of course, by far the most impacting and memorable part of the book was your letter to your daughters. I think it would be safe to say that covered many a topic that many a dad has thought about, but I think it is also safe to say that no-one has ever, ever written all the philosophical conclusions, all the condensed wisdom, all the heart communication with honesty and love and daring that you have. To your daughters this 2004 letter will be the most treasured keepsake they will ever receive from a caring parent.

Really, this letter should be posted on internet as a pattern, and illustration of a parent who cared enough to give of himself in a most meaningful way. Except this is too personal to be on internet. Well, I can hope this book gets wide distribution to meaningful people in your life.

Of course I appreciated so much the section on faith, I suppose mostly because it echoes my values and understanding of the ways of God…which none of us can fathom.

Yes, that letter I will want to read over again from time to time, I am sure, because there is so much wisdom therein that can benefit even an octogenarian with grandchildren.

I appreciated your frequent citing of apt Bible references.

Your counsel on relationships and maintaining a solid marriage were wiser than I have read in most books on these subjects that I have encountered.

Now as “Should I stay or should I go,” Hmmmm.

I believe so strongly in the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of the vows taken, that I don’t want to think in terms of…should I go, ever. What about these words spoken in front of a pastor, “…till death do us part.”? Nowadays it seems couples too often go into marriage with the unexpressed conclusion, “Oh, well, if this one doesn’t work out, let’s get out of it and try someone else.”

Having said that, I realize that there are cases where it seems that for the sake of health and sanity, we must end this. But I think by all means serious counseling must be undertaken…if both are really willing for that…much prayer and seeking God together. That, too, is idealistic when seemingly irreconcilable issues have come up where communication is no longer happening, let alone praying together.

Great chapter on Advice to Men. And equally wise the Advice to Women.

I had never before heard of an endodontist. But now I understand what they are all about, and I certainly appreciated how the lessons you have learned in that profession and the people you have met have helped shape you into the man you are today.

Richard, you are a rare and beautiful example of what a Godly husband and father should be. I appreciated so much your candor and transparency, your forthrightness and sensitivity, your manliness and gentleness.

My over-all response to this book is very positive. I was most impressed that you gave me a copy and valued my response.

I hope this may be the beginning of more conversations between the two of us. Hopefully we both have something to offer to the other. My wife’s comments: “I found it to be fascinating and entertaining, as well as educational.”

God bless you…and Laura…and your daughters.