I read with interest and appreciation the personal stories of Nelson Bryant and Bill Eville in the Oct. 17 Vineyard Gazette. Mr. Bryant’s memoir and Mr. Eville’s essay share unusual self-disclosure, not often modeled in our corporate media-entranced world that depicts masculinity as perpetually aggressive and emotionally inaccessible.

These two “men’s men,” each a warrior in his own right — one who faced down fear and wounding on the battlefield, and the other on the wrestling mat — have cast a line and plumbed interior waters, grappling with feelings easy to avoid. From these emotional depths, they share with us pearls of wisdom that affluence will never buy: the value of self-reflection, the need for emotional honesty, the healing power of admitting when we’ve erred and hurt another, and the heart’s imperative to express and act on our love.

Just as admirable is the courage they demonstrate in communicating their emotional vulnerability publicly. They privilege us by revealing not only their virtues and strengths, but their mistakes, regrets, and broken heart as well. By the grace of their transparency, we learn from them.

Marilyn Marks
Northampton