42 Comments

Honestly, thank you for this. It was a nice change of pace, and humanized you in such a lovely way. You really have a way with words, Isaac, and even though your personality shines through in each newsletter, it felt like you invited us all into your home with this one. Arthur wasn't just a fish, he was a symbol and a witness to the many milestones this past year has been. Thank you for using him to push a gentle reflection on the loss and grief many of us have gone through.

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I can honestly say, this is the best eulogy of a betta fish I have ever read.

I too am a fish father of sorts and along with playing the saxophone and learning the flute, have been spending a lot of time and $$ trying to be a better fishkeeper. Though Arthur can never be replaced, should you consider getting another betta, you should spend a minute on youtube looking at "aquascaping" and "nano tanks." It's like a little piece of nature in your home.

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I identify with Phoebe's cute-tortilla-chip-finding self so I'm obviously (and totally unexpectedly) SOBBING after reading this issue/release of Tangle. 

Thank you for your writing and for your work and for giving us a little peek into the life and times of the most loved fish I have ever heard of in my entire life. I'm so sorry for your loss. My goodness, you two showed him so much love. 

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I could have written to you before in response to seemingly much more import articles. But this article resonates with me so much that I’m compelled to respond. We, too, got our fish at a fair. Ours was a school fair and ours was a goldfish. However, the sad feelings of losing our fish are the same. We had our fish for so many years that we all couldn’t remember how old it was. We think about 15 years. Fishy (the names evolved and landed here) sat by my kitchen sink and I was more attached to it than I realized. The care was simple: keep the bowl clean and don’t feed it too much. About three years ago we were overseas with friends and our oldest (but not most responsible) daughter was in charge. Fishy didn’t make it the two weeks. When I found out I was sitting in a lounge with our group of friends and started crying. Actually, going back and forth from crying to laughing because it felt a little ridiculous. It wasn’t ridiculous, though, it was just sad. RIP Fishy.

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You made the correct choice in authoring and publishing that fishy anecdote. At a time when 'humanity' is stressed, the story helps us understand ALL God's creatures, big and small.

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Never have I mourned so deeply over a betta fish I never met. Thank you for sharing this story with us, even if it’s left me in tears. Rest In Peace Arthur.

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When my son was born with severe physical problems, we boarded our dog (which may have triggered allergies) and got him a beta fish. Pish lived in a bowl in the living room and was the subject of intense conversation and endless hours of observation. Once while away for a week, Pish in the care of my ex husband, we came home to a fish of a completely different color. My son thought it was because he had missed us. Rest in piece Arthur, perhaps you will meet Pish in the great beyond.

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Thank you for choosing to be honest and vulnerable with us, it’s an honor to be on this ride with you. We give you our trust and our faith when we read your analysis, and you give us reason to when you share your life experiences.

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Very touching piece, nice change of pace to the live horror show of politics.

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Loved reading this. A very welcome change from the usual political news. RIP Arthur.

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Phenomenal work, Isaac. I teared up. Thanks for doing what you do.

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Isaac, your talent with words and ability to connect to human interest is truly a gift!

Pets are a great place to learn more about ourselves and our ability to connect with others. (Of course, there are those who prefer their pets to humans...)

Should you and Phoebe be blessed with (human) children they, too, will be truly blessed❣️

Thanks for this interesting, engaging, touching and beautifully humorous personal tale. 💕

(And how nice to meet Phoebe!)

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Thank you for another great story. Rip Arthur

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Intrigued & moved by your fish tale. Professional writers need to write for themselves to stay human. That's why I blog.

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I subscribed to Tangle early on - and am still loving it. I recently moved from the East Coast to Arizona and read both the Baltimore Sun and the Arizona Star each morning. Then I read the Tangle which helps to make sense of it all. The fish story was great too. keep on keepin’ on...

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Thank you for sharing this Isaac. It is truly all about connection I believe in this world and how people and even a little Betta fish can truly change us and our lives and show us some great things. Love seeing these daily life moments from you. Continue to share them!

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