Norman

Abstract

A contemplation on the passing of Norman Denzin.

It is a terribly sad thing when someone dies; it is an immeasurable pain when someone you know dies. A first thought at such times is to want, it is to want what cannot be given; and that want only makes the loss more painful. At these times, we must come to terms with the reality of that which comes for all of us; mortality is always just ahead around a bend in the trail. However, we must also recollect that our narrative imagining, that is our stories immortalize those who have passed away—those we want back are returned to life through our stories we carry and share of the person who has made the final journey.

My initial encounter with Norman Denzin was via the post. I had submitted a manuscript to the journal, Qualitative Inquiry in late 1999 and received his letter along with 3 very thorough reviews. Being a neophyte with such things at the time, I read through everything and determined that I would get back to my thesis writing and forget about my foray into journal articles for now.

About 4 or 5 weeks later, I had my second encounter with Norman via email. He wanted to know when he could expect my revised manuscript; needless to say, I was dumbfounded. I emailed back saying I thought the journal had rejected the manuscript. He assured me they had not, that he felt it was an important piece of scholarship that the journal wanted to share. He then gave his time and energy guiding me through the process of taking up and/or addressing the comments and suggestions from the reviewers.

This was the first time I experienced the open-heartedness and abundance of kindness of Norman Denzin and it would not be the last. The past 23 years in the academy have been so enriched because of working alongside Norman Denzin who instilled in me the need of holding space for others and the importance in lifting each other up. From that first encounter to this very moment, I have striven to realize Norman’s kindness and generosity of spirit both inside and outside the academy. He is a world renowned scholar recognized, honored, and respected for his many achievements across a long and illustrious career. But most important, he is recognized as a giving colleague and friend, a kind soul who has lifted up so many of us in the qualitative research community. I have been blessed to know Norman and to have worked with him over these past many years. I will miss him terribly, but I will always hold him in my heart through the many stories that have emerged from our relationship.

Chi miigwetch.