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In memory of David Brenner

Yesterday I saw on Twitter the sad news that comedian David Brenner had passed away. I remember his comedic stand up act and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. I always thought he was very funny with his keen observational humor and distinct vocal delivery.  He definitely paved the way for other comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Reiser.
However, my most vivid memory of him is quite serious.  When I was in grade school, I saw an interview with him on television.  He mentioned when he was a child, he cried so hard that his tears were blood.   Now I wonder: why does this snippet stick in my memory?

 As I mull it over, I suppose it was my introduction to empathy. At this young age, I had never heard of anyone being so emotionally distraught that they would cry so hard to draw blood.  I found his flashback story about this so out of the blue. I thought the interview would be primarily showcasing is comic flair. Instead, there was a small glimpse into his personal life. In my mind’s eye, I pictured him as a small boy, with crimson tears streaming down his face. I could actually feel the corners of my eyes hurting from the imagined pressure. I felt very sorry for him having gone through this, because I knew I wouldn't want this to happen to me—epitomizing the very meaning of empathy. 

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