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Hey Ira. I posted this on this last AMA. Sorry I'm posting again.

Dear Ira, First of all, I love the show and I’ve been a big fan of TAL/NPR ever since middle school. Thanks so much for doing what you do. I also wanted to let you know that your show has really helped me get through a hard time in my life. When I was 16, one of my best friends died of brain cancer. He died towards the end of his senior year in high school. I was always bitter about the timing of his death. He missed out on such an important part of his adolescence, nevermind the time after adolescence he will never experience.

This made me an angry person. Angry at the universe, angry at others, and probably angry at things that shouldn’t have made me feel that way. Every time I accomplished something, I felt guilty that he was never able to experience what I had experienced. I had a cloud hanging over my head everywhere I went. My friends and family would tell me to remember the times I spent with him, but I could not think of any good memories without having an overwhelming feeling of sadness, A couple of months ago, you had a show honoring David Rakoff’s memory. (I’m sorry for your loss.) He remains one of my favorite contributors to your show. I really admired his personableness (word? I dunno). After I listened to the show, I was filled with a peace I have not experienced since my friend died. David Rakoff’s memory lives on even after his passing. And hearing him on my radio, just as before, made me realize how I cannot be angry at the sickness who killed my friend anymore. When I heard David’s stories, I did not hear pain. I heard happiness.

I am sorry that I am not eloquent, but I just wanted let you know that you have made a profound difference in my life. Thank so you much for that. It has really made me a better person. You do a great thing.

Thanks so much Ira. It means the world.

Hello! My dad and I are huge fans. Thanks for taking the time to do an AMA! My dad wanted to ask you these questions on his behalf:

1. How many total hours do you spend practicing a brand new piece of music from the time you get it to performance?
2. When you practice, do you spend all your time on one piece in a chunk or divide your time up?

Thanks again! Your answers will thrill my dad as he is pursuing classical piano more seriously! I have heard your rendition of Girl With the Flaxen Hair a lot as my dad is working on that piece as well! It gets more beautiful every time. :)