Don't Neglect Ed
James Brady’s parting wisdom about telling Pegeen Fitzgerald’s story.
I am deeply grateful for the late James Brady, who was a friend with the Fitzgeralds.
When I first learned about Pegeen Fitzgerald, I discovered that she was a friend with author James Brady. I reached out to Brady’s publisher and asked if they would share my contact information with him. I wasn’t hopeful he would respond, but to my surprise, he did.
When Brady called, he said upfront that he didn’t have much time to talk – he was on a deadline for his current book. But he made time to share one crucial piece of advice: “If you decide to continue researching and writing about Pegeen Fitzgerald, I urge you not to neglect Ed in your story.” We scheduled a follow-up call for January 27, 2009.
James Brady died on January 26, 2009 – one day before our scheduled conversation and just days after completing his final book, Hero of the Pacific: The Life of Marine Legend John Basilone.
His words have stayed with me all these years. I remain grateful for those few minutes we spoke. His advice about not neglecting Ed in the story has proven invaluable.
Without Ed Fitzgerald, there would have still been a Pegeen – but not the same Pegeen I’ve come to know.
Brady’s advice changed how I understood the Fitzgeralds’ story.
Listen to James Brady in conversation with Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald.
What’s a piece of advice that has stayed with you?