Travelling amid the pandemic is bleak at the best of times. On Friday, I went to an elusive trailer on the grounds of Polonia Bytom, slipping and sliding across the slush so a cheerful nurse could drive a swab up my nostrils. “It doesn’t hurt but it doesn’t feel nice,” she said, with the wonderful matter-of-factness of the medical profession.
My condolences and bless you... what a lovely piece of writing, too (by a mother-and-son tag team). I'll donate as suggested... take care. John Pollock
Bloody awful news, Ben. Sounds like she was quite a woman - and quite a writer, too.
There was no pandemic and no borders between us, but I lost my mum to something similar a few years ago. I have no original advice and it's nice to read you're likely not in need of any - just time, the love of family, not a few long walks and maybe a hint of the grace the mourned brought to living.
Something like that, maybe. I was going to write more, but it's late and Monster energy drinks just aren't part of my life the way they are yours. (I've just donated £24 to Tear Fund in remembrance of a woman named "Helen Sixsmith," for example - not up to even basic data entry, after children's hours.)
It's great to know you're not facing this alone and I look forward to your writing in the months and years ahead. (Great review of Helen Andrews' new book, by the way - probably the cause of my slip.)
Over the years I had learnt to respect your mum for her conscientious authenticity and thoughtfulness through occasional conversations. Reading your moving tribute, and her own words, I am left with the feeling that I wish we had spoken together more often. Thank you Ben.
Thanks for expressing this Ben in a way that we can all enter into and appreciate. Your mum had many beautiful qualities and skills - I'm so pleased that the wordsmith trait in the Sixsmith clan continues in you.
We can all hope that as the end nears we'll enjoy a few moments of "just being", in your Mum's words (which are insightful and also rather conservative, in a temperamental sense at least). I'm sorry for your loss and that it had to come when it wasn't possible to be present.
What a beautiful tribute. I knew of your mother because I was in Tessa’s class at SMC, but I didn’t know her, your lovely words though, have given me a taste of her essence and I wish that I had known her. I will pray for her and all of you xx
Ben, your post found its way here via Berny (though multitudes think he's "Benny") Belvedere and arc digital.
I made a small (a relative term, obv) contribution to the Tear Fund after reading your paean to your mom ('mum', it seems, in England).
It's important sometimes to not care. Here are the things I don't care about: That a) she was a different religion (sort of, I'm kinda pan-theistic), b) I've never met nor heard of her, c) that's about it. I do care that she was open-hearted, and, as you wrote, lived her values through action, fueled by compassion and empathy.
May her memory be a blessing, and her spirit continue on in you, and every fortunate person whose life she touched.
Dear Ben, I so appreciate everything you wrote. It encapsulated so much of your mum’s many qualities and hunger for truth and authenticity. She stayed true to her beliefs and values and was always a breath of fresh air in her conversation. I was glad to distantly visit her in December and was struck by her serenity, and that being in the circle of love with the Trinity and her family and friends was indeed enough. You are all much in my thoughts. Love Val and Paul
Wonderful words, Ben.
My condolences and bless you... what a lovely piece of writing, too (by a mother-and-son tag team). I'll donate as suggested... take care. John Pollock
I don't think I ever read her writing, but I saw her teaching and caring! Sadness for us, glory for her!!
Bloody awful news, Ben. Sounds like she was quite a woman - and quite a writer, too.
There was no pandemic and no borders between us, but I lost my mum to something similar a few years ago. I have no original advice and it's nice to read you're likely not in need of any - just time, the love of family, not a few long walks and maybe a hint of the grace the mourned brought to living.
Something like that, maybe. I was going to write more, but it's late and Monster energy drinks just aren't part of my life the way they are yours. (I've just donated £24 to Tear Fund in remembrance of a woman named "Helen Sixsmith," for example - not up to even basic data entry, after children's hours.)
It's great to know you're not facing this alone and I look forward to your writing in the months and years ahead. (Great review of Helen Andrews' new book, by the way - probably the cause of my slip.)
Over the years I had learnt to respect your mum for her conscientious authenticity and thoughtfulness through occasional conversations. Reading your moving tribute, and her own words, I am left with the feeling that I wish we had spoken together more often. Thank you Ben.
Hi Ben i did not know you mum, i also write so it was a joy to read her writings this morning
i also lost my mum last year and my wife the previous year.
both of them left a creative legacy.
I am part of bath life family.
celebrate the memories of your mum.
Neil Mcfadyen.
Beautiful words penned for a beautiful woman - inside and out ....Grace & Peace Ben
Thank you Ben. Your Mum was a very special
person. Much loved by God and by you and by her friends, and much loving.
Thanks for expressing this Ben in a way that we can all enter into and appreciate. Your mum had many beautiful qualities and skills - I'm so pleased that the wordsmith trait in the Sixsmith clan continues in you.
We can all hope that as the end nears we'll enjoy a few moments of "just being", in your Mum's words (which are insightful and also rather conservative, in a temperamental sense at least). I'm sorry for your loss and that it had to come when it wasn't possible to be present.
a worthy elegy. God bless
Moms are the best. Sorry for your loss, Ben.
What a beautiful tribute. I knew of your mother because I was in Tessa’s class at SMC, but I didn’t know her, your lovely words though, have given me a taste of her essence and I wish that I had known her. I will pray for her and all of you xx
Ben, your post found its way here via Berny (though multitudes think he's "Benny") Belvedere and arc digital.
I made a small (a relative term, obv) contribution to the Tear Fund after reading your paean to your mom ('mum', it seems, in England).
It's important sometimes to not care. Here are the things I don't care about: That a) she was a different religion (sort of, I'm kinda pan-theistic), b) I've never met nor heard of her, c) that's about it. I do care that she was open-hearted, and, as you wrote, lived her values through action, fueled by compassion and empathy.
May her memory be a blessing, and her spirit continue on in you, and every fortunate person whose life she touched.
Rest in peace. Thank you for this remembrance.
Dear Ben, I so appreciate everything you wrote. It encapsulated so much of your mum’s many qualities and hunger for truth and authenticity. She stayed true to her beliefs and values and was always a breath of fresh air in her conversation. I was glad to distantly visit her in December and was struck by her serenity, and that being in the circle of love with the Trinity and her family and friends was indeed enough. You are all much in my thoughts. Love Val and Paul
PS will you publish your poem?