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
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.
Thank you Jonathan!
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!!
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.
Thank you Nigel!
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.
Thank you for your kind comment Neil!
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.
Thank you Ann!
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.
Thank you Harry!
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
Thank you Janie
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?
Thank you so much Val and Paul! That's very kind of you. I'm glad you got to see her. She never lost her warmth as well as her integrity. The poem is printed at the bottom of this post: https://bensixsmith.substack.com/p/alone-in-the-night-as-the-daylight
Thank you Ben I really liked your poem. It communicates to me from many angles. Such an articulate bunch you Sixsmith’s! Love Val
Thank you Soren! That's so kind. Mum would have been very touched and would have found that small, understandable slip funny if anything!