DISQUS

Come Together: On being a man and losing a loved one

  • Jye Smith · 5 months ago
    This is the most beautiful post I've ever read. Thank you, thank you so much, Scott.
  • Gemma Crowley · 5 months ago
    Thank you. Completely moving, captivating and inspiring. Wow - is all I can say.
  • Oscar · 5 months ago
    Devastating. I'm yet to experience the pain of losing a loved one, you brought me closer to understanding what is for all of us inevitable.

    I would imagine MS must have been especially difficult for your father and the family. Its an insidious and unpredictable disease; healthy for a few months, then months of motor dysfunction and impaired cognition.

    This is a wonderful tribute to your mother Scott.
  • Karalee Evans · 5 months ago
    Scott, you have blown me away with your honesty, courage and dedication in writing this post. As Jye said, just beautiful.
  • Luke Murphy · 5 months ago
    Thank you for that, Scott... not much else I can find words for at the moment...
  • christy mccarthy · 5 months ago
    i just cried. it's rare and lovely when people write so personally. thanks Scott.
  • Katie Chatfield · 5 months ago
    Thanks you so much Scott. For three hour coffee chats. For being so brave and so honest. For being you- the son your mother made.

    All I know about the dark, about the blackest night, is that it helps you see the fragile stars, the wavering ones, the ones outshone by bright near shouty suns. They need the dark to appear- but you can set your compass by them.

    Thank you for helping me navigate around the rocks.
  • Andy Miller · 5 months ago
    Really moved by your post Scott. Thanks so much for sharing such personal thoughts and lessons. One of the things that amazes me about you is that you have the incredible talent (and generosity) of communicating things you learn humbly and in ways that make (often complex) thoughts and issues feel far less overwhelming. Thank you.
  • Mitch Malone · 5 months ago
    There is such truth and honesty in your writing that is inspiring and I applaud you for your strength in just writing this. Thank you Scott.
  • Alex Manchester · 5 months ago
    An amazingly heartfelt and thought-provoking read, Scott. And I'm just so glad that you were able to get back home in time, that you have the support and friends in place to help you through an incredibly hard time.
  • Venessa Hunt · 5 months ago
    Thank you Scott for sharing this... your honesty humbles me.
  • Tim Beveridge · 5 months ago
    Beautiful post mate. Eloquent, insightful, and heart-wrenching. Your mum would be proud.

    Thanks,

    Tim
  • Katie Harris · 5 months ago
    Scott, Simon read this post and, very moved by it, he suggested I read it.

    It's a beautiful and deeply touching story. Your Mum sounds like she was a truly wonderful woman.

    Thank you for writing it and for sharing.

    xxxx
  • Andrew Blanda · 5 months ago
    Scott, I hope the above is the start of something in all of us who read it. It's a great post as it covers a number of things we need to be aware of, especially about what it means to be a man in today's world.

    Keep the discussion happening and I wish you all the strength you need to come out of this a stronger person.

    Regards,
    Andrew
  • Mark Pollard · 5 months ago
    Ah man. I have knots in my stomach. Feeling unraveled, broken... then, like Katie says, 'seeing the fragile stars'. Life is surreal. Thanks for sharing.
  • Teresa Lynn · 5 months ago
    So well put Scott. Hats off to you for writing that. I'm nowhere near that stage, but I'm hoping I will eventually... you are inspiring me :)

    Be very proud of yourself, you've put your talents to their very best use.
    I firmly believe that eventhough loved ones may pass on before us, it doesn't mean they're gone, in fact they're with us whenever we want them to be, all you have to do is think about them and remember great times that make you smile.

    T xx
  • Trent Collins · 5 months ago
    Thanks so much for sharing this with all of us Scott. My wife's mother has MS and was diagnosed with it shortly after my wife was born (32 years ago).

    Coming on 4 years ago she moved into a nursing home even though she is only a little over 60.

    This has been a huge thing for us to live with, but I feel that in a strange way it has actually enriched our lives as we adapt and overcome the illness with her.

    Again thanks so much for sharing.
  • Gavin Heaton · 5 months ago
    You are writing by the light of the axe, Scott. Thanks for being so honest. This sort of post is what ManWeek is all about. But you are also writing about living the sort of life that men (and women) can and should lead. We just have to be brave enough to do so.
  • Hannah · 5 months ago
    Hey Scotty,
    Just read this and it is so lovely, beautifully written. what a wonderful tribute to mum. I always miss her and think of her.the house isnt the same without her and none of the lives of those who knew her will ever be either. Glad you found the courage to open up and tell people how you are feeling because the last thing you should do is suffer in silence. Hope you are on the road to recovery dude, and cant wait to see you guys soon. Love to you and K always
    H xxxxxxx
  • Karla · 5 months ago
    BFF - I wasn't going to comment, mainly because I am sitting in the same room as you now, but just wanted to let the internet know how much I love you and how proud I am of you - not just for writing this, but also for how sensitive, kind and expressive you are each day offline.

    Your mum's - sexie, Gaby, G - kind, caring and sensitive spirit shines through in what you have written.
  • kristin rohan · 5 months ago
    Wow! There are so many sides to you, Scott, and all of them are pretty darn neat. I'm sure this was hard for you to write - it was hard to read since I love my mum so much and can't imagine what you experienced.

    But I'm glad I did because it was an absolutely touching tribute.

    Thanks for sharing and trusting us - my admiration for you grows everytime I'm lucky to know more of you.

    Cheers,
    kristin
  • Tony Hollingsworth · 5 months ago
    Scott
    Just read your post - incredibly moving and well-written. Thanks for sharing. I was so pleased when I finally wrote just a few words on the topic and it inspired another associate of mine to do the same, who otherwise would not have known about this initiative.

    Cheers,
    Tony
  • joseph · 5 months ago
    Thanks for a great post Scott. Inspiring! Well written and touching and a poignant reminder of relishing the moment.
  • Kate Richardson · 5 months ago
    Scott, that is a really moving and beautiful story. A tale of grief and acceptance.

    I lost my mum a few years ago and you just took me back to the raw nature of that emotion.

    Thanks for sharing.
  • franksting · 5 months ago
    Scott, WOW! Wonderfully, you make me feel like a follow on #manweek post (despite it no longer being manweek) descrbing my 'expected' feelings in similar circumstances. I'll do that knowing I can never reach the zenith of feelings you have touched in this post. It was a wonderful read, and highly recommended to all!
  • Sarah Peacock · 5 months ago
    Scott, I just wanted to say thanks so much for sharing your story.

    You brought a tear to my eye and my heart goes out to you and your family. You are such a brave sole for sharing your story and I think you will help a lot of people who might not have otherwise felt like they could ask for help. They can. I've sent this link onto one of my best friends who is going through a similar situation. Thank you (along with all you other brave #manweek fellows who posted their amazing stories!) for helping to break down the barriers and stigmas attached to men (and anyone!) asking for help.
    xxSarah
  • Alan · 5 months ago
    Scott,
    Depression is a difficult challenge. I'm so glad you took the step to meet Jon. For me it took years to identify and then get help.
    Thanks for sharing this, it's a powerful piece.
    Alan
  • Michael Fox · 5 months ago
    Scott, wow, that's an amazing post. I lost my dad to cancer 4 years ago and you've just put all the feelings into words beautifully. Glad to hear it sounds like you're dealing with it all ok, it's a tough experience.
  • Delicate Ardor · 3 months ago
    Thanks for your bravery and honesty. I appreciate very much so your sharing about accessing help from professionals. I think that the more people share about seeing psychologists and other mental health professionals the less power the stigma, misconceptions and the like can have. But even more powerful I believe is people doing what you have done here, by telling your story you make room for others to feel less isolated and alone with their grief. In my experience with grief I have found that this western world that I'm apparently a part of is far from apt at dealing with a person in mourning. We need more of what you have done here, thanks. PEACE :)