Life as a Widower

[lane lover]

I just thought I would point out a blog that has been started by local resident Ben Brooks-Dutton following the tragic loss of his wife last year:

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,997393,997771#msg-997771

http://lifeasawidower.com/

I find this quite inspirational in many ways. He is working through a tough time by sharing his thoughts to try and help others. The support he is getting from the public is fantastic, and people are really opening up to his thoughtful words.

Great work Ben, you are such a strong and wonderful person. My thoughts go out to you and your son, but he is a lucky boy to have such a great father.

[StraferJack]

I spoke with Ben at the nursery Christmas Party ? his boy and my little one were part of a small gang playing at the end of the hall

I knew about his situation when I was talking to him but didn?t feel it was the right place to bring it up ? besides I figured he has that same conversation dozens of times every day

But he impressed me enormously - he would have anyway without the incident, he just is that kind of cool guy.

Reading his blog subsequently, and the big article in last Saturday?s Guardian is both heartbreaking and heartwarming

[Pickle]

Heartbreaking reading, but very inspirational.

[Loz]

Here's the article from the Guardian from a few days ago.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2013/jan/19/telling-toddler-mummys-dead

A sad, yet strangely ... I want to use the word 'uplifting', but that doesn't seem right ... read. I doubt anyone can finish the article without a small tear or two.

[Strawbs]

I am at my desk at work with tears streaming down my face! God how heartwrenching for him.. I tried to comment on his blog but it wouldnt let me so I did it through the fb page.. My heart is breaking for this man and his baby boy..

x

[TillieTrotter]

Wow. Just wow really!

[Otta]

Remember reading about it at the time and just thinking, how the hell do you deal with that?

Very sad story, and a very brave man, big respect and condolences to him!

[Cassius]

Totally heartbreaking - puts one's own problmes into perspective.

[edcam]

What a heartbreaking story. That little boy sounds like he is on good hands at least.

[Ted Max]

Sure, every post will make you weep but, despite that, reading the blog doesn't feel intrusive or like you are reading someone's private diary of grief. He somehow manages to be outward-looking and (striving for the right word here) generous with his spirit - and because of that I think he's helping everyone who reads it.

It's quite remarkable, actually.

[TillieTrotter]

Absolutely spot on there Ted.

[Mathilda]

I can't put into words how much I admire this guy. He is clearly a great father to his boy and my heart goes out to them.

[Otta]

I was just reading the comments on the home page, and there are several other poor souls in similar situations. Really does show that life / fate / whatever you want to call it, really can be cruel and spares noone for good behaviour.

[Pugwash]

Sitting here crying at the words Ben has used to describe his feelings - a brave and insighful father