Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

“Loving your country does not mean lying about its history.”

Nothing says ‘pro-life’ like letting children go hungry.

Conservatism: there are people the law protects but does not bind and others who the law binds but does not protect.

They punch you in the face and then start crying because their fist hurts.

Come on, media. you have one job. start doing it.

There is no compromise when it comes to body autonomy. You either have it or you do not.

I did not have this on my fuck 2025 bingo card.

New McCarthy, same old McCarthyism.

Second rate reporter says what?

Optimism opens the door to great things.

Hi god, it’s us. Thanks a heap, you’re having a great week and it’s only Thursday!

Well, whatever it is, it’s better than being a Republican.

Hot air and ill-informed banter

In my day, never was longer.

The Supreme Court cannot be allowed to become the ultimate, unaccountable arbiter of everything.

Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life.

Historically it was a little unusual for the president to be an incoherent babbling moron.

Technically true, but collectively nonsense

Shallow, uninformed, and lacking identity

The party of Reagan has become the party of Putin.

I have other things to bitch about but those will have to wait.

Books are my comfort food!

My years-long effort to drive family and friends away has really paid off this year.

if you can’t see it, then you are useless in the fight to stop it.

You are here: Home / Absent Friends / Goodbye to Bemused Senior

Goodbye to Bemused Senior

by | 82 Comments

This post is in: ,

Mr. Bemused Senior wrote to me last night to share the sad news that his beloved wife had passed away on Sunday.

Robert told me that he knew Carol felt kinship with us Jackals, so he wanted to let us know.  We felt a kinship with Carol, too, though of course we knew her as Bemused Senior.

We are losing a friend, but maybe we will gain a new friend in Mr. Bemused Senior, just as we found Laura Too after her uncle, our beloved Schlemezal, left us.

I invited Mr. Bemused Senior to join us in the comments, and I am hoping he will take us up on that. Robert, Schlemezal fought a long fight, too, before we lost him.  Perhaps you would find some comfort in talking to Laura Too.

Sgt. Pepper – their beautiful cat – is in this year’s pet calendar.  Carol told me that Sgt. Pepper’s personality had blossomed by becoming the house’s only pet.

I believe that Mr. Bemused Senior joined us for the Adam Schiff zoom, so I think that technically makes him a jackal already, right?

Rest in peace, Carol.  You will be missed.

Reader Interactions

82Comments

  2. 2.

    TaMara

    Condolences to Robert and all of Carol’s friends and family. We always feel the loss of a jackal here and Carol will be missed. Rest in peace, Bemused Seinor.

  3. 3.

    Almost Retired

    I remember Mr. Bemused Senior from the Schiff Zoom!  Welcome, and I’m so sorry for your loss.

  4. 4.

    debbie

    I am so sorry to read of your loss, Robert. Please know there are masses of unseen jackals with you in spirit.

  5. 5.

    Elizabelle

    My condolences.  Jackals in kinship can be the least aggravating kind!

    Rest well to Carol, and Robert is in my thoughts.

  6. 6.

    West of the Rockies

    You are most welcome here, Robert, should you wish to join. May you find comfort in her memory.

  8. 8.

    TriassicSands

    My heartfelt condolences, Mr. Bemused Senior. If there is any chance you can find something positive here at Balloon Juice, by all means, when (and if) you feel up to it, join in. You will be welcomed.

  10. 10.

    leeleeFL

    So sad to hear this, Robert!  We are here for you if you need us!  All you have to pop on an say.

  12. 12.

    Ohio Mom

    So sorry to hear this sad news. Thanks, Mr. Bemused Senior for letting us know, and please keep up with us. Maybe becoming a regular here will be one way to keep Mrs. B. Senior’s memory alive.

  13. 13.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I’m so very sorry, Robert. I join my fellow jackals in hoping you will choose to join us, or at least stop by now and then. Sending light to your Carol, and deepest condolences to you and all who loved her. Including the gorgeous Sgt. Pepper.

  14. 14.

    Ohio Mom

    I want to add that I always thought “Bemused Senior” was a great nym. Becoming bemused, rather than angry or despondent or any other energy-draining stance, is a good goal for oldsterdom.

  15. 15.

    CaseyL

    Oh, I am so sorry to hear this! And I agree with Ohio Mom: Bemused Senior is a wonderful nym.

    Condolences to Mr. Bemused Senior and the family. May her memory be a blessing.

    I do hope Mr. Bemused Senior will be able to stop by now and then.

  17. 17.

    JeanneT

    That is sad news. My condolences to all who loved Carol. If speaking of her ever would give you comfort, Robert, you will find many of us would be glad to listen to stories of your life together.

  19. 19.

    White & Gold Purgatorian

    Mr. Bemused Senior, I am very sorry for your loss. Sgt. Pepper is a very beautiful kitty and I hope you can find comfort together.

  22. 22.

    eclare

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Deepest sympathy to you, Sgt. Pepper, and all of your friends and family.

  26. 26.

    Mel

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Robert. Her warmth, intelligence and wit shone in her comments.

  28. 28.

    JPL

    This is such sad news and I want to add my condolences to you.   Please join us, if just to let us know how you are doing.   Take care.

  29. 29.

    Eyeroller

    I lost my husband last December so I know how this feels, and I extend my deepest sympathies.  My huband never commented, but he was a dedicated reader, and especially loved Albatrossity’s bird photos.

  30. 30.

    VeniceRiley

    Condolences for Robert. And yes, you are a Jackal! *oneofusoneofus

    As for pets that flourish as sole pet in house, I can confirm! After Barney died, Kilo wasted no time transitioning to his current case of Main Character Syndrome.

  34. 34.

    Dan B

    I’m at a loss for words but no shortage of feelings. May you find your path cleared to the full life that your beloved Carol would want for you.

  37. 37.

    StringOnAStick

    Please accept my condolences, and I hope that your spending time here with her online community provides you with some comfort.

  38. 38.

    Laura Too

    Oh my, I am so sorry for your loss! I can attest, this place is a place of solace as well as snark. I was wrapped in a warm blanket and nourished until I felt healed enough to speak. This is an amazing community of brilliant people and we are lucky to have a place to return to that remembers our loved ones with fondness. I don’t wish anyone to go through the pain of loss but I hope it eases your sadness a bit to know you can return here and find a bit of Carol.

  40. 40.

    geg6

    Robert, I’m so sorry to hear about Carol. It’s very sad for us to lose a valued commenter but horrible for you and your family to lose such a loved one. My deepest sympathies.

    And I hope you keep hanging around with us. We may not always be kind to GQPers but we always care about our jackals

  42. 42.

    Miss Bianca

    Oh, man, such sad news. My condolences to all, including beautiful kitty Sgt Pepper.

  43. 43.

    Ohio Mom

    @Eyeroller: I don’t remember* extending condolences to you last December, please accept these belated ones.

    * Disclosure: I don’t trust my memory anymore and probably no one else should either.

  44. 44.

    Yutsano

    All my love and healing light to you Robert. May Carol’s memory soon be a source of smiles. To paraphrase a certain President.

  45. 45.

    Villago Delenda Est

    Rest in peace, Carol. You will be missed.

    In peace, and in power. And yes, Bemused Senior will be missed. Howl for a departed jackal!

    Robert, deep condolences for you and your family.  I imagine Sgt. Pepper is a bit confused right now, “where the heck is mom?”

  46. 46.

    FelonyGovt

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Carol (Bemused Senior). Robert, you have our sincere condolences. May her memory be a blessing.

  48. 48.

    One of the Many Jens

    I am so sorry. My condolences and best wishes to you and all who knew her.

  49. 49.

    The Moar You Know

    I have to agree with Ohio Mom above that “Bemused Senior” is one of the greatest nyms ever, and definitely is giving me guidance towards the proper mindset.

    May she rest in peace.

  50. 50.

    The Moar You Know

    I imagine Sgt. Pepper is a bit confused right now, “where the heck is mom?”

    @Villago Delenda Est: We have a neighbor cat that hates all  people save for the mom of the neighbor household.  Against all odds, considering her fear of damn near everything, she formed a very strong and lasting friendship with our very large dog.

    When we lost said dog in 2013, neighbor cat kept coming over to our house and looking in the windows, trying to find her pal.  FOR OVER A YEAR.  I’d tear up every time I saw her.  It was the saddest thing ever on top of the already horrendously sad loss of our dog.

    They know and they grieve.  Never doubt it

    ETA:  Neighbor cat is still around.  She hates New Dog, and he really doesn’t like her either.

  52. 52.

    MomSense

    I’m so sorry to hear this news. Condolences to Robert. We will certainly miss Carol and her friendship.

  54. 54.

    ThresherK

    Condolences from our home to yours, Robert.

    Torties and calicos are my favorites. This one is a beauty.

  55. 55.

    Antonius

    So sorry Robert. We can’t but feel a tiny fraction of your loss. She will be missed, and you will always be welcome.

  58. 58.

    Chief Oshkosh

    I’m sorry for your loss, Robert. I’ve found grieving difficult and variable with each loved one’s death, seemingly without rhyme or reason. One constant, though, is that there always turns out to be more caring people around me than I’d thought. I hope you find the same.

  59. 59.

    planetjanet

    I am so sorry for you Robert.  Bemused Senior was a lovely commenter and will be missed.

  61. 61.

    Another Scott

    Condolences to you, Robert, and to all who knew and loved her.

    Remember the good times.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  63. 63.

    Wolvesvalley

    I am so sorry that you have lost your lovely wife. We jackals will miss her, too.

  65. 65.

    Elizabelle

    @Eyeroller: 

    Oh no! We lost another jackal in kinship! My condolences on the loss of your husband, the dedicated reader. Good to see you here.

  66. 66.

    Odie Hugh Manatee

    My deepest condolences to you, Robert, and I hope you decide to hang around here. Rest in peace, Carol. We will miss your voice here.

    This is something we sign up for when we get hitched, ’til death do we part. It’s something we all dread because we know the day is coming for all of us and whoever is left behind has to pick up the pieces and move forward.

    Take care of yourself, Robert.

  68. 68.

    Anne Laurie

    My condolences, Robert. May the thought of your late wife soon bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes.

  69. 69.

    Mr. Bemused Senior

    Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

    Indeed I did attend the Midnight in Washington book club and I was grateful for the opportunity.

    I mostly have hung out at Obsidian Wings (where I am “ral”).  I don’t comment much.  Carol directed me  to several Balloon juice posts and I appreciate the insight and knowledge found here.

    I think I will keep my identity as Mr. Bemused Senior here and yes, I plan to stick around.

  70. 70.

    Elizabelle

    @Mr. Bemused Senior:   It’s good to hear you will stick around.

    I fear you may need to wrangle Sgt. Pepper into the next Zoom you attend.  By popular demand.

    I wish you strength and peace as you get through the coming weeks.

    And: OMG, did not realize Obsidian Wings is still around.  Do you know where Hilzoy blogs these days?

  72. 72.

    sab

    Robert,
    I am so sorry. I didn’t inow her except on Balloon Juice, but her comments were always fine and often excellent.

    I hope we gave her enjoyment and an outlet.. We certainly liked her. And her nym. Glad you are keeping her amazing nym alive. I will miss her comments a lot.

  74. 74.

    banditqueen

    So sorry to learn about Carol–she was a treasure and her memory will always be a blessing. Robert (Mr Bemused Senior), may you find beauty before you and beauty behind you when you, family, and friends think about Bemused Senior–I know that Balloon Juice will.

  75. 75.

    stinger

    What a loss. Bemused Senior was great, and will be missed here, as no doubt she is among her family and “real life” friends. Heartfelt condolences.

  78. 78.

    jnfr

    I’m so sorry to hear this. May she rest in peace, and blessings to her family and this community here.

Comments are closed.