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

Goodbye to Bemused Senior

by WaterGirl|  June 7, 20222:00 pm| 82 Comments

This post is in: Absent Friends, Open Threads

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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.

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Reader Interactions

82Comments

  1. 1.

    Baud

    June 7, 2022 at 10:02 am

    RIP. I’m very sorry for your loss, Robert.

  2. 2.

    TaMara

    June 7, 2022 at 10:09 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 10:10 am

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

  4. 4.

    debbie

    June 7, 2022 at 10:12 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 10:13 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 10:24 am

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

  7. 7.

    RedDirtGirl

    June 7, 2022 at 10:29 am

    So sorry for your loss. I will hold you and yours in the light.

  8. 8.

    TriassicSands

    June 7, 2022 at 10:42 am

    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.

  9. 9.

    H.E.Wolf

    June 7, 2022 at 10:45 am

    Sad news. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

  10. 10.

    leeleeFL

    June 7, 2022 at 10:49 am

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

  11. 11.

    Josie

    June 7, 2022 at 10:50 am

    So sorry for your loss, Robert.  I hope you will stay with us.

  12. 12.

    Ohio Mom

    June 7, 2022 at 10:51 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 10:52 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 10:54 am

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 11:09 am

    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.

  16. 16.

    Old School

    June 7, 2022 at 11:14 am

    My condolences to all who knew and loved her.

  17. 17.

    JeanneT

    June 7, 2022 at 11:15 am

    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.

  18. 18.

    zhena gogolia

    June 7, 2022 at 11:28 am

    @Ohio Mom: Yes, definitely.

    My deepest condolences, Robert.

  19. 19.

    White & Gold Purgatorian

    June 7, 2022 at 11:43 am

    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.

  20. 20.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    June 7, 2022 at 11:54 am

    I’m sorry, Robert. Peace and strength to you

  21. 21.

    Sure Lurkalot

    June 7, 2022 at 12:04 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Robert.

  22. 22.

    eclare

    June 7, 2022 at 12:06 pm

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

  23. 23.

    dkinPa

    June 7, 2022 at 12:07 pm

    My condolences to the family. May her memory be a blessing.

  24. 24.

    Sister Machine Gun of Quiet Harmony

    June 7, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    I will add to the condolences. She was special.

  25. 25.

    Ghost of Joe Liebling’s Dog

    June 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

    I’m so very sorry.  Deepest sympathy.

  26. 26.

    Mel

    June 7, 2022 at 12:18 pm

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

  27. 27.

    Joy in FL

    June 7, 2022 at 12:23 pm

    I want to add my sympathy for your loss. Condolences to you.

  28. 28.

    JPL

    June 7, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 12:34 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 12:36 pm

    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.

  31. 31.

    Alison Rose

    June 7, 2022 at 12:53 pm

    My condolences and heartfelt sympathy, Robert. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

  32. 32.

    feebog

    June 7, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself.

  33. 33.

    Omnes Omnibus

    June 7, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    My condolences.

  34. 34.

    Dan B

    June 7, 2022 at 12:59 pm

    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.

  35. 35.

    Kathleen

    June 7, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    My deepest condolences to you Robert along with friends and family.

  36. 36.

    MazeDancer

    June 7, 2022 at 1:13 pm

    Dear Sir, Enormous sympathy and deep condolences to you.

  37. 37.

    StringOnAStick

    June 7, 2022 at 1:27 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 1:29 pm

    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.

  39. 39.

    Ann Marie

    June 7, 2022 at 1:39 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss, Robert.

  40. 40.

    geg6

    June 7, 2022 at 1:41 pm

    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

  41. 41.

    rikyrah

    June 7, 2022 at 1:44 pm

    RIP and my condolences to the family

  42. 42.

    Miss Bianca

    June 7, 2022 at 1:48 pm

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

  43. 43.

    Ohio Mom

    June 7, 2022 at 1:52 pm

    @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

    June 7, 2022 at 1:53 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm

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

  47. 47.

    Felanius Kootea

    June 7, 2022 at 2:07 pm

    Rest in peace, Bemused Senior. Robert, my deepest condolences.

  48. 48.

    One of the Many Jens

    June 7, 2022 at 2:16 pm

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

  49. 49.

    The Moar You Know

    June 7, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 2:27 pm

    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.

  51. 51.

    Tom Levenson

    June 7, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. Bemused Senior is missed. All good thoughts to Robert and her friends and loved ones.

  52. 52.

    MomSense

    June 7, 2022 at 2:36 pm

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

  53. 53.

    Zelma

    June 7, 2022 at 2:40 pm

    Deepest sympathy. Loved the nym. We are all bemused I believe.

  54. 54.

    ThresherK

    June 7, 2022 at 2:58 pm

    Condolences from our home to yours, Robert.

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

  55. 55.

    Antonius

    June 7, 2022 at 3:11 pm

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

  56. 56.

    eachother

    June 7, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    I did not know you. You were well thought of here. There are traces of the tracks you made.

  57. 57.

    WereBear

    June 7, 2022 at 3:23 pm

    Deepest condolences on your terrible loss.

  58. 58.

    Chief Oshkosh

    June 7, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 3:41 pm

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

  60. 60.

    Tazj

    June 7, 2022 at 3:45 pm

    I’m sorry Robert. My condolences to you and your family.

  61. 61.

    Another Scott

    June 7, 2022 at 3:53 pm

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

    Remember the good times.

    Best wishes,
    Scott.

  62. 62.

    grandmaBear

    June 7, 2022 at 3:58 pm

    I’m so sorry, Robert. I do hope you will join us here.

  63. 63.

    Wolvesvalley

    June 7, 2022 at 4:03 pm

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

  64. 64.

    Nelle

    June 7, 2022 at 4:04 pm

    My sympathy, Robert.

  65. 65.

    Elizabelle

    June 7, 2022 at 4:13 pm

    @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

    June 7, 2022 at 4:18 pm

    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.

  67. 67.

    Ms. Deranged in AZ

    June 7, 2022 at 4:43 pm

    So sorry to hear this.  My heart goes out to Robert and Carol’s family.

  68. 68.

    Anne Laurie

    June 7, 2022 at 5:22 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 5:24 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    @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?

  71. 71.

    planetjanet

    June 7, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    @Mr. Bemused Senior: That is wonderful to hear!  I remember Obsidian Wings.  And I second Elizabelle’s call for a cameo by Sgt Pepper.

  72. 72.

    sab

    June 7, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    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.

  73. 73.

    funlady75

    June 7, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    So sorry for your loss Robert…

  74. 74.

    banditqueen

    June 7, 2022 at 7:08 pm

    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

    June 7, 2022 at 7:27 pm

    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.

  76. 76.

    EarthWindFire

    June 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

    @Mr. Bemused Senior: Welcome, Robert. You would be another gift Bemused Senior gave us. My sympathy and sorrow.

  77. 77.

    Tenar Arha

    June 7, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    @Mr. Bemused Senior: just wanted to be here, adding my condolences.

    ETA replacing with your nym

  78. 78.

    jnfr

    June 7, 2022 at 9:11 pm

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

  79. 79.

    Ben Cisco

    June 7, 2022 at 9:27 pm

    Deepest condolences to Robert and the family. Please know that you are among friends here. Very supportive people here.

  80. 80.

    Mr. Bemused Senior

    June 7, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    (I’m new here, bear with me…)​

  81. 81.

    Mr. Bemused Senior

    June 7, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    @Elizabelle: ​
      You will find Hilzoy on Twitter (!)

  82. 82.

    planetjanet

    June 7, 2022 at 10:20 pm

    @Mr. Bemused Senior: I haven’t heard of Hilzoy in a long, long time. Thanks for the link.

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