Compassion, Spring 2024

7 tcf.org.uk COMPASSION | BOOK REVIEWS so I got up early and had a shower. I went into Michael's room to have a chat with him, and then write in his book, which I do from time to time, and particularly on significant days. I went downstairs, made tea for everyone and then sat in the garden. Immediately a bird flew down, and then more flew past, with the sound of birdsong all around. I looked at the flowers and trees, still showing full colour in this early autumn warmth and then the blackbird dad, who lives in our garden, flew down and ate a juicy worm. Mr and Mrs Blackbird had a nest in our woodshed in the spring, successfully raising three chicks. We put out food constantly to help them with their endless task of flying back and forth to the nest to feed the constantly hungry chicks, taking turns, until the three fattened fledglings left the nest to begin their new lives. The adult blackbirds followed this up with 4 more chicks a few weeks later, but sadly their nest was discovered by magpies, who took the chicks, no doubt to feed their own hungry chicks. Looking at all of this wonderful life in front of me I suddenly felt close to Michael, and had the feeling that this is all interconnected: life; death; nature. I don't know the answers, and I think they are way beyond human understanding anyway, but I do know that life is everywhere, and death can't be the end. Our dog Danny is sitting at my feet as I am writing this, no doubt patiently waiting for his walk, but perhaps also knowing how much that means to me today”. "I don't know the answers, and I think they are way beyond human understanding anyway, but I do know that life is everywhere, and death can't be the end". Chris also contacted Ben Goldsmith via Instagram and, while space prohibits me from reproducing the whole conversation, I thought it would help others to read some of it. In response to Chris telling him about the tragic death of his beloved 22 year old son Michael in a road traffic incident in 2021 and of the wildlife garden he and his wife Anna have started Ben replied “Oh Chris I’m so very sorry for your terrible loss. Wishing you strength and sending you love. There is solace in nature. It’s hard for me to say it or for you to understand it, but you must know that it does become easier. Life and joy will return. I also believe with every fibre of my being that we will see them again, in some way that is incomprehensible to us now. We are part of a grand mystery that is beyond our ability to understand. He is still with you, beyond the senses, and you will start to feel it. None of these things meant anything to me before I lost Iris, and now I see it”. Later, after Chris told him how much the book had helped him, as had TCF, Ben replied: “Thank you so much Chris. I’m sorry for your pain. There is solace to be found in nature. There is no separation between here and there, nor between then and now. We just can’t see it from here, now. I know TCF. Heroes. Stay in touch.”