I love this idea of memorial benches. How they feel like something of pastime, when people used to promenade through parks or use their time leisurely or feed the squirrels and pigeons, but also with reflection. Might the time they spent there have been and loneliness or with connection.
What a joy to have been able to do research, to find a person. For a (rebewed) period of time, to give their existence some meaning.
Gorgeous writing, Yasmin, as always. Such an intimate, sensory piece, I leant right into it.
I have a thing for memorial benches (and gravestones as you know) and finding out what I can, but drinking in what’s around me in those moments too. Therefore your piece resonates so.
The memorial bench is such a popular way to remember people - i never realised how much until a friend died, much too young, and a group of her friends (including me) tried to get s bench in her name on one of her favourite walks - impossible! A waiting list many years long. So now we do an annual walk in her memory. I love that you did your PhD on them. Fascinating.
A lovely, closely-observed vignette, Yasmin. The memorial bench phenomenon is interesting and under-explored. We (or our families) want to move us from the community (but also anonymity) of the graveyard to somewhere more particular and individual.
I am very sorry to hear about your cancer, but am glad you got through it. But it also still enrages me that someone in your position could have lost their otherwise-savable lives due to the pandemic restrictions.
I love this idea of memorial benches. How they feel like something of pastime, when people used to promenade through parks or use their time leisurely or feed the squirrels and pigeons, but also with reflection. Might the time they spent there have been and loneliness or with connection.
What a joy to have been able to do research, to find a person. For a (rebewed) period of time, to give their existence some meaning.
Gorgeous writing, Yasmin, as always. Such an intimate, sensory piece, I leant right into it.
I have a thing for memorial benches (and gravestones as you know) and finding out what I can, but drinking in what’s around me in those moments too. Therefore your piece resonates so.
Thank you. 🙏
I very much appreciate your comment Bee. I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
The memorial bench is such a popular way to remember people - i never realised how much until a friend died, much too young, and a group of her friends (including me) tried to get s bench in her name on one of her favourite walks - impossible! A waiting list many years long. So now we do an annual walk in her memory. I love that you did your PhD on them. Fascinating.
Beautiful writing, tender without striving for sentimental effect. I hugely enjoyed reading it.
I appreciate your comment Valerie and glad you enjoyed this piece.
A lovely, closely-observed vignette, Yasmin. The memorial bench phenomenon is interesting and under-explored. We (or our families) want to move us from the community (but also anonymity) of the graveyard to somewhere more particular and individual.
Thanks Mark. I spent three years researching memorial benches for my PhD; it’s definitely an under-explored subject.
I am very sorry to hear about your cancer, but am glad you got through it. But it also still enrages me that someone in your position could have lost their otherwise-savable lives due to the pandemic restrictions.