For a friend who had lost his dad, a while back I translated from French “La Maison de Famille” below. Regardless of one's beliefs, I know it's been a comfort to many, so I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you have and take the time you need, with your loved ones and for yourself.
“With death, a family isn’t destroyed, it is transformed. Part of it goes into the invisible. We think that death is an absence, but it is a discreet presence. We think that death creates infinite distance, when in fact it eliminates all distance by moving our earthly bond, to one of spirits (…)”
… “With each being leaving the household, those left behind receive new heavenly ties: Heaven is not only inhabited by angels, unknown saints, and a mysterious God…
…It becomes “familiar”, in the literary sense, like a part of the family house -the top floor if you will. And from top to bottom, memories, pleas and reliefs answer one another.” By Dominican Father Antonin Sertillanges
I had the genuine pleasure of meeting your father at a dinner party in Béziers during the summer of 2023. He was so full of life, sharp, and wonderfully witty—so hearing this news comes as a shock. I lost my mother earlier this year, in April, and as with any loss, but especially the loss of a parent, I am always surprised by my reaction to the unrelenting permanence and finality of death. In a world where we constantly look ahead—thinking in terms of progress, goals, plans, and second chances—the absolute finality and irreversibility of the loss of a loved one is fundamentally counter-intuitive (for me) - despite knowing it is an outcome we all must face.
In reflecting on my own family history, I've come to see that each generation contributes to the story our ancestors began. Our parents, in particular, add so much to the foundation that anchors us in the present and gives our children, and theirs, a sense of place and continuity. From my brief time with your father, it was clear that he contributed beautifully and meaningfully to your story. That is a gift beyond measure. Wishing you much courage Marie.
Stay Strong.
Marie,
For a friend who had lost his dad, a while back I translated from French “La Maison de Famille” below. Regardless of one's beliefs, I know it's been a comfort to many, so I thought I’d share it with you. I hope you have and take the time you need, with your loved ones and for yourself.
“With death, a family isn’t destroyed, it is transformed. Part of it goes into the invisible. We think that death is an absence, but it is a discreet presence. We think that death creates infinite distance, when in fact it eliminates all distance by moving our earthly bond, to one of spirits (…)”
… “With each being leaving the household, those left behind receive new heavenly ties: Heaven is not only inhabited by angels, unknown saints, and a mysterious God…
…It becomes “familiar”, in the literary sense, like a part of the family house -the top floor if you will. And from top to bottom, memories, pleas and reliefs answer one another.” By Dominican Father Antonin Sertillanges
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing Bénédicte.
I am so sorry for your loss, Marie. This was such a beautiful text, he must be very proud of you.
My condolences, Marie.
🕊️
Take care! Thinking of you at this heart-consuming time, I hope writing such powerful words also brings you some solace
So beautiful! So true! So sad! Love wins. My condolences my dear.
I had the genuine pleasure of meeting your father at a dinner party in Béziers during the summer of 2023. He was so full of life, sharp, and wonderfully witty—so hearing this news comes as a shock. I lost my mother earlier this year, in April, and as with any loss, but especially the loss of a parent, I am always surprised by my reaction to the unrelenting permanence and finality of death. In a world where we constantly look ahead—thinking in terms of progress, goals, plans, and second chances—the absolute finality and irreversibility of the loss of a loved one is fundamentally counter-intuitive (for me) - despite knowing it is an outcome we all must face.
In reflecting on my own family history, I've come to see that each generation contributes to the story our ancestors began. Our parents, in particular, add so much to the foundation that anchors us in the present and gives our children, and theirs, a sense of place and continuity. From my brief time with your father, it was clear that he contributed beautifully and meaningfully to your story. That is a gift beyond measure. Wishing you much courage Marie.
Well done
💔