I’ve just shared this on Facebook and thought some of you might want to know too (in case you were unaware, Steve had a stroke in February this year).

~~~

Update

Alas Steve isn’t doing well but he’s receiving great 24/7 care, his vitals remain strong and he eats a little. His family and I maintain hope for some recovery.

He continues to be the sweetest man in the world. He rarely speaks but, when he does, it’s usually to say thank you or to tell us he loves us. We cherish those moments, along with every minute we spend with him.

Thank you beyond words for your continued well wishes, love and support.

A Navajo leader has burnt cedar for Steve, a Christian of great faith has prayed many times in tongues for him, we have been prayed for in Mormon temples, candles have been lit in churches for us, many people have sent love and prayers… and beloved nonbelievers have told us they’re not praying but are instead sending love, positive energy and good wishes.

I’m immensely grateful and I accept it all, because it’s all about love and hope for Steve.

Every message and sentiment of good wishes from you all, in whatever form, means more than I can express.

Thank you ❤️

Claire xo



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/2024 02:29PM by Claire Ferguson Benson.

I've met Steve and I want him to survive.

...because I don't pray. And best wishes to you, Claire. It doesn't sound easy.

Claire, best wishes to Steve, you, and your family. Thanks for the update.

Claire, thank you for the update. We're all hoping for the best possbile outcome for Steve and your family. We want him to thrive!

Claire Ferguson Benson Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> He continues to be the sweetest man in the world.

Oh no. I'm so very sorry to read this, Claire.

I forget if I mentioned before that Steve was very generous with his time and supported me immensely when my dear mum was undergoing surgery years ago and I was sitting outside the hospital in my car in the pouring rain waiting for word about her condition. I had only just started using my first cell phone but forget now why we were in touch at that particular time - I must have texted or called him (I knew him from RfM of course, when back in the day he was a prolific, informed, interesting and entertaining poster). For hours Steve sent me music to listen to as the time went on and on and I wasn't hearing from the doctor. Turns out they just forgot to phone and tell me that everything was fine. Steve's a funny guy, as you well know, and he kept me laughing which is also good medicine I can attest. It wasn't always his rep that he was sweet and kind - maybe he didn't want anybody to figure that out - but I sure benefitted from it that day.


> A Navajo leader has burnt cedar for Steve, a
> Christian of great faith has prayed many times in
> tongues for him, we have been prayed for in Mormon
> temples, candles have been lit in churches for us,
> many people have sent love and prayers… and
> beloved nonbelievers have told us they’re not
> praying but are instead sending love, positive
> energy and good wishes.

Seems like you have all the bases covered. I also send masses of Canadian love and good wishes. I forget now which bands he told me he enjoyed. Maybe I can return the favour to him and ask you to play him his favourites if the hospital allows and you think it would be welcome to him.


> it’s all about love and hope for Steve.

Yes, indeed.

And all the best to you too, Claire, and to Steve's family and friends. We still need his abundant energy and wit in this world.

Hoping for a positive update very soon. Take care of yourself too.

Claire, thank you so much for the update. I've been worried and wondering how you both are doing.

I must say your report is not what I was hoping. I wanted to hear he is drawing toons and giving everyone hell!

If possible, tell him there are so many people he has helped here. Thank him for sharing his fine mind! We are rooting for him to recover.

We look forward to hearing there is improvement soon. Having good vitals is good news. I'm hopeful!

My concern is also for you, Claire. Please take care of yourself since you have a lot going on.

dagny Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I wanted to hear he is drawing toons and giving everyone hell!
> Thank him for sharing his fine mind! We are rooting for him to recover.
> We look forward to hearing there is improvement soon.

> My concern is also for you, Claire. Please take care of yourself since you have a lot going on.

Even though it's Steve I'm going to say Amen to everything dagny said, and everyone else too. Steve deserves a long and productive and happy retirement. Spending it with you Claire is the icing on his cake.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/29/2024 06:29PM by Nightingale.

Yes.

Thank you, Claire. Poor, Steve. That sounds rough. I too hope that things can gradually improve as much as possible. Please let him know that we're thinking of him.

And yes, definitely remember to take care of you. It's very important not to let yourself get dragged down and exhausted.

All may best wishes for Steve for a speedy recovery.

Claire said, “It’s all about love and support for Steve.” I hope that Steve understands that. Many of us never met him but were inspired and uplifted by his presence here at RfM.

I hope he recovers and that you two have many more years together ahead of you.

TG

Oops. *love and hope

TG

I rarely interact in exmo anymore, but once in awhile I have bones to dig up. For the last month I've been recalling Steve and a few others here. 20 years ago Steve's witty conversations helped me to question every belief I ever held. I still question everything -including theism beliefs and atheism position / beliefs, and everything in between.

I guess I'm not surprised that I came on today and saw this. For a little laugh please tell Steve that this might show that there's more entangled connections that humams aren't culturally taught.

I'm wishing him all the best, in much appreciation for his time and entertaining and helpful discussions way back when.

I just jumped on this site for the first time in ages and saw this. I'm so sorry. His posts helped give me the courage to resign from the church back in...2007. (!) Thank you, Steve. I hope you pull through.

Steve was at BYU the same time as I was; I never met him but his posts here have affirmed what I figured out for myself. His honesty and vulnerability here have really helped me.
I wish for him the speediest, fullest recovery he is able to have, and I'm hoping he can somehow feel the appreciation and respect so many here have for him.

Best wishes to Steve from southern Alberta.

My dad had a severe stroke at 60. I was 11, and would go off alone and cry and pray that his face wouldn’t droop anymore.

It took a couple years, but he recovered nearly completely with the only apparent lasting effect that he’d cry easily. He lived to 89.

I was born “without” my left basilar cerebral artery. I was told the best way to create collateral circulation is to walk on an incline.

With huge appreciation for you, good luck to you, Steve.

I'm hoping all our best wishes help & are felt by Steve & everyone close.

Best wishes to Steve. All our positive vibes headed his way.


HH =)

I've only just found this out, having been busy and unable to check this board much. Sending positive vibes to Steve.

Thanks for letting us know, Claire. We're all pulling for him.

Just wish him the best.

Steve helped many of us see the light, and gave us the courage to bail out. And people at large appreciate his cartoons and biting wit, and the stories of his grandad.

Many of us left the confines of the LDS Church for greener pastures because of his writings, and explanations.

I agree with cludgie, he gave us the strength to leave.

Good vibes, and thoughts to you, Claire, and Steve.

My dad suffered a stroke at 58. He lived until he was 81. He couldn’t fly an airplane after the stroke but he could drive. He lost his mental sharpness. But he lived a pretty quality life after it. He did best when he ate a low carb diet and did his exercise which was mostly walking.

Thanks. He is missed.

I'm hoping the best for Steve & his family. The dude just cracked me up on here so much. I always loved when he got into it with someone here . . . because I knew I could count on some good laughs!

Thank you for all your comments.
Not much change here, unfortunately no improvement.
I’ll start another thread if there’s anything significant to share.
Appreciate you all.
Claire xo



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/17/2024 01:22PM by Claire Ferguson Benson.

Fingers remain crossed...

Thanks for the update, Claire. Sending best wishes.

Please tell him that I really miss our arguing about Santa. I look forward to it each December. My husband has had a few strokes and they are just so unpredictable. Do let us know if there is anything new, we are thinking of him. :)

I'm so sorry to hear too. I was visualizing Steve giving his doctors & physios hell. I hope he will be up for that sometime soon.

Take care of yourself too, Claire. Sending all best wishes from up here in Canada.

Please tell Steve that I loved his stories about his ferrets, especially the one where he dreamt they’d escaped their cage but in fact he’d forgotten to lock it. I also appreciate him giving advice on a blog I once had where TSCC was visiting daily. That was freaky. He’s always been a great support to me, even when we disagreed.

I know progress after stroke is slow, but has Steve experienced any improvement in the past couple weeks?

Prayers for him and you, too, Claire.

I've read quite a lot of posts from Steve in the past. He has made me laugh many times over the years, even when I disagreed with him. He is very quick-witted and you definitely don't want to get into an online argument with him. He was always relentless

I hope he brings that same fighting spirit to his recovery. I'm sure he will.

Best wishes to him and his family.

As one who has taken his fair share of Steve’s ire, I do wish him well. He is a great thinker and a sapient homo sapien, which is all one can hope to accomplish. And from all reports he is loved and loves. Give him all of our love.

TThough I never met him in person, his posts and political cartoons have greatly influenced my awakening to the truth. I feel sad that I didn't get to know him better, but I wish him and his family all the best.

sillymo26 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TThough I never met him in person, his posts and
> political cartoons have greatly influenced my
> awakening to the truth.

I'm sure Steve would be very pleased to hear that. I doubt it's possible to count up all the people he's helped, directly or indirectly, due to his unique access to the top of the Mormon pyramid and his experiences with the Benson family and in the church. He provided a wealth of information to those who desperately needed it, especially years ago when it wasn't so readily available or from multiple sources. I remember many people asking him "Are you really *the* Steve Benson?" back in the day. It meant a lot for many exmos to hear from someone so close to the top of the Mormon hierarchy (Ezra Taft Benson, his grandfather, 13th President of the church).

I hope he and Claire know that we're thinking of them both and wishing them all the best in this challenging situation. Steve's tough. I trust that stands him in good stead in this difficult battle.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/12/2024 09:10PM by Nightingale.

Alas there is no improvement to share with you.

But thank you all, so very much. I appreciate, more than I can express, your recollections of Steve and your concern and good wishes.

Claire xo

Take care of yourself too. I know how hard this is. One day at a time :)

I just found this thread for the first time. Just sending a quick note to let you know I’m still thinking of you and Steve every day.

Me too.

Steve would laugh if I said I was praying for a miracle but I will anyway.

It's all I got.

+1

I'm sorry to hear that, Claire. I guess the good news is that he's still fighting. Take care of yourself. *HUGS*

Hey Claire, all the best hope hes doing better and you are looking after yourself.

We met a few times years ago, one of the original 'uk exmo' crew, meeting in the Wetherspoons in Birmingham! Its been a few years, and my wife eventutally saw the light and left the church too!

Hi Mark

Great to hear from you, I have fond memories of meeting up with you. You were always so much fun to be around - smart, insightful and oh so witty.

I know GayRM also enjoyed those meet ups and he and I are still best friends, from across the miles now though. Steve and I had dinner with him and his partner when we were in London a couple of years ago.

What a great bunch of UK exmos that was. So good to hear your wife has joined the ranks, please tell her hello from me and hope to meet her sometime.

If you and your wife are ever in Arizona be sure to let me know, would be great to meet up.

Best wishes

Claire xo

Hey Mark. I was there that day at Wetherspoons bham. About 10 of us maybe. All the best

To Steve and family:

Get well and may Heavenly Father help you along the road to recovery.

The Otts

Hang in there Steve, your wisdom has helped me immensely in recovering from mo-ism. I appreciate your contributions to humanity.

Wishing you all the best Steve! I have always enjoyed your quick wit and the time we spent at BYU and after you moved here. I was sorry to hear about your stroke and am praying for recovery.
Love you my friend,
Chuck

Steve was a regular, thoughtful, hilarious and bold contributor back when I was posting regularly. Also met him at at least one exmormon conference in SLC.

I would love an update on his health, and hope you will pass on well wishes and thanks for his contributions. He really has had an impact on many lives.

Years ago I would correspond with Steve by email commenting on his brilliant cartoons and showing appreciation for his incredible art and craft. I only met with him once for sushi and I still owe him a dinner so let me know when he’s well enough so sorry Claire please make sure to take care of yourself through all this stress & express to him my concern for him and fervent hope that he improves soon and quickly. Sharon

Some of you have asked for a further update on Steve and I apologise for not responding before now.

It’s been a little over a year since Steve’s stroke and I’m sorry to say there has been no recovery and, instead, a slow continual decline.

I wish there was something more positive to tell you.

Thank you for your kind comments and good wishes for Steve, I’m very grateful.

Claire xo

Thanks, Claire. I think of your family often.
He is so lucky you are in his life. I miss his wit and insight. Hoping for the best.

Thank you, Claire. I'm very sorry to read this update. I was hoping for a quick bounce-back, or at least an eventual one.

I'm so glad that Steve has you there at this very tough time.

Thinking of you both, and all, and still holding out hope for brighter days.

Please say hello to Steve from Canada. We used to correspond occasionally back in the day.

Don't forget to take care of yourself too Claire.

Thanks for the update, Claire. I'm sorry to hear that there's been no improvement. I wish you both peace and comfort during this difficult time.

That must be so disheartening. To make it for over a year, but not be recovering. I'm sorry that things are not going better for you and your husband.

So sorry to hear it. Steve is a brilliant satarist and toonifyer.
May he find peace and comfort. I would love to see what he would be drawing up right now given our descent into fascism.


HH =)

While I have never met you or Steve (and I was never a Mormon thankfully), I have read many of Steve's essays both on this site and elsewhere. I wish you both the best given his current situation and I am definitely keeping him in my thoughts.