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:
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> 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.