I got a call from my baby Beef Brother, Jed. He told me his Mom passed away today, February 21, 2008, in Worcester, Massachussets.

It is said one can tell much about a person by observing their children. Using this measure, and listening to the amazing lyrics Jed writes, Ruth Marum must have been an extraordinary person for she raised a man with an amazing heart. Jed Marum is an empath of amazing ability. Listen to his songs, crafted after he read letters of folks from other era's, and marvel at how he was able to hook into that person's life and bring it into relevance, and make them live again. Prayer From Little Round Top, Mama's Lilly, Con Este Beso, Banks of the Mobile, and the one that is most relevant today ...... The Locket.

I remember when I first heard "The Locket". I had come to Toronto to lend a vocal to Jed's CD "Soul of a Wanderer". Paul Mills and I were in the control room when Jed recorded this song. He wrote it to honor his Mom who was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Jed and Louisa had attempted to keep Jed's Mom and Dad together by bringing them to Texas and taking care of them in their home. Eventually the task, with the medical care needed, was just too much. Jed describes how he felt about the moments he got to share in this amazing song. It is, at once, a wonderful tribute to a marvelous woman, while also teaching us that it isn't important that they can no longer always remember us, what is important is that we remember for them and pass it on. It is important that we remember the good times, and the debt of love that we owe. It is important to remember that in their caring for us, they taught us that one day we would need to care for them. You can hear this amazing testament to Jed's Mom from her loving son by going to this myspace page and scrolling down through the songs to The Locket.

Ruth, rest well knowing that you did a wonderful job on that boy of yours. He will miss you, and he will keep you alive in the singing of your song. Good job, lady, and thanks for raising him to be such a good friend. I am in your debt.

All the best,

Mick