Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)
From: GUEST,Mary's sidekick
Date: 11 Jul 14 - 08:20 PM

Hello. Mary Benson is alive and well and it gives her great pleasure to hear from her old friends, near and far. For information please contact Joe Offer.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)
From: Barbara
Date: 18 May 09 - 12:17 PM

She's moved to stay with her sister in Spokane. My understanding is that she will be back in Portland when her insurance kicks in. I have some friends I can ask as to how she's doing. I'll get back to you when I hear.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)
From: open mike
Date: 18 May 09 - 12:27 AM

any news on her condition, progress, or other/??

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)
From: mg
Date: 19 Jun 08 - 01:40 AM

I think that is where she was but is no longer. She is now in a studio...I don't know if it is associated with a care center or not. I know she really looks forward to having guests, and is able to get out and about some. Her speech as of a couple of weeks ago was still not doing so well, but otherwise poeple say she is doing very well...mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke (Sept. 2007)
From: Genie
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 08:00 PM

Valentine, I see you're a guest, so you can't PM Barbara (unless, of course, you want to join, which requires nothing more than a user name and an email address).
I looked up some assisted living and nursing homes in Portland, and I think this is the one you want. Worth a try, anyway.

Marquis Vintage Suites at Hawthorne Gardens
2828 SE Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97214

I don't have a phone number, but I'm sure it's in the phone book for Portland.

G

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Genie
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 01:40 PM

Valentine, I would PM Barbara for updated info.
I know that Mary is living in an assisted living facility in SE Portland, and I can look up its new name. (It's a new facility in a renovated building formerly occupied by a nursing home, but I don't know the name offhand.)
I'll try to find it, but I'm pretty sure Barbara has the contact info handy. David Ingerson probably does too.

Genie

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: GUEST,Valentine
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 11:21 AM

Hello all --

Is there any recent info about Mary, including how to reach her? I'll be in Portland briefly and would love to say hello, give her a cheering word.

Valentine

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Barbara
Date: 26 May 08 - 01:02 AM

Kate,
If you look after the name of a person who posted, i.e. Mark Cohen, you will find PM. Click on that and it will post a personal message to that person, like this one I am sending you, and will show up as a red notice at the top of the page saying that you have one message.

I will do this with this mail, and also post it to the thread about Mary Benson's stroke, since it looks like you didn't realize you were posting a personal message in a thread about Mary.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: calling Mark "Formulary Song" Cohen ...
From: KateGladstone
Date: 26 May 08 - 12:00 AM

Dear Mark — Hello again!

Just after our last "talk" (several years ago), I had to change my e-mail address in trying to overcome some computer problems around the time I moved house (problems which in the end did take years to clear up)! Thereafter, I tried to e-mail you, but the messages always bounced ...

So (since it seems I've found you again) I just wanted to:

/1/ ... thank you for having permitted me to use your "Formulary Song" in the handwriting classes I give MDs (as a penmanship-practice piece rather more workplace-relevant than "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog"),

/2/ ... let you know that the MDs respond well to it,

/3/ ask again for the precise NEJM citation of the "Formulary Song" (which it seems I lost in my house-move),

and

/4/ look forward to renewing our e-mail acquaintance ... and/or to providing handwriting-help, as promised, if you as an MD still feel the need of it! You can reach me now at [e-mail] , or through my web-site now at http://www.learn.to/handwrite .

;-)

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 30 Nov 07 - 02:40 AM

Mary can walk steadily, if slowly, with no aids at all. She might need a cane for long walks but I haven't seen her use one. She is able to read a little now and then and is working on writing, too.

I took a box of some of her bedside music books to her the other day and she was delighted to go through them. She was able to recognize many songs from their appearance on the page. I encouraged her to sing but she said she couldn't. A little later we came across a book of Roberton's songs and I started singing the Mingulay Boat Song. She joined right in, perfectly on pitch. I was so pleased to hear her singing that I didn't stop to listed to her pronunciation, so I can't tell you if she could pronounce her words better if she were singing them.

She had a nice Thanksgiving dinner with her family and was also able to see her son, Max, that day.

And, as always, her spirits are good!

Cheers,

David

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 Nov 07 - 03:01 AM

Speech is on the logical left side of the brain but music/song is on the arty side. If speaking comes out garbled, singing should be OK.
Fingers crossed,
Robyn

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: mg
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 11:11 PM

I saw her walk a short distance without a cane if my memory serves me right. She is also able to go out for short outings, dinner or whatever. Fortuitously, her rehab home is right near Biddy Magee?s? McGraw's??? Take her out for a beer if she is allowed it...mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: ChanteyMatt
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 10:26 PM

I just came from our last Sunday chantey sing and I understand Mary is walking with the aid of a cane now. Friends are starting a collection to help with some of the medical bills. It touches me deeply to see the support of the "family" in times of need. Mary Benson is well loved through out the Pacific Northwest.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: mg
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 04:27 PM

I was able to visit her a couple of weeks ago just briefly and was quite impressed. She talks a mile a minute, which is great news..she starts off doing pretty well and then her words run out and get transformed into new words, but her brain is obviously working really hard. She looks good and I am sure would love to get a few CDs etc. from people who might have spares...a couple of people have said they are going to visit her with guitars and try to get her to sing along...I think that will help retrain her brain..I am hoping her beautiful voice is still there and I think it is..even just to belt out a chorus...if you haven't heard her sing you are missing out..not just a pretty voice but a one in a million voice...mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 10:29 AM

David-

Thanks so much for the update. It's good to hear that Mary's condition is improving.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 25 Nov 07 - 02:35 AM

Mary is improving significantly!

She can now walk unassisted all around the hall of her nursing facility. She has more energy and wants to say more and does--and more of what she says is understandable. Her mispronunciations are often closer to the word she means to say and it's obvious she has a lot of meaningful things to say. It's just that about 60% comes out garbled, which is a lot better than it was before. She still does have a long way to go, of course.

Two weeks ago there was a party to celebrate her 58th birthday. She was in good spirits and reveled in the support of about a score of friends and family. Her son, Max, was able to be there, as were her two brothers and one of her sisters. We sang many birthday songs, but she couldn't join in. However, she wanted me to bring a box of her music along next time I visit and we would go through it to maybe find something she would want to work on sining!

She was scheduled to have Thanksgiving dinner at one of her brother's house and to have a visit with Max, too.

Things are looking good.

Part of me feels apologetic about waiting so long to report on Mary's condition, but, as someone pointed out above, taking the long view yields a more positive outcome. I'll use that as my excuse. ;-)

Thank you all for your responses, helpful suggestions, and good thoughts.

Cheers,

David

Subject: RE: Seeking Mary Benson's snail maill addres
From: mg
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 02:49 PM

I was able to talk with her yesterday very briefly. She was very tired but was able to talk..OK at first and then trailing off a bit...I think it is very encouraging. I am sure she would love to hear from people..perhaps a card, or a CD to listen to would be great..and she does love ..what is that fancy dark chocolate in the gold wrapper?? mg

Subject: RE: Seeking Mary Benson's snail maill addres
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 02:43 PM

Sorry, that blank person above was me. I just want to thank mg and David Ingerson for providing her address and updates. I'll contact her. much appreciated!

best,

Chanteyranger

Subject: Seeking Mary Benson's snail maill addres
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 03:12 PM

The card signed and sent to Mary from the SF chantey sing was marked "return to sender" and returned from the post office (old address). If anyone has her current address, I'd much appreciate it. Please send it to me by PM, not on this thread. Many thanks!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: mg
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 09:46 PM

will do. Jon P. might have some as well...but it is on my work computer so hopefully I can skip in there tomorrow. mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: johnross
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 08:48 PM

(mg), can you put me in contact with the folks who are trying to re-issue Mary B's CDs? I make no promises, but I might be able to find some unreleased recordings to add to the soup.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 02:14 AM

Hey Mark!

Nice to hear from you. I will pass along your love and good wishes to Mary, I hope tomorrow.

In fact, I'll take this whole thread to her. Then I can post her responses and any other news.

Thanks for your kind words, Mark. Those were memorable times for me, too. And there was little to steel oneself against while singing with you. It was a pleasure. Especially when singing some of the fine songs you were writing. "Brandywine" and "The Children Draw Guns(?)" come to mind right away.

More later.

Cheers,

David

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 05 Oct 07 - 12:47 AM

David, please pass my love and good wishes on to Mary. (You can take some for yourself and Kathleen, too!)

David and Mary were my entree into the folk music scene in Portland in 1984, and I couldn't have had better guides and mentors. I don't know how they steeled themselves to sing alongside me, but I'm glad they did. The three of us sang together as "Small Craft" for two Folklife Festivals, and reunited 15 years later at Singtime Frolics. Actually, as I recall now, at one of those Folklifes Mary couldn't make it...Max was busy being born. (Meryle Korn stood in, admirably.)

If anybody is strong enough to recover from this, Mary is. I wish her all the best, and hope one day to her her again belting out "Poverty Knock" and "Sammy's Bar" and "The Red Velvet Steering Wheel Cover Driver" and "Fresh Water Whaling" and "The Fishermen's Song" and...

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: mg
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 09:53 PM

I am also hoping, and people are working on this possibility, that some CDs she is on can be rerun so people can get them..mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 04 Oct 07 - 03:16 PM

David - besides CDs and cards, is there anything else we ould send to help her out or to maybe send to friends of hers to help with expenses - such as giftcards to various stores? Please let us know. As I mentioned above, a simple transfer of an existing prescription from one pharmacy to a CVS or Riteaid can earn a person a $25 or $30 gitfcard. THose might be helpful in purchasing personal items for her.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Amergin
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 02:27 AM

I met her a time or two...and she truly is a treasure...here's to a full recovery!

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Genie
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 01:37 AM

Thanks, David.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 28 Sep 07 - 01:10 AM

Here is Mary's new address and phone number. Phone calls should probably be pretty limited since she still has a lot of trouble with her speaking. She would love letters and cards!

Marquis Care, Mt Tabor
6040 SE Belmont
Portland, OR 97215, USA
503 872 3243 - Mary's phone number

I will take this thread to her and pass on your encouragement and words of hope.

Thank you all again.

Cheers,

David

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 06:49 PM

She did say, after a string of trials recently, I wonder what else can go wrong...mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Mick Tems
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 04:20 AM

Perhaps the most shining example is Taffy Thomas, leader of Magic Lantern, caller with bands and inventive visionary of The Fabulous Salami Brothers. Taffy was in his forties when he had a major stroke. (When the doctors asked the Brothers: "What does he do?", they answered: "Oh, he walks on broken glass barefeet, eats fire, escapes chained-up from a sack..."

Taffy's life hung in the balance while the folk scene held its breath. Eventually he started imperceptably improving.

Taffy has re-invented himself as an amazing story-teller these days. His tales, learned from travellers, are of pure brilliance, and I would go a long, long way to hear him. He doesn't walk with a stick any more (I do!)

I must be off - I have a Welsh class to attend!

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Genie
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 03:27 AM

Folks, if you have not had the chance to hear Mary sing, you are missing an awesome experience. I do hope some of Mary's recordings are available. In fact, I hope some might be available for sale, not only to expose more people to her wonderful music but to help her out financially too.

I wanted so much to help out this past weekend with the moving and all, but my travelling schedule would not permit that.   I'm glad to know the Portland folk music community is pitching in, and, David, thank heavens for their tough negotiating skills.   If there's anything I can do from out of town, mg and Barbara, please let me know, or keep me posted about what's needed when I get back home.

Mary has been through incredible struggles and has a spirit as amazing as her voice.   I hope she will come through this stronger than ever and I believe she can.   

Genie

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 02:19 AM

I used to work with a girl who had a very disabling stutter, but she could sing like an angel as singing & speech sections are on different parts of the brain.

best wishes to Mary & her family & friends in her recovery

sandra

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 27 Sep 07 - 01:15 AM

Wow! What a heartening response. It's good to know that there is so much support for her and also that others have experienced apparently total recoveries.

Thanks to some of her friends' tough negotiating skills, she was granted a 100-day stay in a therapeutic nursing situation. She will be moved tomorrow. I'll post her address tomorrow when I can call and get the actual street address. (It's too late tonight.)

Thanks to each one of you for your responses.

Cheers,

David

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: mg
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 09:44 PM

Somebody suggested sending her CDs...used would be fine I am sure..she could enjoy them..and personal ones of yourself would be great. I think cards to Max would also be nice...he is adult in body but very young mentally....It sounds like she just got moved so I don't think we have a good mailing address do we?

Were planning on having her at Sunnycamp...I am telling you this...she is just about the best female singer around...huge powerful voice....if her tapes are available try to get them....I think tapes might be available but not CDs..not sure...mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Barbara
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 09:20 PM

I am sorry if anyone felt they were being left out when an earlier thread failed to name the "mystery singer" of the NW who had a stroke. My reasons for not posting earlier were that Mary wasn't able to talk or screen visitors; people here had their hands full trying to work out what to do about her son and deal with her possessions and the forclosure.
In the past I have erred on the side of telling everyone right away, and now that I'm 60 I've gotten slightly more cautious. Emphasis on slightly.
We will keep you all posted as best as we can. Friends that have visited her say she is in good spirits though frustrated by her inability to communicate, and they tell me she can sing already, though her pitch is a little shaky.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: artbrooks
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 08:08 PM

I remember Mary from Howling Gael (so many years ago now!), and wish her all the best. My wife is an occupational therapist who works with stroke patients regularly, and says (as others have mentioned already) that many regain most, or all, of their former level of function. (she talks like that!)

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 07:32 PM

Thanks for the info, Barbara! Good to *see* you.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 04:49 PM

She really has an awesome voice and I am very confident it will recover....I am especially fond of the St. Elmo's and Broadside CDs an tapes...does anyone know if they are available? I think Broadside at least has sold out. It would be a good way for her to get a little income via family or friends doing the transactions...

mg

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: GUEST,Eric & Betty Vancouver
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 04:46 PM

Sad news indeed! We are are sure that your mighty voice will rise up once more in it's glory. Stay positve Mary our thoughts and prayers are with you

Eric & Betty Armstrong

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: wysiwyg
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 04:07 PM

I worked with a stroke survivor for a year, mostly on communication while "just visiting." It was pretty obvious that he did better with people he don't know too well, because new people had much more relaxed expectations and thus the lack of stress allowed him to relax and let the mind do what it could. A visitor who is not too verbal and can just hang out quietly might help her renew some of her abilities. Also, the speech and singing, I understand, are not exactly in the same place. She may be able to progress by relaxed listening to music that may spark an association. Often, in language effects of stroke, the stroke survivor can fish some surprising stuff out of obscure memory and can get a few words started in the right direction if not pushed, and then build from there.

I wish I could be there!!! Tell her for me, would you, that it's OK to relax, and to trust her mind to rebuild some of those "missing" paths automatically while she rests. A time will come when she'll catch a thread of thought or langage or tune, and follow it. She can trust that, and just follow what comes along until she's securely on the path again.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 03:52 PM

I too had a stroke,some years ago,and at first thought my active life was over. I had Arm, leg, speech and confused emotional problems, and feared for the future. But now I can sing as before, take exercise as before, and talk fluently as before in fact my wife wishes I would STOP talking now and again. Fight hard Mary, keep your spirits high, remember the old phrase 'This Too Shall Pass'. You'll come through it. Best of luck to you. Burl.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Barbara
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 03:01 PM

Here are a couple links with photos and information about Mary and the bands she has been a part of. Even more than her voice, I have envied her ability to be in bands with the coolest punny names: Howling Gael; St. Elmo's Choir; Broadside; Spinnaker --check it out.
The photos will certainly give you a sense of what Mary's like. I have sat up late with her at music gatherings, sharing a flask and singing filk songs about Valkyries in Valhallah (however you spell that).

http://nwseaport.org/archive.html
http://www.spinnakerband.com/index.htm

Blessings
Barbara

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Alice
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:46 PM

Good luck, Mary. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Inspiring accounts from Dr. Price and Old Roger.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:43 PM

I don't know this lovely woman, but just reading this thread tells me this is someone that I hope to meet one day and share a song with. Friend Barbara, please pass along all of our best wishes when you see this remarkable woman.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Barbara
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:42 PM

As to the house, friends have moved Mary's possessions into storage over the last couple weekends. It has been under threat of forclosure since she lost her job, and I understand that family and friends have chosen to let it go rather than continue to fight in the face of this latest setback.
Blessings,
Barbar

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Barbara
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:38 PM

I have some of the contact information for Mary as well (as do many of the Portland folkies), and hope to see her when I am in Portland next week. PM me if you need more details.
As I understand it, the stroke has mostly affected the right side of her face and her speaking centers. Aphasia, I have heard people say it is.
She is an amazing powerful woman and I am trusting that she will be able to come out of this stronger than ever.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: katlaughing
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:35 PM

I don't know Mary, either, but I certainly send her good thoughts and give thanks for her full recovery.

What shining examples are Dr. Price and Old Roger! Good of you both to share that with us. May Mary find her path is easier every day.

Dave's Wife, what a good idea. I would be happy to contribute what I can, also, if someone wants to PM me. Can anything be done about her house?

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: The Sandman
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:34 PM

I have known Dr Price[30 years],he has indeed made a remarkable recovery,heard him singing recently[he was in good voice]I endorse what he says.Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Old Roger
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:23 PM

My supportive thoughts go out to Mary. I had a stroke (aged 69) in December, lost the use of my left arm and leg but it soon started to come back. they got me walking again in hospital, albeit with support. By March I played Shady Grove on my banjo at the folk club I run. Music and playing an instrument is terrific therapy. My "watch-word" is "little bits". I just do a few minutes at a time but as often as I can.
The damage to the brain means you get tired very quickly and easily but if you keep at it, the stamina builds slowly but steadily. Even my fiddle playing is coming back but you wouldn't want to hear it yet. It's music to me though. I find the melodeon and the whistle hardest because I don't have full sensitive feeling in the whole of my left hand fingers. I can feel with the tips OK but the modified bagpipe fingering means the insensitive parts of my finger are needed. I keep trying though. If I have discovered one thing it is that it pays to keep trying. Another useful idea. don't try to measure your success day by day. Month by month is more sensible and reassuring. The progress is real but you have to be patient

Thank God for the music.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: open mike
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:43 PM

previous thread http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=104698

thread with info about strokes

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:40 PM

All good wishes for a full recovery. We'll send good thoughts her way at the October 6 chantey sing in SF.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Ebbie
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:39 PM

Wishing you the best recovery ever marveled at, Mary. I'm glad that you are a musician- not only are musicians tough but their comfort comes in such a pleasing form.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:36 PM

I don't know Mary but I am sad to hear she is experiencing such misfortunes.   if anyone knows of anything specific that she needs or could use, please PM me. I would guess that she could use giftcards to various grocery stores, drugstores and general merchants. Those might help her and her caregivers deal with daily expenses.

Sometimes we in the USA can get these rather easily and for free just by filling a new prescription or transferring an old one to a new store such as Ralph's/Kroger, Riteaid, CVS, Longs Drugs, Target and Walgreens. I have a few $25 and $30 giftcards I could easily spare. If a friend of Mary's could PM me, I'd happily send her some along with some homemade CDs to maybe pick up her spirits.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: open mike
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:31 PM

I wish her a full recovery. Which side is effected (affected?) the
part of the brain where music resides is not the part where language
is -- and the brain can re-build the pathways with time. I am glad
her son has a place where he can be cared for. The best of healing to you, Mary.

(this must explain the former message with few details posted about Oregon female singer?)

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Mick Tems
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 01:12 PM

Like Mary, I too had a disabling stroke. I was a Calennig musician and singer, a collector in Wales, a Llantrisant Folk Club compere and organiser and a journalist to boot. This one was a doozy - the stroke parylised half of my body, I almost died, I spent nine months in hospital, I was without speech, I was wheelchair-bound. Mary, the only good thing about a stroke is that it DOES get better. I was in a sorry state; I could barely stand on a stage, let alone sing and play. But look at me now. I achieved my ambition of playing in a band once more, I have been invited to festivals as a singing performer and I write articles and review CDs for Taplas, the all-Wales magazine. I even found a loving partner to care for me.

You are not alone - there are thousands of stroke survivors just willing you on to to improve and grow stronger. Keep at it, Mary - don't let the the bastards grind you down.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Metchosin
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 12:44 PM

So sad to hear. If you get current contact info could you please PM me wirh it, so I can pass it on to my brother Russ, who used to know Mary fairly well.

Subject: RE: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 03:27 AM

How very sad. I don't know Mary but I wish her all the best.
It makes my problems look very minor.
Keep up your strength girl, you can make it.
Luv,
Robyn

Subject: Mary Benson had a stroke
From: David Ingerson
Date: 26 Sep 07 - 02:54 AM

Many of you on the Pacific coast of the US between San Francisco and Vancouver might have heard (or heard of) Mary Benson, a singer with a clarion voice and a huge repertoire of sea songs and British Isles folk songs. Two weeks ago she was hit with a relatively minor but nonetheless disabling stroke. She walks with extreme difficulty and has a hard time putting together a sentence of more than five or six words. Much of what she says sounds like nonsense, but she is obviously trying to communicate her thoughts. She has been through intensive therapy for ten or so days but will be discharged from Providence (Portland) Medical Center tomorrow. (I'm not sure where she will be but will keep you informed.)

She has had an unbelievable string of misfortune recently: Her father died several months ago; she lost her job; her home is being foreclosed by the bank. (Her 22-year-old son, Max, with CP, has been accepted into a group home.) And now a stroke.

Whether she will ever sing again depends on her recovery. Right now she is unable to sing independently but can hum a bar or two (with very uneven intonation) along with a singer or recording.

But her spirits are good; she's still that irrepressible Mary!

David