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This slideshow is my last tribute to my Mother, Stephanie Wolfe Murray, who died on the 24th of June at just 76 years of age.
I spent months gathering hundreds of photos, sorting them into categories and selecting just 50. Many are old family photos that I copied and squirreled away, some are by me and my brothers and some came in just a few days ago (thanks for Felicity and Fiona!). Only one has been swiped from an external agency: the first one (thank you Magnum).
I needed a song to go with the pictures and went about finding one by just listening to music on the radio, and on Youtube, over several weeks, always on the lookout for the ideal song. I believe that if you’re open to something it comes your way naturally; it literally falls into your lap.
This method worked well for the last video I posted about her, this 3 minute extract from a BBC documentary made in 1968. I heard Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole, when driving in Edinburgh and instantly knew that this was the one.
When I heard the music of Joe Hisaishi, who composes the soundtracks for the Japanese film studio Ghibli, I knew that he would have what I need. I listened to one of his concerts on Youtube (about 20 times) and found it, a song that reflects my Mother’s innocence, openness, beauty and courage. It’s called Second Encore and is from the film Princess Mononoke.
I think this song fits my mother’s character perfectly and the fact that it was made for a cartoon princess seems to fit perfectly. Children loved my Mother as they could sense she was open to them.
I found that I couldn’t write a tribute for my mother and I’m impressed that my brothers managed to do so rather soon after she died. And their tributes were superb.
I feel that this song, and these images, reflect what I feel at the moment. Even though I have written books and articles I find I can’t put into words how much I miss my mother; how much she means to me. But this slideshow does the trick. It’s sad but it’s also uplifting and I know she would have wanted us to go on being positive and kind, not wallowing in sorrow.
Before her death I was working on several books. Since she died I stopped working on them. All I can do is write about my Mother and I’ve posted a series of articles about her.
Over the last few months it was like I was in a tunnel, just trudging along, not really being aware of anything other than putting one foot in front of the other. I didn’t know where the tunnel was going, all I knew was that I had to keep going.
Then I had an idea: this slideshow. It became the light at the end of the tunnel. I knew that this would be my last post, my last contribution about her, my last tribute.
Now I can move on.
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Dear Rupert, even though we only met Stephanie briefly, it was more than enough for us to feel the energy and beauty in her soul. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories with us.
Marta and Ece
“Meeting Jim” film crew
When Gavin asked me to send one word to sum up Stephanie on her passing I instinctively thought it was impossible. One word? She meant so many things to so many different people. Then I thought ‘Impossible’ was the perfect word, ‘Impossible’ to imagine how much she achieved in her life, ‘Impossible’ to think there ever will be someone again like her, who loved and cared for the world with such passion, devotion, determination and wit, someone who achieved the impossible and made us believe that we could follow in her footsteps and achieve the impossible too. ‘Impossible’ that all who had the privilege of knowing her and loving her will ever be able to forget her. Thankyou Rupert, I will treasure this fine book of words, memories and images, and profound feelings for your beautiful, inspiring Mother, and my dear wonderful friend, for ever.
Thanks so much for this lovely comment Toby and for summing her up so well…
Dear Rupert, I hope you received my message.
BR
Kristian
Dear Rupert, my most sincere condolences by the loss og your mother. A beautiful video you made and the music is a dream. I am living in Moscow with my wife and son of 16. Let’s keep in touch.
Warm regards
Kristian
Tel. +7 98 5339 1945
Just simply superb and you have been truly BLESSED to have had such an amazing mother. I share your deep emotions beyond words. .kno wing my fabulous Mum is still with us and is loved unconditionally by all 7 of her children…. continue writing..that is your gift from her to YOU…..
This is beautiful Rupert – the pictures and your words. Very touching. Lots of love xx
No doubt that you have captured not only the spirit of your mother but also her wish for you.