Read These Heartbreaking Messages As An NPR Host Live Tweets His Mother’s Death
By Nico Lang
Every once in awhile, the internet thaws the ice around my cold heart with a story that reminds me of the grace that humanity can offer. Today Scott Simon’s story brought me to tears. Simon, a host on NPR, has been sitting with his mother in the hospital for the past few weeks as his mother’s condition deteriorated and it became clear she wouldn’t be leaving the hospital. Herself a performer, Simon felt that a public goodbye to his mother was the best way to honor her life and chose to share her final days with the world.
I usually find live tweeting personal events to be an overshare, but what Scott has done is bold and brave, a gift for all of those who have lost a loved one. Below you’ll find just a sampling of Scott’s tributes to his mother, which range from funny to gentle and poignant. Followers of Scott’s on Twitter have been rallying behind him, messaging with their condolences and their thanks for sharing his mother’s story and her inspiring words. His mother might have passed, but one thing is certain: She won’t be forgotten.
If you take anything away from this, remember to tell those around you how much you love them today. Don’t be afraid to reach out and hold their hand. You never know how much time you have left.
I am not sure my mother understands Twitter or why I tell her millions of people love her–but she says she’s ver touched.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
I am getting a life’s lesson about grace from my mother in the ICU. We never stop learning from our mothers, do we? — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 25, 2013
I tell my mother, “You’ll never stop teaching me.” She said, “Well don’t blame me for everything.” — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 27, 2013
My mother: “Believe me, those great death bed speeches are written ahead of time. ”
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 27, 2013
My mother in ICU sees Kate & Will holding baby and tears: “Every baby boy is a little king to his parents. ” So I tear too.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 23, 2013
I just realized: she once had to let me go into the big wide world. Now I have to let her go the same way. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
If we only truly realized how little time we have.., — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
I don’t know how we’ll get through these next few days. And, I don’t want them to end.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
A thought tonight for all who are in pain. We must be stronger than our fears.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
I think she wants me to pass along a couple of pieces of advice, ASAP. One: reach out to someone who seems lonely today. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
Mother groans w/ pleasure–over flossing. “When they mention great little things in life, they usually forget flossing.” — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
Breathing hard now. She sleeps, opens eyes a minute, sleeps. I sing, “I’ll always be there, as frightened as you,” to her.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 28, 2013
Thought that my mother won’t get another glimpse of the city she loves is unbearable. My wife, from France, points out–
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
She will make the face of heaven shine so fine that all the world will be in love with night. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 30, 2013
You wake up and realize: you weren’t dreaming. It happened. Cry like you couldn’t last night. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 30, 2013
But as my mother said, the nice thing about being a Chicagoan is that she’ll continue to be able to vote on Election Day.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 30, 2013
I know end might be near as this is only day of my adulthood I’ve seen my mother and she hasn’t asked, “Why that shirt?”
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Listening to Nat & Natalie sing Unforgettable. Mother & I sang it just two nights ago. Coles have better voices for sure. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
When she asked for my help last night, we locked eyes. She calmed down. A look of love that surpasses understanding. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Her passing might come any moment, or in an hour, or not for a day. Nurses saying hearing is last sense to go so I sing & joke.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Can’t hold my mother like a baby indefinitely–have to use the bathroom. My wife coming over w/ my mother’s husband.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Mother cries Help Me at 2;30. Been holding her like a baby since. She’s asleep now. All I can do is hold on to her. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
In middle of nights like this, my knees shake as if there’s an earthquake. I hold my mother’s arm for strength–still. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
I love holding my mother’s hand. Haven’t held it like this since I was 9. Why did I stop? I thought it unmanly? What crap.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Thought that my mother won’t get another glimpse of the city she loves is unbearable. My wife, from France, points out–
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
Heart rate dropping. Heart dropping. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 29, 2013
The heavens over Chicago have opened and Patricia Lyons Simon Newman has stepped onstage. — Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 30, 2013
She will make the face of heaven shine so fine that all the world will be in love with night.
— Scott Simon (@nprscottsimon) July 30, 2013