Peter's mother died in her sleep at a little after 8 PM on June 24th, 2006, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Oakland, California. Details up shortly.
How can I post about the death of Peter Beagle's mother, Rebecca Soyer Beagle, without trivializing it? According to the time posted at Conlan Press, she would've passed away right as Peter and I were wrapping up the interview on Saturday night. I'm glad I was able to finish up and leave prior to that phone call coming--some things shouldn't have an audience, no matter how sympathetic and well meaning.
Before I left, however, I set a time to get with Beagle the next day to take a set of photos for use with the interview. After his panel, he asked me to meet him in the dealers' room after he'd checked in with his business manager, Connor Cochran. I went to the restroom and when I came out, I saw two members of the concom engaged in serious discussion with Beagle. I got that uncomfortable, prickly feeling. I approached one of the concom, and they told me only that he'd gotten some personal news that he didn't want to get out during the convention. I immediately thought of his 100-year-old mother. I didn't know of course, but part of me was inclined to just pack up and leave the convention right there, and leave the man in peace (amidst the 500 or so other convention goers). But then he saw me from his table and told Cochran we were off to take some photos, so that was that.
I managed to get a few photos of the man of far higher quality than I have any right to expect, and we had a friendly conversation about nothing in particular. But I still felt slimy and vulturish, something I hadn't felt since my days as a working journalist in newspapers. Confirming my suspicions today does nothing to minimize those feelings. All I can do is wish Beagle peace of mind in this time of mourning. His mother sounds like she was a marvellous woman.
Now Playing: Dave Davies Bug
Thanks Connor. Intellectually, I know that, but at the gut level I still feel that guilt of intrusion. I had that all the time when I was a full-time reporter, even when the people involved wanted to talk to the media. Heck, I absolutely hated having talk to the coach of a losing team after a tough game for the same reason. Different gravity entirely, but that's just how I'm wired, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for all your help over the weekend. It was great to meet you and talk with Peter. Hope that cold is better!