On Her Way - with Grief and Loss by Beryl Botman

In Conversation with Catherine Saint Jude aka Dope Saint Jude

On Her Way in conversation with the multi-talented Catherine St Jude Pretorius AKA Dope St Jude known to millions. We speak about our relationship as mother- and daughter-in-law. We also share our views on sexual orientation and learning. As the producer of this podcast Catherine and I also talk about our working relationship.

In Conversation with Robert Schneider

Dr Robert Steiner is as dynamic in conversation as he is as my pastor. We speak about his ministry in Rondebosch United Church as I am particularly impressed by his consistently engaging sermons and how he conducts his relationships in the congregation and beyond. I also declare my concern about his selfcare in our conversation. 

In Conversation with Charlene Nissen

Charlene Nissen and I have been friends for more than 45 years, and through all that time we’ve managed to stay deeply connected. Our conversations have always carried both laughter and honesty, and the support we give each other has never wavered. We began our teaching journeys in different communities on the Cape Flats, yet our paths have always felt intertwined. Charlene’s heart for inclusive education led her first into specialist teaching, and later into the world of higher education, where her passion continues to shine.

In Conversation with Belinda Jackson

Belinda Jackson translated both my books, "With (-out) You" and "Still, love remains". Having trusted her with sensitive content of my story, our conversation explores her career path leading up being a language practitioner who works delicately with content in journalistic, editing and translation practices.

In Conversation with Roxanne Botman

Beryl Botman invites her last born, Roxanne Botman, to join her on her couch. This conversation explores their relationship and life together after the loss of her father. Roxanne also reflects on the books about grief and loss that Beryl wrote.

Another new avenue: On Her Way

Finding New Ways

I mean this quite literally. Finding my way, mostly on my own takes much courage, determination and confidence. I mean traveling locally or anywhere else in the world takes definite decision making including finding travel mates or taking to the road on my own. I’ve tried breaking the routine of the daily grind by traveling in different ways, and might I add, very rewardingly.

Self Publication

Having written  With (-out) You / Sedert die dood ons skei and Still, love remains / Steeds bly die liefde led to the challenge of publication. I found it to be not such a simple matter. Having not been able to find a willing established publisher, I had to make another plan. In fact, my process led to self-publication. This was a world completely foreign to me and I had to learn much and fast. Here is what I did to self-publish my books.

My Writing Process

Telling stories is not only one of the ways to shine a light on our lives, it is living our lives, sharing our lives. In With (-out) You / Sedert die dood ons skei and Still, love remains / Steeds bly die liefde I told part of my story, the story of my loss and grief. I wish to give you a glimps of the process I followed.

Choosing Where To Live

Choosing where to live continually proves to be a deeply emotional decision. However, those decisions also have to be practical and financially sound taking your new circumstances into account.  And all of this during a highly stressful and demanding period of  your life and moving house just seems too much to have to cope with.