The hospice nurse came by this morning. She said (as best as I can recall), "Although, Benny appears to us to be in a restful sleep, he is engaged in some very important work . . . spiritual work . . . work required for his journey into the presence of the Lord . . . to move into eternity. His hearing is intensified in this state . . . we need to keep his environment as free from distraction and noise as possible." She has suggested that only immediate family visit with him.
We encourage you to please continue to comment on this blog. We read them to Benny and know that he hears them and is comforted by your comments.
It occurs to me that this is likely the last Father's Day, on earth, Angie and Josh will spend with their father? How will they remember this day?
I'm sure they will remember our "Sunday Dinner" with family and friends. I'm sure they will remember the team-cooking of Aunt Monica and Ms. Georgia. I'm sure they'll remember the crazy stories told by Uncle Jesse. I'm sure they'll remember Andy's disgust (actually everyone's) disgust for the smell and taste of chit'lings. (Josh wanted them but he was even disgusted with the smell and the taste that I'm sure he'll never ask for them again.) I'm sure they'll remember the giggles of Aunt Mary and the snickers of Aunt Barbara.
But, how will they remember their dad on this day? When they reflect on Father's Day 2009 . . . what memories of their father will this day hold?
"Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved
If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never, ever end
How I'd love, love, love to dance with my father again"
Luther Vandroos - Dance with my Father Again
I know we haven't seen much of each other over the years or talked much, but I love you guys so much. I wish I could be there right now. I am praying for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI pray that Josh and Angie not let their fathers illness tarnish the beautiful memories that he has left them with, and to appreciate all that he was and is to them. Uncle Benny has a giving and caring heart, and thats how I will remember him. We love you. Stay strong Auntie!
ReplyDeleteWilma and Michael
What is Faith? Faith is sharing so openly with so many that, despite the sorrows and worry, there is an underpinning of hope and assuredness that God delivers on promises. And to act on that assuredness, so publically, is the simplest and elegant statement of faith.
ReplyDeleteNo one can read these notes and fail to be moved.
Another part of The Book talks about mansions being prepared, but this ain't about that at all. It's about simple trust and expectation that He who guides through the Valley of the Shadow leads us to the Light of true, everlasting experience. It's Faith; It's Hope; It's trusting; It's Benny and his family performing this elegant shout out for what they believe and what they know to be true.
Our prayer will be with this family in agreement.
Thank you for sharing your heart here. It has been a point of deep reflection for me. To understand that we stand on the edge of last things, last words, last days, last moments - through you I am rediscovering how important this moment today is. More importantly the people that make up this moment.
ReplyDeleteSome people liken life to a song...Each day is a stanza, each note a person or thing that makes up that day - And each note is a movement towards the crescendo of the orchestra of life which God has written especially for you and I.
Thank you for not only allowing us to pray with you, journey with, but for teaching each of us through your song to stop, and listen to each note that God is playing around us.
I am praying for you, standing in the gap, and as the Hebrew calls prayer, "hoping for" a wonderful movement for the soul of Benny into the arms of the Kingdom.
Grace, Peace, and Love.
Jason Schifo
Thanks for the update. I awaken this morning thinking of Benny. Peace and blessing be with him and your family.
ReplyDeleteJerryLcrayton
The journey's been hard,but we know that God is still in control and he won't put no more on us than we can bear. My sister and brothers are here because we love Benny very dearly and we need to be with Sue, Angie, Josh,Benjamin and Andy. We love you Benny,and we know you'll soon be in a pain free place. Love, Barbara Jo
ReplyDeleteAlthough we have not seen or talked for a while, I'd like to share with you a few of my special memories:
ReplyDeleteStrong mentor - you certainly gave me opportunities and helped me in my career at Cat. You shared your ideas and helped me think through my decisions, and assisted me around obstacles. One thing that I remember you coaching me specifically on was the need to "think bigger". This coaching has stayed with me through the years and I have also "re-gifted" it to others I have coached. Your work legacy continues....
Generous and loving husband - I remember going on a business trip with you. I don't even remember if it was a conference or who we even visited but I clearly remember the night we went out shopping together. You may "kid" Brenda about her shopping habits, but on this particular shopping trip, you wanted to bring back something very special for her. You bought her several outfits.... not just tops and bottoms, but also ALL the accessories that went with every outfit and not just so-so clothes, but very sharp, high-quality, high-fashioned outfits. You had excellent taste and you were just as excited picking stuff out as I was helping you spend your money! I do not believe there is a guy around that would do this for his women…... and absolutely love doing it!
Thank you for sharing your life with me. Thank you also for introducing me to your lovely wife... the only adult I know that I can look at "eye-to-eye". From the years listening to you sharing stories about Brenda, the kids and your faith, it was obvious they are a huge part of your life – your family is lucky to have your influence in their lives.
I will always remember your smile and will never drive by a KFC without thinking of you. God bless you, you’ve done good!
Love - Rose
I want to let you know that even though we haven't seen each other for so long (we are living in Alabama, Jim is in flight school) I love and miss you guys... I am keepig you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteRaquel Castro Goebel
I know you made a living by what you did, but you made a life by what you gave. One thing you gave me was your friendship - the rainbow between two hearts.
ReplyDeleteGeorgia
I am in Detroit this week and you and Benny are in my daily prayers. I am so grateful that we serve an awesome God and that He is preparing a great place for all of His children. Be encouraged that God is takes care of His children. I love you and Benny and am so blessed that our paths crossed and that our sons have the great name, "Joshua". I don't know what it is but it is somthing about young men with that name. SMILE:)
ReplyDeleteBev Thomas
Benny was my first Caterpillar Supervisor over 12 years ago and provided me my first leadership opportunity and I will always be thankful to him for that. I always respected his quiet leadership and in fact had the opportunity to help him with something at our help desk several weeks ago. God Speed Benny-David Miller
ReplyDeleteBenny, I never even met you, but spent my first year or more at Cat working right beside Brenda. I've never laughed so hard as I have at some of the things she said. I heard many stories about Josh, Angie and knew even without Brenda having to say it that you were her rock. Your body is giving out but your spirit is going to be with your entire family forever. Safe travels. Brenda, all my respect and love to you--Cindy Konys
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of Benny just the other day and then at a Lions Club meeting just yesterday Kelly Bramham provided the link to this site. God works in mysterious ways as he did when he made me think of Benny. God be with Benny’s family as it seems Benny’s time is near.
ReplyDeleteTerry L. Knollenberg