Looks like I'll (Brenda) be the blogger for Benny for a while. He remains in good spirit but is extremely weak, and, at times, a bit incoherent. (This morning he was concerned that he was going to be late for a meeting at work. He said he wasn't prepared and didn't remember what the meeting was about. . . . O'kay I've had those strange moments when I was awakened. . . . maybe that is not out of the ordinary :-) ).
Benny and I (Brenda) spend a lot of time talking and reflecting. The most important topic we have discussed this week is this "Is there any unfinished business." And I (Brenda) love his (Benny's) response. . . and this is parphased to the best of my recollection. . .
"Brenda, I think I have made amends with whoever I needed to years ago. I pray I have put into place the supports you (Brenda) need. Angie and Andy will figure it out as they go along and if they can't Larry and Becky will help them along. I have put Josh in God's hands and God has never failed me. Josh knows that you (Brenda) love him and trust you (Brenda) above all others. So. . . I guess I have no unfinished business. That said, I want to be sure before I leave this world that Josh has 'figured it out', . . . 'know who he is' . . . and has strong, reliable, and loving support to be available to him as a loyal and wise friend, mentor, and guide'. I know how hard it is to not have a father figure to really understand you (Benny) and to help you (Benny) to manuver life as an adult. I pray God provides that person for Josh. I want to know and be assured of that Josh has this before I leave this life. But if that doesn't happen before I leave, I know God will provide."
I am so grateful that Benny's Aunt Ronnie Jean and cousins Pat, Sally, and Tina visited us last week. Also his childhood friends Cora, Arthur, and Ivory along with their mother Mattie visited us.
God continues to bless us. Friends from church (Susan, Dave, Bobbie, Chris, and Kate) stopped by to pray for and with us tonight.
So what is Benny's status?
Benny continues to lose weight (121 lbs currently). . . he is lucid most of the time. . . he struggles to swallow at times. . . he seems to be severing times with all that is earthly. . . he continues to be in good spirit.. . AND, he continues to be 'quite the gentleman'.
Benny will forever be the love of Brenda's life. Now that's a yea God!!!!
Hey Benny
ReplyDeleteIt,s Jerry C. Man plans and God plans. God is the best of planners and he has plans us for all .
I love you forever, you are my only Uncle/Brother. You're always in our prayers. If there's anything we can do for you let us know and consider it done.
ReplyDeleteAlways,
Your Nephew
Mike Bishop
Benny
ReplyDeleteAs a father of five adult children age 40-22, I was touched by your concern for Josh to have a father figure and mentor. As you know I raised three boys and it is difficult for me to remember that they are now all men. Yes even my youngest at 22, who attended school with Josh is now a man. As we discussed many times in the office, our grown kids don't really listen to us anyway. Remember how we laughed at the strange (at least we thought so) parenting techniques our daughters were subjecting our poor grandchildren too. We resolved that all we could really do was be quiet and observe.
Well the boys are no different. They are men now. You have provided Josh with all the tools he could possibly need to survive in this complex society. He is blessed to have an exemplary father figure . Josh is now a role model for other young boys and maybe soon a model for his own children. You should be proud that you have succeeded in one of the most challenging child rearing assignments.... Developing a African American boy into a man. Job well done Benny.
As far as a mentor , well I happened to know Josh has at least one outstanding uncle (Marvin) who can fulfill that role. Finally, as far as how to maneuver adult life... Well if I ever had the privileged to advise Josh it would simply be with five words. Consider what Benny would do.
Your life work will continue to provide him an example of how life should be lived. Don't worry about Josh. You have developed a good man and he will be just fine. The apple never falls far from the tree.
Jerry C