A Bennett Update

Home again from another trip. I was in 7 states, including my own, in the month of April, but it was a very fulfilling month, and I look forward to even more opportunities to travel with the NMDP, helping others in need. (Having said that, though, I need a good night's sleep!)

I seem to be going through another round of sleepless nights lately. Some have to do with dreams. I have been dreaming of Roger a lot lately, but they are dreams that leave me sad when I wake up. In most of them, we are together, and it's good, but it usually ends up with my being unable to get to him, or his inability to join in - like at a concert, or a family outing, or a dinner, or whatever. Anyone who has had unsettling dreams about a lost loved one knows what I am talking about. You start your day in a fog, and it takes a good part of the day to get out of that "blue mood." Nevertheless, I always welcome a chance to "see" him again. It's just that it seems to emphasize how much I have lost with his death....and not only me, but all of us who loved him so much.

Our family is coping well, over all. I promised an update, so here it is:

Chelsea, my daughter, is at home with me. She helps me out with our mail order business ( www.rogerbennettdirect.com ) and loves to travel with me when possible. She is finishing up this semester at school. She actually graduated with her photography degree last Spring, before heading to Alaska for 5 months, but she took a continuing education course this year.  She and I will be heading to Arkansas for a couple of days next week, visiting with my parents and Roger's dad and grandfather. When my folks moved back to Arkansas last fall, they ended up 11 miles from Roger's dad. It's good to know that they are close enough to visit and keep an eye on each other! Roger's grandfather is still back and forth between the nursing home and hospital, and it's always a toss-up whether he will know us when we visit or not.

My parents are still getting settled in in their new home in Batesville, AR, and are busy doing yard work now that Spring is here. Roger's dad, Doug, is still as lively as ever, and I enjoy our talks on the phone. He is the direct source of Roger's sense of humor, and is the story-teller from whom Roger learned his craft. His health remains good,

Jordan, my son, still lives about 45 minutes from me, and will soon be looking for another job, since his company is laying off. After he was laid off from his luthier job, he found a construction job to help pay bills, and now it seems that one is laying off, too. We all know it's a sign of these times, but it's still hard to take. His dream, of course, is to get his band going. I know I am his mom, but I also know that he, and his band-mates, are extremely talented, and it will just take being in the right place, at the right time. It will happen some day, I am confident. Both Chelsea and Jordan have a busy social life with friends.

My brother, Tony, still lives with us, and is a great help with the zoo and the yard work. He also fries some great fish!

As for me, while I travel a lot, and enjoy it very much, I find I have a harder time getting motivated around the house here in Tennessee. Please pray that I will be able to get this book done. I have had a mental block with it, I confess. When I look at the writings, it is difficult, reliving those times, and reading Roger's writings. I love having them, and I am blessed by them. I just have to jump over another hurdle and get it done. I am working my way up to that!

Chelsea and I manage to keep things going fairly well, and we are making progress daily in the areas where we are lacking. All of the animals (all 4 cats and 3 dogs!) are fairing well, also, although the mobile rabies clinic last Saturday was not a highlight of their day. And I still have to round up one cat, who seemed to know what was going on, and hid out until after the clinic had gone.......it's always an experience!

Oh yes, another new venture: Chelsea and I are tentatively planning to join a mission team from our church July 31-August 10, if all goes well. We will be going to a city on the outskirts of Warsaw, Poland to help in the restoration of a Jewish cemetery. Our church has previously sent a team to help there. It is a mission that really speaks to my heart, since I am an avid student of World War II history (my dad served in the army in that war). Poland had the highest Jewish population pre-WWII, but lost most of its population due to either flight or Holocaust. Because of that, there are few left to tend those resting places, which are very sacred to the Jewish people. Going in to do this physical labor provides opportunities to put into action the compassion we, as Christians, feel.....and to share our reasons for doing so along the way. Please pray for us as we prepare for this journey.

Well, that's about it for now. I do plan to be at the Legacy Five Celebration over Memorial Day weekend, but don't know the exact time yet. I also have a booth reserved for National Quartet Convention in September (right across from Legacy Five's), so if you are there, please come by. I promise that book will be there! I always look forward to meeting many of you, whose names I know well from this journal. And it goes without saying, that I look forward to seeing old friends, as well..........and HUGS! So, until then, I hope you remain, as my family and I do,

In His Grip!

Debbie

Comments

[Lola McVey]

Don't know what happened to my letter I just now wrote - but I apparently hit a wrong key and it disappeared. Hope it went through to you. But in case it didn't, here are another few words -- so glad to read you new letter and happy to hear about your children. They will be your strength as time goes on. And I know the new job you have taken on will bring you comfort. Lola McVey

[Racheal Holzer]

Big HUGS and lots of prayers..

[Amy Rogers]

Hi Debbie,

I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are still with you. I have said recently that even though I never had the chance to see Roger in person, I still miss him. Sometimes I feel like he left this hole behind him, and I want him to still be here. I know that if I feel just a little that way, I can't even comprehend what his family feels. So I just wanted you to know we haven't forgotten.

I was able to get his CD piano course recently, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. It's already helped me over some hurdles in my piano playing, but to be honest - if I couldn't play at all, I would still love to sit there and hear Roger talk to me. I'm rationing out the 12 CDs to make them last as long as possible.

Love & prayers,
Amy

[Lori B]

Debbie: I so appreciate your deep thoughts with this journal and have been catching up on the last several entries. I am so happy that the Lord has given you this new ministry and that you are enjoying this opportunity to help others. I am also excited for you in your mission trip this summer. Thank you for sharing your heart as you walk through this journey. May the Lord continue to show you how close he is to you every day as he walks with you (closer than any friend indeed). God bless. Lori B in Ohio

[Jim & Darlene]

Dear Debbie and family, I can totally understand where you are with dealing with Roger's heaven-going. It all sounds very familiar and it seems that it stays the same - You just get used to it feeling the way it does. At least that's my experience! Every contact I have with Roger's music or pictures from concerts I remember all over again that he's with the Lord and I miss him. Nothing like you do though! Our thanks for sharing with us and our prayers are with you -- until we can all be together again!
Darlene fringer in Riverside, CA

[Rebecca Curran]

Mrs. Bennet, Well, I am glad to hear that God is holding you and your family up! He is always faithful to us, and that's the one thing we can always count on in our lives. It sounds like you have some pretty exciting ventures coming up; I pray that the Lord would strengthen you, encourage you, and that you would find fulfillment in everything you do. I will also continue to pray for your family. Keep pressing on! I wish you all the best (with lots of hugs!)!
Rebecca in MA

[Elaine Harcourt]

Debbie, glad you are keeping busy & that the kids are close by, too. Love & hugs.

[Bev]

Dear Debbie,

Thank you again for your writings. I always look forward to reading and seein what you are doing. God Bless you always and I pray that he will give you the daily strength that you need. I am glad that you again will be at the NQC. Looking forward to visiting with you then.

In His Grip,
Bev Stellmacher

[Brenda]

Just wanted to pass along a possible chance for Jordan & his band to have some "exposure" to people interested in Christian music talent. There is currently a contest going on on one of my daily devotional web sites that may interest him. I have included the information about it (along with a video telling about it) at the end of this email. I can imagine the bittersweet feelings you must have when you have dreams about Roger, only to wake up to the reality that he is still "gone"..at least for now. Take heart in Knowing that one day you will be reunited with him & other loved ones who have gone on ahead of you, as all believers can hope to be! Here is the info for Jordan & group.....God bless you & yours & keep you in His care!
***ONLY 5 WEEKS LEFT IN PHASE ONE! ENTER EARLY TO GET AS MANY VOTES AS
POSSIBLE!!! OVER $50,000 IN PRIZES!!! YOU NEED TO GET YOUR CHURCH'S CHOIR,
PRAISE TEAM, BAND, AND TOP SOLOISTS TO ENTER THE LIVEPRAYER CHRISTIAN MUSIC
ARTIST SEARCH!!! For details, watch this special message and send the link
to the music minister at your church and anyone you know who is gifted in
music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssJAfRZamSs

[Becky]

Debbie,
Wow you are becoming a real seasoned traveler. I am so glad Chelsea and your brother are able to be with you. Yes we moms always want the very best for our kids. I WAS SO HAPPY TO READ YOUR POST THAT SAID YOU ARE GOING TO BE AT Memorial DAY CELEBRATION!!!!! WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! As I type this it is 38.6 degrees and snow is on the way. It has rained and snowed for too long. Snow for May 2nd! Also for tomorrow too. We are looking forward to Nashville for many, many reasons. Please have 90 degrees so we can thaw out! I have a ton of stuff to do and everyone is gone working tonight so I best get to it. I have a Creative Memories Open House tomorrow, (unadvertised) at the time it seemed like a good idea since the High School is having a huge school wide sale and we are having our all city wide sale so since we live by the school I thought the traffic would be good. I did not think it would be cold and snowing. So I am having a really hard time getting motivated. A part of me says, it's cold and raining, you didn't advertise, etc. etc. but I will pull it together. If nothing else I will get a bunch of my own photos done if nobody comes and I can always put a sale in the paper for next week. Ironically the High School sale was postponed a month ago because last month their was no school on the Friday before the sale due to bad weather and terrible cold and snow with travel advisories. It was even worse the next day. Have a great week, it is always great to see a post from you all. I will put in some L5 CD's to help me get moving and make up for lost time today! Take care,
Becky In Wisconsin

[Jean McCormick]

Can't wait for the book to be finished. I know God will use it for his honor and glory. So good to hear things are going well for each of you. I know Roger would be proud of all you are doing. We continue to remember you in prayer. God Bless, jean

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
So good to hear from you and know all is going well. What an exciting adventure to go to Poland and be such a blessing to the people there. God is certainly keeping you busy and I think that is a very good thing.
Perhaps Jordan's being laid off is Gods way of leading him along the way to his goal in music, I hope so.
Have a safe trip to Arkansas. I bet Roger's dad is quite the character. Have a good visit with all the family.
I look forward to seeing you at the Memorial Day celebration.
In His Amazing Love,
Ann in Washington

[cindy]

Debbie,
As I read the last post that you made i was excited to read that you were going to be at memorial day celebration this will be my first time going cannt wait.
I'm so glad to see and read that your doing better, i wanted to tell you that I am very lucky to have two heros in my life my daddy & Roger.
I have a lot of health issues and had to retire two years ago and all so have had both hips replaced one five years ago this coming June and the other three ago may 11th
Roger meant so much to me because like my daddy (who I am lucky to still have with me) Has given God the glory and praise no matter what either one of them has gone, I want to be that kind of example.
thank you for sharing Roger for so long, I followed him since he was with George and Glen in 1979.
Then with L5 of course.
I remember when dont be afraid came out & Roger shared his story bout cancer, know matter what had gone on he gave God the praise and glory.
I had to retire two years ago due to health issues of my own I had worked for 24 yeasr at wright patterson AFB OHio then it was gone had to stay home cause i couldnt due it anymore.
My issues arent life threatening like what Roger dealt with for so long, I know it was very hard for you to sit and watch him hurt so bad.
i wish the book would be out by celebrattio but know you need more time, I looking forward to seeing you at celebration and even telling you how much Roger meant to me and so many people for so long.
I'm glad your helping other by your travels and getting them the bone marrow they need like what Roger needed.
See you at celebration memorial day. You and the kids and extened family are in our prayers.

Allways in his grip
Cindy OHIO

[Peggy B]

Henry and I are sure that you are an 'angel' to the people getting the transplant materials. We are glad that all of your family is doing well. We will be in Nashville for Celebration. You are always in our prayers. We remain--
In His Grip,
Henry and Pegy B.

[jel]

Debbie,
did the storms , in Ark. come anywhere near your family?

take care

huggs

[dan & Cheryl Turnbull]

Debbie,
Happy Mother's Day to you! May Sunday bring the Lord's blessings to you and those you love. Pray'n daily for you..
Cheryl/Lenexa KS

[martha morgan]

Dear Debbie: So glad to hear that all of the family are well and going about their busy life. I pray that God will open a door for Jordan as he pursues his band.

I thank you for going on the mission trip to Poland. I hold the Jewish people in a special place in my heart, they were so abused and more often entire famillies were sent to the gas chambers or they were permanently separated when they fled the enemy. We in the USA think we had it hard during WW2, we cannot ever visualize the ordeal of the Jewish people. God Bless you and Chelsea and your Church for restoring and repairing the Jewish Cemetery.

Martha Morgan - Birmingham, Alabama

[Jean McCormick]

I've been trying to write to the Legacy Five e-mail address to see if you can pre-order the new CD and Book that will be released on Memorial Day. My mail keeps coming back. Do you know if they are having trouble with their e-mail?
Hope you will have a wonder Mother's Day this year. I know it will be hard without Roger but I'm sure Chelsea and Jordan will make it as Special as they can.
It's wondereful the new adventures that you are undertaking. I know Roger would be proud of all that you are doing.Take care and God Bless.
Jean

[Lynne Lewis]

Dearest Debbie,
Just sitting here listening to L5 with "Whispers in the Night" and thinking of Roger, you, and family. I dream a lot of my Daddy who left this world July 31, 1999. In my dreams he is always alive...only to wake and realize he is really gone. The only consolation I have is knowing that he is in a Mansion just over the hilltop waiting for me.
You, Chelsea, and Jordan are in my prayers. Thank you for keeping the journal going. I look forward to every posting.
In His Grip
Lynne
Bainbridge, Ga.

[Becky Arvin]

Hi Debbie, It was so good to hear how everyone is doing. I am sure doors will be opening for all of your family you are all so special. I hope you enjoy your visit with the family and Give them love from KY. I sat by them in a concert in TN (crossville) they were so sweet. I sure know how you feel the dreams the missing them sometimes more than you think you can stand. Just feel what you need to and as you know now time does help. Just keep taking that one day at a time and let the new doors open. You are such a blessing to all of us. See you NQC cant wait to get all the new goodies. Your KY firend and your in my prayers. Becky

[amy johnson]

hey there Debbie!!! your recent journals have really hit home for me...i have dreams of my mom who we lost in 2000 to a brain tumor...i always wake up and feel a new sense of loss!!! i also feel a tug towards Heaven!!! I am so glad we are closer to Heaven than ever before!!! I hope for you a great Mother's Day!!!
Amy
Decatur, ga

[amy johnson]

hey again Debbie...just to let you know ...the email address on your roger bennett direct site is not working (sales@rogerbennettdirect.com)i was wanting to tell you that and also ask if you could post an address in your next entry of where we may send you cards, notes, etc...thanks so much
amy
decatur, ga

[Tina Reynolds]

Happy Mother's Day, Ms. Debbie!

~Tina

[Becky]

Debbie,
Been thinking of you these past few days as we are also thinking of Dottie Rambo's family too. I am sure everytime a gospel great goes home you play the recorder over in your mind of your own experiences. We have been on that stretch of road several times before on Interstate 44; it makes one think and reminds them of their own immortality. We are so very much looking forward to seeing L5 and YOU next week at OpryLand. Do you know when you will be coming by? I am praying for safe travel for all of us who are traveling for this event on a busy holiday weekend. We ourselves have a little over 900 miles one-way and we had a very close call last year on the way down that we have yet to forget and most likely will never forget! Have a good rest of this week and I will be looking forward to seeing you next week.
Becky In Wisconsin