More Memories

March 17.....it will never be just "St. Patrick's Day" again. This year, it marks 2 years since we lost our beloved Roger. Okay, he's not lost, we KNOW where he is, and that makes it much more bearable.

Those memories are pressing in like ocean waves right now. Some good, but mostly, as anniversaries approach, I tend to relive the end days, and those are definitely not so good. I remember writing last year, as the one-year anniversary approached, that I was afraid of losing my memories. I can truly say that they are still fresh, and vivid, both the good and the bad. I am not complaining, though, because any memory is a precious one. I am so thankful that God allows us to have those thoughts to comfort us in our grief.

I decided this year, not to sit around the house brooding, but rather to do something to honor the life of one I loved so much. So, I asked for a courier trip, and I am going to be delivering a gift of life on March 17. I thought Roger would like to know that I am still inspired by the way he lived his life. I felt a little bit guilty not being home with Chelsea and Jordan on the actual day, but they are fine with it. We met yesterday (Sunday) for a meal and some remembrance together. We did that last year, too, and as long as we can keep that up, it will be a nice tradition. Chelsea and I shopped for flowers, I put them together in an arrangement, and she will take them to put on his grave tomorrow. As I was putting them together, though, I got kind of tickled, wondering if Roger would appreciate the fact that I hand-select and arrange his flowers, or if he would rather have them professionallly done so they look nice! (Just kidding, I know he would love them because we made them for him, even though flower arranging is not one of my most-honed skills!)

In general, we are all doing well, and moving forward with our lives. Most days, we make it through without incident......It's just these more poignant days that cause us to wonder how the grief can still be so sharp; how the emptiness can still be so vast; how the longing can still be so intense. Then, the gentle hand of God will lovingly stroke us, and remind us that, after all, Roger got what he always longed for; what he sang and ministered about; what we wants for all of us:  to be forever with the One Who holds us

In His Grip!

Debbie

Comments

[Maxine Bonneau]

Dear Debbie my heart goes out to you on this day of remembrance in the lose of you wonderful husband Roger. I can't say I know how you feel I can only imagine what you are experiencing. God promises he will take care of us through out every situation we go through.We just have to cling to those promises and trust him. I have read every post you and Roger have written but have only wrote to you once. You are such an inspiration to me and I pray for you continually. May your day be filled with happy memories of times you and Roger had together. God be with you as you go on your courier trip. What better thing to be doing on this anniversary day, bringing life to others.

[Esther Thiem]

Dearest Debbie, Chelsea and Jordan. We still think of Roger often, as we sing one of his songs written or sung by him. A young preacher in our church is running in a Marathon in May raising money for Leukemia/Lymphoma. We made a donation in Memory of Roger,knowing his birthday and homegoing day was coming around.
We will never forget him. Love and God bless you. Esther

[glyndene]

Dear Debbie
We have been thinking of you and the family these days and praying for you.
We really enjoy reading your posts and always receive a blessing from your witness and strength.
I am sure your floral talents are evident in the arrangement but even if it were not so, Roger would say it was the prettiest one he has ever seen, that is the kind of person he was. He always had kindness and praise for others.
God Bless you as your continue with the work God has for you.
Love always,
Bobby & Glyn

[Margaret and Jim Smith]

Still thinking of you in Northern Ireland.
Sent at 10.30 am
Margaret and Jim Smith.

[Wilda]

Deb, thinking of you on this special day of remembrance. Blessings to you on your courier trip today!!!

[Whitney Cunningham]

Debbie - I thought of you first thing when I woke up this morning. I prayed that you will feel God's grace in a way you never have before. Roger's impact on my life and your sweet testimony are as fresh today as it was 2 years ago. Thank you for writing today, it is so good to hear from you. Much love, Whitney

[Wendy Norman]

Hi Debbie

Fred,Lisa and I are thinking about you on this special day and knowing you are doing a very special delivery makes us happy for you. We enjoyed our time together recently and hope to see you soon when we can plant and enjoy more memories, either in Houston or Canada. With our love
Normans

[Becky Arvin]

Debbie, I think it is awesome that you chose to make a run on this special day and again I can see Roger saying Yep that's my girl. You are right that is exactly how he would want you to spend this day. I think having those painful reminders and precious reminders of those last days just remind us again how we grow when we allow God to be there with us. I respect you so much you have showed us all how amazing love is and can truly be. As the doors continue to open keeping trusting as you have done you will bless and be blessed no doubt. You and the kids are in a special prayer today. Thanks for continuing to keep us in your lives. Love ya
Your KY friend Becky

[Cheryl]

Bennett Family...
Every one of you are in our prayers today. You have been a real testimony on this web-site. You encourage each of us. We hope we can uplift you by praying for you and reaching out through our postings. Prayers for your courier journey, a wonderful memorial in Rogers honor.
Praying in Lenexa KS
Cheryl

[donna]

Debbie: My prayers are out for you and your family . I know how you feel my sister passed away a little over 5 years ago and the memories are still their for me. When I was reading the midnight meditation book I would read so many pages a night. And the day I read your entery for March 17th was the exact anniversary of the death of my Sister. I really made me think of How Gods hand and love is always their no matter what. I will never forget Roger and What a special person he was not just to your family but to God and all of his fans. no matter how bad he may of felt at the time of a concert he always put his all into it and made the fans feel special and you could really see and feel his devotion to our Lord and Savior.

Donna

[Ann Woodward]

Hi Debbie,
What a wonderful tribute to Roger to take life to someone on the day he went HOME.
I know you hear it over and over that Roger was so special but how wonderful to know he gave so many the gift of hope and joy and his sense of humor made us laugh out loud. He will live on in our hearts.
Hugs,
Ann

[Rebecca Curran]

Mrs. Bennett--you have once again inspired me, as your husband continues to do. You, you family, and your husband have always been heroes to me. I am so glad that God has given you strength, and I am so grateful for the hope He gives to us. I was listening to some "Roger songs" today and was moved to tears on occasion. But I couldn't keep from smiling at the remembrances and rejoicing that he is home! You are in my prayers; keep pressing on!
Love and Hugs,
Rebecca

[Scott Fowler]

Debbie,
I am happy today for Roger....sad today for you. I miss my buddy.
Love you,
Scott

[Megan]

Debbie,
We all miss Roger today, but it is you who knew him best and loved him most--you, Chelsea, Jordan, and the men of L5--who my heart goes out to today. You are all in our prayers. May God grant you an extra measure of peace during this time of year, when your loss is so, in your words, poignant. We love you!
Meg Graham and the Graham Clan
Denver, CO

[Robbie Nelson]

Debbie, Scott's few words say it all. When we think of Roger and where he is today, we cannot grieve. He is where we all long to be. Yet when we think of you and your wonderful kids, our hearts are sad because we know you miss his presence in your lives so very much. Yet we know that in spite of tears, you can smile because of our Heavenly Hope! We miss Roger too but rejoice that indeed, HE IS HOME! Robbie Nelson

[Karen Thies]

Debbie, Just because I'm a "day late & a dollar short" doesn't mean that you and your family (and of course Roger) were not on my mind throughout the day yesterday. Being Irish by descent, I can understand what you mean that St. Patrick's Day will never be quite the same, yet it is true what Scott said. We are happy for Roger, but said for those left behind (especially you and your family), yet so happy and truly privileged to have know the man, even in such a small way. As long as there are those who knew and loved him, his memory will remain. Then when those have gone on as well, his blessed music will remain to blessed future generations.

What a truly remarkable man!

Keep the faith - and those memories.

Karen Thies, Fruitport, MI

[Becky]

Debbie,
Waht a wonderful way to celebrate Roger's life. I pray for peace and safety on this trip of delivering precious life and for you and your families journey of life. We watched Brian Free with the FOUR last night and L5 was the long featured guests. (The 2nd 1/2 hr)I thought about how fitting for that to be on last night with Roger's homecoming on the 17th. It was a really nice segment and a nice tribute to Roger. Always praying for you and your family.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Fran Graber]

Debbie, Would you be willing to post Roger's cemetery and info? When we go from IN to FL and back, I always want to go visit his grave and Glenn Payne's. I don't know where Glenn's is either. Our daughter used to live in Franklin, so we are a little familiar with the area.
Thanks, Fran in IN We loved Roger so much, though we never spoke to him personally. I have enjoyed so much the book you put together of his journal.

[Rebekah Oestreicher]

Debbie,

I think of Roger often. He was a great influence in my life and for that I can never thank him enough! He always took time out to spend with me and to share a special word or two... it always made me feel special. The way he used to down my Snickerdoodles made me feel special too! : ) I have thought about your husband alot this month. I use the "In HIS Grip" as my email signature here at work ( I work at a Christian University) and you would not believe how many emails that I get that say those 3 little words helped them with what was going on with whatever was currently going on in their lives. I always email them back and tell them that a very special friend of mine used that signature and that he had given me the permission to use it and how he is now gone onto Glory and how they helped to earn him a extra jewel to put in his crown that he gets to lay at Jesus' feet for that day. I always thank them and tell them to keep in mind that we are ALWAYS in HIS grip! 9 times out of 10, I get a response back saying that they have already shared those 3 words with a friend!

It amazes me that Roger is making such an impact while he is in Heaven, but then again it doesn't because, for lack of better words, he simply is Roger Bennett.

Resting Eternally In HIS Grip,

Rebekah
AKA The Cookie Girl

[Becky]

Debbie,
Well here it is April 1st today and I am sure you are glad another March has come and gone! In Wisconsin I am hoping for rain to wash away some of that snow! I pray your trip went well and will be waiting to hear how our prayers for you have been answered. I am sure the kids did just fine without you there on that day. Just think we can finally say, "Next month we will be in Nashville for another L5 Memorial Day Celebration!" Will we see you there this year? I do so hope you are able to make it. Meeting you last year for the very first time really added to my enjoyment that weekend. I would love to see you and maybe both kids too, as you all will all always be a part of the L5 family! Take care,
Becky In Wisconsin

[Becky]

Debbie,
Have a blessed Easter! Are you OK? I have been checking often to see if you have posted. Good Friday is hard but Easter is coming! I pray your Good Friday spell is passing and gleams of a new bright morning SON are beginning to break through those dark storm clouds for you. Take care.
Becky In Wisconsin

[Cathy McIntosh]

Dear Debbie,
I'm a Canadian girl who has followed first Roger's posts as he went through his journey with cancer, and then yours since Roger went to be with the Lord. You have been such a huge blessing over the past couple of years and I wish you a long and full very happy and fulfilled life with your new husband. May God richly bless you both and use you for his glory. Love, Cathy Mc