The Great Bendini
Once again lives in our small community have been altered forever. The accident that claimed the young life of Ben Bishop and critically injured "Little John" Goff serves as the most recent reminder of how fragile life is.
Death claimed Ben at age 14. Death claimed his sister, Melissa, 14 years ago, at the same age. For Terri, Ben's mom, one child's death is unthinkable. Two children lost seems impossible and unbelievable.
I lost someone special in that accident. Ben always called me Aunt Janet. He was not my blood nephew, but a nephew of the heart. A choice made out of love, not obligation.
My thoughts this week have been of Ben's life. Ben was a scrappy young man moving toward the next phase of his life. Ben loved his family and he loved hanging out with his friends. He loved to torment his brother Nathan, but defended him fiercely when he felt he had to.
He had a trademark smile.
My memories of Ben are good ones. There were lots of birthday parties and Christmases. I loved watching Ben play baseball and seeing him tear up the water on swim team. I also remember spending hours swinging him on the tire swing.
I have memories of watching Ben enjoying the outdoors. He loved to fish. He was good at it. Ben also bagged his first turkey this past April. He had a classic hunt and was so thrilled to have harvested his first bird.
Now there are those among us who are hurting and confused. I noticed many young people at Ben's funeral. They all now need special love and support. We all need to listen to what they say and also listen to what they don't say.
My friend Susan ended her editorial thoughts last week with "Let's offer up a prayer." So Dear God, here goes.
When we deal with the pain of Ben's families and friends, give us strength, courage, wisdom, and faith. Give us kind hearts, thoughts, and words in the days to come. Give "Little" John all he needs to heal in body and spirit. And please Lord, give me the patience to handle whatever comes in life so that someday I can again see Ben and hear those three simple words, "Hi, Aunt Janet." We miss you, Ben. Amen.
— Janet Post
