If there was ever a wonderful example of a couple and family who overcame a number of extremely challenging struggles with a joyful love and a strong determination, it was Bennett and Annette Jones. Two years ago, this fall we lost both of them within just about two months of each other.
Bennett was my oldest brother who died on September 16, 2022, and his wife, Annette, passed away on November 19, 2022. They had been married for over fifty-five years. When they got married, they had no idea what was coming later on. Unfortunately, Bennett began showing signs of having Multiple Sclerosis at age 42, in 1985. Over the years the disease increasingly took more and more of his physical abilities. Therefore, Annette, his primary caretaker, and their sons, Benny and Doug, as well as their support group had to do more and more to help him function on a daily basis. Until his death, this disease would play an increasing large role in their lives.
This reflection is something I feel guided to do because of the manner in which these two handled what life had given them. We all have had to deal with issues that have challenged us, but how these two and their family dealt with those challenges is a wonderful example for all of us.
Even though he was stuck in his MS body, Bennett still seemed to find ways to obtain joy in his surroundings and life in general. Despite his compromised condition, he never seemed to be bitter or angry. He kept a really positive attitude and outlook on life and tried to live each day to its fullest.
Annette was the center of the care for Bennett over the years, as she made sure that he had what was needed daily. She eventually had to bring in people to help care for him, while managing her business and household duties and remaining involved with her community activities. Bennett’s life would have been so much more difficult if not for Annette. Also, I am sure that there are many people who would have just walked away from him over this thirty-seven-year period.
Annette kept him at home as long as she could until having to place him into the VA Facility in February, 2017. Even then she would always be sure that he received the care that was needed, or else she would be in someone’s face telling them how she felt and what they ought to be doing. She did all of this because of her love for him, a love that overcame countless physical and medical challenges in herself and with Bennett.
Even though they both are gone, the love, joy, and strength demonstrated throughout their lives will exist in our family members and other lives whom they touched or influenced. This reflection briefly recalls their lives; but it mainly is written so that I can remember how much they impacted my life and how they are still a part of who I am today.
May you take a moment to reflect on those who have touched your life and are still a part of you, even though they may have left this earthly journey! Blessings and peace to you, Vernon T.
(Picture includes my brother Bennett in chair in front, Annette beside him, back row left to right, their son, Doug, my brother, Brian, their son, Benny, me and Shirley.)
Bennett was my oldest brother who died on September 16, 2022, and his wife, Annette, passed away on November 19, 2022. They had been married for over fifty-five years. When they got married, they had no idea what was coming later on. Unfortunately, Bennett began showing signs of having Multiple Sclerosis at age 42, in 1985. Over the years the disease increasingly took more and more of his physical abilities. Therefore, Annette, his primary caretaker, and their sons, Benny and Doug, as well as their support group had to do more and more to help him function on a daily basis. Until his death, this disease would play an increasing large role in their lives.
This reflection is something I feel guided to do because of the manner in which these two handled what life had given them. We all have had to deal with issues that have challenged us, but how these two and their family dealt with those challenges is a wonderful example for all of us.
Even though he was stuck in his MS body, Bennett still seemed to find ways to obtain joy in his surroundings and life in general. Despite his compromised condition, he never seemed to be bitter or angry. He kept a really positive attitude and outlook on life and tried to live each day to its fullest.
Annette was the center of the care for Bennett over the years, as she made sure that he had what was needed daily. She eventually had to bring in people to help care for him, while managing her business and household duties and remaining involved with her community activities. Bennett’s life would have been so much more difficult if not for Annette. Also, I am sure that there are many people who would have just walked away from him over this thirty-seven-year period.
Annette kept him at home as long as she could until having to place him into the VA Facility in February, 2017. Even then she would always be sure that he received the care that was needed, or else she would be in someone’s face telling them how she felt and what they ought to be doing. She did all of this because of her love for him, a love that overcame countless physical and medical challenges in herself and with Bennett.
Even though they both are gone, the love, joy, and strength demonstrated throughout their lives will exist in our family members and other lives whom they touched or influenced. This reflection briefly recalls their lives; but it mainly is written so that I can remember how much they impacted my life and how they are still a part of who I am today.
May you take a moment to reflect on those who have touched your life and are still a part of you, even though they may have left this earthly journey! Blessings and peace to you, Vernon T.
(Picture includes my brother Bennett in chair in front, Annette beside him, back row left to right, their son, Doug, my brother, Brian, their son, Benny, me and Shirley.)
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