Roger Bennett's Midnight Meditations

Home For a Bit

I am back on Little Pond Lane, after completing 9 trips in the past 7 weeks (2 were personal, 7 were with the Marrow Donor Program). I am taking a much-needed break for a couple of weeks, before Chelsea and I leave for the Poland mission trip on July 31. I have promised myself that these 2 weeks will be used to complete the book, and find a printer, etc., so that I can make my deadline. THAT is what I need the most prayer about.........because if I don't make this deadline, the book won't be completed for National Quartet Convention, and that would not be a good thing.......

Busy, Busy

I am sure, now that summer is here, that we are all much busier. I know I am, and I apologize for not writing more. (Besides that, my internet is acting up at home, among other technological issues that are driving me to distraction.....) So, I am writing this entry from a hotel, while on one of the many courier trips I have been on this month. Lately, I have had one per week (5 in a row, so far), and still have a couple more on the books. I am not sure what has made the summer so busy for transplants, but there is a network of blue tote bags and coolers keeping those airport security guards hopping!

Another Year Older

I have been keeping very busy with volunteer trips lately. I keep "picking up" new ones, and have been averaging one every week. I am not sure what makes the summer so busy for bone marrow transplants, but there are a lot of people out there who need help and prayers. It is my great pleasure and privilege to be able to be one of the many who are used in this way. As a "bonus", I have now done enough domestic trips that I can be put on the international list. That should be very interesting!

Whirlwinds

A whirlwind.....sometimes we all feel like that's what we are caught up in. Mostly they are busy times of our own choosing, our own not knowing how to say "no" or prioritize. I certainly am guilty of that at times. Right now, my whirlwind is of my own choosing, but I am enjoying every breeze that is in it!

I am sitting in an airport waiting for my next flight. I have already picked up the bone marrow I will be taking to someone whose life is dependent on it. It's such a sobering thing to think about, and yes, it does bring back many memories, but the feeling it gives me to be able to serve in this capacity is SO worth it. I absolutely thank God every day for the blessings He has given me through this opportunity. Besides this trip this week, I am scheduled for another next week, and one in the middle of the month so far. Again, my own choosing, but it's a delight.

Family Time

Chelsea, Jordan, and I just got back last night from a little family vacation. It was particularly great, since these times together are fewer and farther between with "grown" children. We had a wonderful time, visiting several major theme parks. However, I did find out that my 46 year old body wears out a lot faster than a 21 or 23 year old's body does!! That didn't stop my getting on every roller coaster ride they did, and we trekked many miles over the 3 days we were there. These are great memories, and we talked a lot about Roger, since he would have loved being there, too. In fact, we did take this particular vacation as a family more than once. Bittersweet.....

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.

A Quick Note

I am away for three days this first part of the week, on another volunteer trip. I can't tell you how rewarding these missions are for me. I am so grateful that God placed this opportunity in my life. I feel like I am finding purpose, where for many weeks and months, I felt so lost.

Please keep my travels in your prayers, but especially remember the donor and transplant recipients that I am working for. I know for a fact that my prayer life stays more active when I am on these journeys!

When I return, I plan to give an update on the Bennett family members. We are all doing well and remain

In His Grip,

Debbie