Celebration Funeral

Sounds weird, huh? Last night our family attended a celebration service for our dear friend, Joe Bennett and I was amazed at the love, the laughter, and the intimacy of the service. So profound!

First of all, if you don't know Joe, he was amazing man. I've known Joe and his family since I was "knee high to a grasshopper" (I've always wanted to use that phrase!) and Joe's greatness, his size, his uncanny resemblance to some grizzly frontier man, would make any girl of five, six, seven and eight uneasy. But Joe had these amazing kind eyes and he smiled often. He had this deep, rumbly laughter that echoed around you. I can see him wearing his SEEKERS t-shirt, jeans, sporting his dark beard and twinking eyes. Joe always reminded me of a pioneer Santa Claus. We spent lots of time at the Bennett house. In fact, while Mom and Dad were away at Epworth, Val and I spent some nights at the Bennett house. Joann made us drink goat milk (I don't think I've ever recovered from that) and we swam in their pool for hours and hours.

Joe and Joann's son, Shane was Todd's closest friend. Joel, the middle son was one of Chad's closest friends. We all kind of grew up together. I was four years younger than Jenny (their youngest daughter) but I can remember vividly that one time when we stayed at their house, Jenny had this hand-held kissing/apple/boy/girl game (Jenny, forgive me. I can't remember the details of the actual game.) But I can remember playing and playing that game and seeing how many times the boys "kissed" the girls. Jenny, do you remember this? Help me out! Oh man...Val and I would fight over that game...it was crazy!

We have great memories of this family. A group of men from our church went on a fishing trip. My dad went along. Chad's dad, Cris was there too as well as Joe. They came back with amazing pictures of their stay, the fish they caught, as well as stories of their fellowship, the things they studied and learned, as well as the fun they had.

Joe passed away the other day. His service was last night. It was wonderful. The praise service was fantastic. The memories that Shane shared were delightful and gave us another peek into Joe's incredible life. Mark Beeson, who made one of the biggest impressions on Chad and my's spiritual walk,(he also shared in officiating our wedding) was there to speak as well. Mark spoke about things that I had always wondered about and again gave me new insight on which I will need to ponder and pray about. I will have to blog sometime soon about Mark and the amazing man/father/pastor he is.

We were able to see and catch up with many dear friends that we don't get to see often. It was wonderful.

Joe, I'm sure is a very proud man. Not only is he in heaven with his heavenly father but I'm positive he looked down and was pleased with how his family chose to honor his life.

To my friends, the Bennetts; You are such wonderful people. I'm so glad that you are a part of Chad and I's life. Thank you for sharing Joe with us last evening. We will be praying for you over the coming weeks and months.