The Hen Party 2000 - North Carolina - Year of Comfort and Support

Tardiva Hydrangea

Star of Bethlehem Hibiscus 

Janet and Barb came to North Carolin to visit and offer love, support and comfort to me while John was in the hospital. He was in and out of the hospital since February and was currently in the hospital for what ended up to be a 3 month plus stay.

  After 18 surgeries that year he recovered but there were too many close calls.  One of his surgeons told him "he had already used up seven of his lives."

It was a stressful time and the only definite thing I recall was our visit to the Farmer's Market.

Janet bought me the Hibiscus and Barb gave me the Hydrangea. 

 They are blossoming in the yard right now.

This was before selfies so I don't have a single picture of us from that visit that I can find or recall taking.

Stephen Benane Family - about 1912 - John's Paternal Grandparents

Stephen Benane Family 

Pictured right to left 

Hazel Catherine 1901- 1989

Stephen A. Benane 1873 - 12/29/1915

George NMN 3/10/1908 - 10/02/1989

Martha Venelia McElwain Benane 4/15/1878 - 2/20/1965

Marion Barbara 3/23/1903 - 9/8/1979

John's grandfather died when George was just seven years old.

John's grandmother who was known as "Mattie" never remarried.  She raised her children by working as a cook at the resorts in Lake Placid and Saranac Lake.  

When I look at this picture of John's Dad, I can see where  many of his children got their beautiful eyes.