What “The Lost Story” is all about.
Ivan Benson is an author, retired singer, guitarist, story teller, and voice over talent in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He has lived in Tennessee, Arizona, Arkansas, Ohio, Montana, and Georgia. He is the father of two children, and has been married to his best friend sine 1976.
The Lost Story 
Thank you, my friend. Your family has a special place in my heart.
Such a touching tribute to your uncle—both praise and lament. God’s perfect justice and rich mercy will both meet him soon, it appears. He will do what is right. Your reflections on him shared with us are drenched in a combination of respect and truth, so gracefully done.
My father was in hospice for almost a year, also dealing with dementia. He passed over Jordon 5/6/24. His request to you some 51 years ago to share a room with me as I considered college was a trajectory event in my life for which I shall forever be indebted and grateful. Peace
You can find me on Facebook as Stephan B Kell.
I am sad to hear that; what a significant man in my life. Wow! Now he has joined the throng I hope to join one day. I lost another special man last November (Landon Saunders). I know Ted is in good hands now, the hands that have led him and held him throughout his life. Blessings on you.
Ivan — my father passed away May 6. Memorial service is June 29 in Brownwood, TX, streaming live via the Austin Avenue Church of Christ. / Steve listenersbk@gmail.com
Ron, such a pleasure to see your comments. I am glad my thoughts are beneficial; that is my intent, of course. Thanks for taking time to read and comment. I know you have a wealth of “heart” experience yourself, so that makes it especially meaningful. My best to you and Sharon.
Ivan, you write very, very well. You have a skill that not many possess. The Making of a Widow is superb. I am sorry you had to experience such a crushing heart attack in order to be able to write it, but we are all the richer for it. Best wishes in your recovery and to your family. Sharon and I miss our Atlanta visits with you. Blessings, Ron Nickle
Thank you, Ivan. I was disappointed to find out today you won’t be coming but am hoping you will reconsider! Our class has lost many members so the 45 just seemed like a great idea..
Debbie
Thank you, Debbie. I will tell her. I think someone has already contacted her about this.
THIS WAS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE ON SENIOR CLASS! OUR PHS CLASS OF 1970 IS LOOKING FOR MONICA!!! WE ARE HAVING A 45TH REUNION ON JULY 11, 2015, AT THE AMERICAN LEGION ON COURT ST IN PORTSMOUTH. CONTACT ME AT FOR MORE DETAILS IF YOU CAN MAKE IT! IT WOULD BE SO WONDERFUL TO SEE MONNIE AGAIN!!! DEBBIE
Thank you for reading, Brad. Such a pleasure to know you. Feel free to devour away!
Ivan, fantastic site! Devouring it!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Craig. I appreciate your interest in my blog . . . AND my teeth. ha!
Ivan, thanks for sharing this beautiful website with me. I especially like the Inaugaration story and how each new day is ours to do with as we please.
Craig F
Michael, thanks for your comments. I abbreviated your note just to keep your personal information personal. Thanks for the update. We will stay in touch, my friend.
It’s been a while since we’ve enjoyed singing together, Ivan, but after reading just a few of your entries, I see that our lives have been parallel. . . . Grace and Peace,
Michael
I am glad to bring a smile to you, Vicki; you have brought many to me, my friend. Yes. The “journey” of grief. Thanks for sharing the pathway with me. I know you are walking it, too.
And thanks for your “gift” allusion; you are so funny! Ha! An inside joke, huh.
Ivan, reading your blog makes me smile- different stories, different situations, but the same journey of grief. So much of what you write resonates in my own spirit- I feel the same sluggishness, and while I know it will pass, I both loathe it and embrace it. The tears are both friend and foe. It’s great to have you close by during this leg of the race. Blessings to you as Christmas nears. Keep writing- you have “the gift” (pun intended).
I certainly wish Ivan and Monica (my cousin by marriage) lived in Ohio, so I could enjoy some of Ivan’s stories. I used to listen to him when he talked about things like this at reunions but I have never been to the out of state reunions. I miss both of them!
I might add a fine man whose company I enjoyed for a brief year, but will always remember. A Kindred Spirit!