A great big thank you
To the editor:
To the Pine Island and Matlacha Communities;
The Benjamin family would like to say a great big thank you to ALL of you! When we moved here 22 years ago we knew instantly that this is the best place on earth. You have truly cemented that thought forever.
If you are an avid reader of Meghan’s stories in The Eagle you know that on April 29, Benji fell off the roof while working on the dryer vent and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He subsequently spent eight plus weeks in the hospital with weeks of IV infusions and doctors’ appointments to follow. Never once was our family not cared for by this amazing community.
Immediately after the accident, Pine Island Elementary stepped in with food and gas cards. Lynn Newman didn’t hesitate to jump in and take over my classroom. Friends and neighbors were there to support us at the hospital and provide food to nourish us. Thank you to every single person who prayed for us, sent well wishes, sent gift cards, provided meals, mowed our grass, and was there with a kind word.
The Matlacha Hookers, The Matlacha Mariners and the Women of The Moose gave us amazing donations to help with medical costs.
Pine Island Community Church was and continues to be our rock. Each and every member made our tragedy a cause for concern and prayer. Pastor Heidi prayed over Benji daily.
Believe me; we appreciate the prayers that Benji received from all over. Churches as far away as Alaska were praying and even people who weren’t sure if they believed were praying. He is honestly a miracle walking.
To all who were involved in the Benji Bash, you will never know how humbled and grateful we are. Pine Island Community Church and Lisa Dense from the Olde Fish House Marina put together a spectacular day. We will never be able to tell you how much you helped us with our bills and how much we appreciated every detail of the event.
Under the direction of Trish at Capital Bank, Robin and her thoughtful team set up an account to “Help Benji.” Thank you to every single donor! The generosity of each and every one of you is felt in our hearts. Thank you to you girls at the bank.
Twelve total weeks of driving back and forth to Lee Memorial Hospital can take its toll on anyone. Thank you to Virginia Cicoria and Tom Snodgrass who made that trip almost daily to brighten the mood and bring out the best in Benji. Thank you to all visitors, for you helped to break up the monotony of hospital life and brought laughter and fun.
Benji has made incredible strides. Again, THANK YOU! This Community constantly shows why it is a piece of heaven on earth. For that and for God’s Grace, we will forever be thankful.
The Benjamin Family:
Nancy, Benji,
Morgan and Brooke
Bokeelia