Foreordained....Ben and Sera

I wrote the "Leaving Las Vegas" post last night. Today, I received word that my ex-husband had died in January. He was Ben and I was Sera, two walking wounded warriors adrift in a mad world with nothing but each other to hold onto. We were both severly injured. He from the horrors of the Vietnam War and me from my abusive father.

I was just 16 when I met him; he was 38. He helped free me from living with my parents and striking out on my own. He really taught me a lot about life, from household skills, work expectations, moving, checking accounts, budgeting and faith. He was big on faith and the Bible, one of his strong suits.

 One of my fondest memories is traveling to Chicago for the weekend, staying in a hotel and visiting museums. He helped this very sheltered, very scared young woman have fun and branch out. He knew how to have fun, from drinking cheap wine and listening to Blondie, to all out water fights at the nursing home we worked at together. He was playful, warm, affectionate and answered all my silly questions with kindness.

 We were dirt poor. Both in ill health and poverty was an everyday challenge we managed together. It wasn't easy but we had each other.

 He was my first and only husband. My first living together friend.

I just received word today, that Ken died the end of January.

 We were together about 8 years in all. I really can't say a negative thing about him. He was always there for me. The divorce was amicable. We were both going in different directions. I ended all contact with him but found my ex step daughter living in my current town. She and I most serendipitously met a few years back and have remained friends. I knew Ken was gravely ill for awhile.

 Boy, we had some great times!!!! Seriously, he was a good, caring, faithful and fun man.

 Rest in Peace Darling. Rest in Peace now, finally. Your struggle is over. Love