For the Dennis Blogosphere

Ahhhh, Dennis and I go back to Tifton circa 1979, although we would both agree it seemed more like the 60’s. It was at that time that I believe that I achieved “brother-like” household guest status and would flop on the couch un-invited at any time and partake in rituals of alcohol and inhalationals to achieve an evening bliss. I would practice rudimentary magic and advanced cooking skills with this most comforting and receptive family. The honest truth is that Dennis and I had the grandest time whenever or wherever we meet.. So many good times with running, playing, carousing…..Ask Dennis and Linda about Tifton Fleabitus, a medical condition treated with wads of sticky masking tape.

Fast forward to May 1991, Dennis joined me in San Francisco for the AAPA Conference…”Two Wild and Crazy Guys” we were. We hit the hospitality suites a little too hard and often and ended up beyond the Blotto stage. In a very nice hotel, prior to the Righteous Brothers Concert, my friend dear Dennis had to relieve the bladder fullness.. Vision obscured or alertness dulled, he ended up in the Ladies Room. Hesitantly, I had to go in and rescue him and he seemed charmed by the elegance of the restroom…..chairs, mirrors, nice stalls…like nothing he had seen before. As I was ushering him out as quickly as possible, ladies in waiting had already alerted the Security Staff. We dodged the bullies as fast as we could and frankly hid for a few moments. Dennis had misplaced his AAPA id badge and through some kind of trickery that I don’t recall, we got Dennis into the R.B. concert. The standing room concert was a memory that neither Dennis nor I will ever forget. If you ever get the chance, ask Dennis about the Cheech and Chong adventure to the Niagra Falls with visiting Karl in Upper State…a new higher degree of paranoia was created then….but despite that, we saw the Falls in a most memorable fashion

Dennis and I live about 3000 miles apart, but the memories and fondness we share makes it seem like only a few feet. Happy Birthday, smile on brother…….Karl

Happy Memories from Pam

Happy Birthday Dennis Bender!

I have many happy memories of THE BENDERS.

I can't believe it's 60 years. I think of you as that young man on a ladder orchestrating the masses w/orders at The Heart and Soul Run in Tifton back in the day of stop watches and paper registration...no computer chips fastened to your ankle w/velcro back then, no siree, no e-mail sign up. I remember being so impressed with this young man and his family and the time it took to get that community event together. I had my blue t-shirt for years as a remembrance of this very successful event.

I remember that awful weed whacked bandaged leg and the way you still went to work in shorts.

I remember discussing the equal distribution of a batch of chocolate chip cookies...house sitting with a water bed and cats and fleas and AIR CONDITIONING!...children's birthday parties...demonstrations of that rainbow vacuum cleaner...remember that machine?
I remember receiving a wonderful hand crank ice cream machine as a wedding gift. I used it each summer for over 20 years until I finally wore it out. Do you know we still have kids that come to the house and ask when we are making ice cream. I had to get another. We make ice cream every summer.

Here's the thing I remember most about THE BENDERS...the warmth and unconditional love I experienced each and everytime I dropped in on them unannounced with Karl. We were welcomed each and everytime to come and join THE BENDERS on that big brown sofa and be apart of a safe happy home. I'm the lucky one to have had you in my early life. Kisses to you, Linda, Michael and Stacey.

Fondly, Pam Hilsenberg (What ever happened to that sofa?)

The infamous deer neck!!

Getting back to the sense of humor that Eric mentioned, this is a good story.

I had Dennis for the family polyanna a few years ago, I was sitting around with Dorinda, Lyndsay, etc and was asking what he would want when Lyndsay suddenly said 'well he likes to eat animal necks'. Where she got this even she is not even sure but was some sort of past event. Anyways I had just harvested a deer from the property and figured well for a gag present let me wrap the neck roast up and give it to him. On the paper I wrote 'To Big D" which was the start of that endearing nickname.

The look on his face was priceless when he received it graciously!

But that only touches the surface of his sense of humor- the following spring at Lake Minisink annual Trout Fishing weekend (since renamed to Annual Elliott Mens Retreat) we were treated to a "Deer Neck Stew" which we enjoyed except for the neck bones which are normally removed from any stew.

Cheers to Uncle Dennis- a good man!

Andy

Fun with power tools

Dad, this reminds me of another incident involving a powered lawn tool. You were trimming the hedges at Stacey's house and cut through the extension cord not once but twice. You also tried to replace the plug end on a two foot piece of extension cord but that is a different story. I was not there when you did this but had to take advantage of the situation when I heard you in front of the house trimming the hedge and saw the extension cord plugged into the outlet in the garage. So I unplugged the extension cord. The words that were shouted from the front of the house cannot be repeated here but they were quite colorful. After you figured you had not cut through the cord a third time you came into the garage and discovered me holding the unplugged cord. I had to relish one of the few times I pulled one over on you.

The Weedeater Incident

It was the summer of about 1976 or thereabouts when Dennis was one of the first in the neighborhood to get one of those new fancy string-trimmers to edge the grass. He noted what a great job it did cutting even the tall grass. It was about this time that Dennis must have had a small stroke ( TIA to us in the business ) or perhaps he suddenly lost his sanity for a brief period when he thought-its just a little string- I wonder what it would feel like on my leg? Well, Dennis came to work the next day with multiple infected lacerations and cellulitis of the leg from the weed-eater. To this day I never use my Toro string-trimmer without thinking of Dennis.

Happy Birthday Dennis. We all miss you down here in Tifton, Ga. As one of the first PAs you are still a legend to those of us who knew you and had the pleasure and fortune to work with you. I still remember your laugh and some of your funny expressions. I still find myself saying- as Dennis Bender would say for instance a "celestial discharge" or "post-on call euphoria". We all remember the times you would always show up with your guitar at parties and sing Scarborough Fair . Since I have now started playing the guitar I wish you were here so that we could play together.

Again from all of us down here in Dixie-HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to a Role model and Mentor

Dear Dennis
I have always looked up to you as a role model in our profession. Congratulations to you for an outstanding career and reputation: anyone who has had the good fortune to be your patient has always spoken so highly of you. On your 60th birthday, I wish you health, peace, and continued love from your amazing family. Best to you always.
Theresa Rose

Lens cap?

So, I'll start by contributing two stories here. I need to cull through some of the pics to isolate my favorite one (I so wish we could find ole 'yellow canoe' in there somewhere, but I think it's lost to equipment failure). I'll slap something up in a subsequent post.

Anyway, the first story I'd like to share is the first time I met my father-in-law-to-be. Stacey and I had come up to Lake Minisink (the Poconos) for a day out on the dock. The whole family was there, relaxing quietly. Dennis was looking (for like a whole MINUTE) through a set of binoculars across the lake at something-or-other when I noticed that both lens covers were still on both lenses. I was stumped. Did I mention that he'd been looking through the covered-up lenses already for like a whole MINUTE? Was this guy testing me to see if I'd say something? Were these maybe not lens covers and just some fancy-schmantzy outdoorsy gadget? Well, me being me, I took the plunge and asked what was going on. Dennis looked at me like 'ok wiseass, you got me this time', and then he laughed (trust me, I've gotten sufficient payback :-). I tell you this story first because I think a sense-of-humor is the clearest telltale of a good man, and the fact that my father-in-law can laugh at himself and mean it is something I appreciate.

The second story is more serious. The closest tie between Dennis and me is of course, Stacey. Stacey, as most who will read this know, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. I wasn't around for the first one, but I was there standing next to her when we got the news the second time. Of course, we couldn't have handled the whole ordeal without the love and support of everybody around us. But, I think back to the moment when I opened the door when Dennis, Linda and Michael arrived at our doorstep right before Stacey's surgery. Dennis was the face at the door when I opened it. And I'd be lying to you if I didn't admit that seeing him, yes concerned, but at the same time ready to tackle this together gave me a sense of relief that I hadn't felt in many days. I knew that the family was there for Stacey, and that anything we needed would be given, but, in a strange way, I felt like Dennis (and Linda, and Mike too of course, but turn sixty and maybe I write this in your blog ;-) was there for me personally. I can't say thanks enough of course, but I can at least scrawl it down to reflect on how important this event was to me.

So in two stories, I hope that I can communicate to Dennis and other readers how important this man has been to me as a family member. Happy 60th Birthday.

You old fart :-)

Dennis & Stacey, c. 1969-70

Hey, I can't let my brother show all the fun photos of dad as a young dude--I'll do you one better Mike--here he is before you were even born, the short time that I was an only child :)

The many faces Dennis Bender

Just some fun pictures to add.

Ham boning

Happy 60th Birthday Dennis!!

It seems like yesterday I met you for the first time and was unsure what to think. Over the years I have realized what a complex and spontaneous person you are and where Mike gets it from. One of my favorite memories is of you Ham boning in the kitchen at the farm. I think of that often and laugh. It just goes to show you never know what you are going to do next.

Thank you for raising a truly wonderful son. He caught on to the roll of being a dad well and I see many of your characteristics in him.

I look forward to many more years of spontaneity and love with your family.

Love Stephanie

Go Bills!!

Hi Grandpa and Happy 60th Birthday!!

I have only known you for a short time but I am looking forward to many trips and fun times with you. I know you will spoil me and that is OK with me. I hope I will not cause as much trouble as my dad did when he was younger. I love you lots. I can't wait to watch football with you. Go Bills!!

Love Jacob

My Dad

Happy 60th Birthday dad!! I know Stacey beat me to making a post. I will try to be the first to call on your birthday. This is one of my favorite pictures of us.

Some of my fondest memories are the trips we took together camping. I remember hiking at High Falls in Georgia and stopping along the trail and roasting Vienna Sausages on a fire for lunch. I look forward to future trips with you and Jacob.

I remember going through the stage during which I thought I knew everything. I now feel like I know nothing especially when it comes to being a father. When I am not sure what to do I think what you would do in that situation. I am sure I will be calling you for advise in the future.



Thank you for being my dad.

Love Michael

Den Den,

Happy 60th birthday! You have finally, officially, become an adult!
Sixty years of age seems paltry to Jim & I. He will be 65 in March and I will be 64 on Christmas Day. You are truly like a fine wine. You age with grace! Here is hoping for 60 more! Love, June & Jim

Happy 60th Dennis

Happy 60th birthday Dennis-I cant believe that your are 60-You honestly do not look it!!. You have joined the Club-I turned 60 on the 30th November so this is a big year. I still have great memories of you, Linda, Stacey, Michael and Eric visiting us in Ireland, our visit to Newgrange and having a pint in the local pub, walking in the forest accross the road from our house. . We never made the traditional music session ( I think it was out of season for sessions). The next time you come to Ireland, come in the Summer and there should be plenty of sessions. I know you really wanted to go and see a real traditional music session. Have a brilliant birthday and enjoy it with your family. Remember 60 is the new 40!! (Thats my motto). Give our love to Linda, Michael and his wife and of course Eric and Stacey. Noel and Ann Brennan

Big "D" The Robot !!!

Other Notables from MCMXLVI

• End of WWII hostilities
• Boston Red Sox lose World Series 4-3 to the St Louis Cardinals
• Vincent du Vigneaud (US) synthesizes penicillin
• UN General Assembly opens first session, League of Nations dissolves
• The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Virginia's Jim Crow law requiring segregation of passengers on interstate buses is unconstitutional.
• Electronic numerical integrator and computer (ENIAC) is the world's first automatic electronic digital computer. Its early press releases claim such feats as multiplying 360 ten-digit numbers or extracting a square root "in a single second," but it draws so much electricity that it causes the lights in a nearby town to dim each time it is used.
• The color film Ektachrome introduced by Eastman Kodak is the first that a photographer can process himself.
• 12 Nazi leaders (including 1 tried in absentia) are sentenced to hang, 7 imprisoned, and 3 acquitted in the Nuremberg trials
• Republicans win majorities in the House and Senate (again!)
• George W. Bush is born on July 6
• Bikinis go on sale in Paris
• Ho Chi Minh elected President of North Vietnam
• Precursor to the CIA is established
  
  
  Also Born on December 24,1946 is Brenda Howard, American bisexual activist (d. 2005)
  W.C. Fields passes away the next day.
  
  Price of gasoline 21 cents per gallon
  Average annual salary $3,150
  Cost of a first class stamp $0.03

Hey Dad! Happy 60th to a great father! We've had some fun times and some difficult times and through it all you've been strong and supportive of me and I love you dearly for that.

One of my earliest memories is being about three years old and we were swinging on the swings in the park across from our apt. in Alabama and you went so high that you touched the branches of the tree above you--I thought you were pretty freaking cool! I also remember later when we lived in Georgia, you dressing up (against my wishes) for Halloween as Laura Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie, wearing a calico dress, sunbonnet and fake yarn braids. I was totally mortified to have you and mom (dressed as an indian brave) walk me around the neighborhood--now I think that was pretty cool. Or singing and playing the guitar with you--many happy memories of that. One of the most touching memories I have is of you trying to distract me as I nervously wait to go to the church for my wedding and then tearfully telling me you loved me as you handed me off to Eric. I could go on and on and on with all the happy times I've had in your company :)

On the other hand, in tough times, you were using the internet before it was even cool, to try and find the best cancer treatment for me when we were all still in shock and freaking out. You did what you do best--you stayed cool and did the research. Thank you for that.

I look forward to at least 60 more years of memories with you (the way the healthcare field is going, who knows!) I love you. From your favorite daughter. Your Banana