By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Robert Beson honored for his hospitality

LAC DU FLAMBEAU -- His family and some medical professionals call Robert Beson "the miracle man." At his parish, St. Anthony of Padua, he's often called "the coffee maker." It was his involvement in hospitality and other service ministries that led to his receiving the Gloria Lang Award, presented at the diocesan fall teacher/catechist institute by the Superior Mutual Ministry Team.

For Beson, an unassuming, active member of his church and Ojibwe community, the award came as a surprise. In fact, he is still trying to figure out how pastoral associate Sr. Marianna Ableidinger, FSPA, came up with so many nice things to say when she nominated him for the award. "I just help out where I can," he said.

For 10 years or more, he has been a greeter and usher, and every Sunday he gets to church 1 1/2 hours early so he can make coffee for the after-Mass social. He has also been active in the parish's men's club.

He is just grateful to be alive and able to serve his parish. There was a time when doctors advised his wife, Jackie, that life-support should be discontinued. Robert had been out cutting wood, when a large tree limb fell on his head, crushing part of his skull. For six weeks he was in a coma. "The doctors said there were no brain waves, and he would never be anything but a vegetable," Jackie said.

Believing that anything is possible with prayer, Jackie did not accept the doctors' prognosis. "I would pray day and night," she remembered. "I would fall asleep saying prayers." She also had a network of friends and family who were all praying for his recovery.

That was back in 1980, and she had three small children at home. "The kids would write notes to Jesus and put them on the altar," she said.

Jackie firmly believes she saw an angel one day at the hospital. "One Sunday when his dad and I went to visit him, I met a doctor coming out of the intensive care unit. He told me my husband would come out of his coma in 10 days and be OK. I hurried up to the ICU, and the nurses had no idea why I was so happy. When I told them what the doctor had said, they said, 'It's Sunday afternoon; no doctors are here to examine patients at this time.'" The doctor's (or angel's) prediction came true.

The Besons have five children, 18 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. All are baptized and active in their religion, Jackie gratefully acknowledged. "We are a closely-knit family, and the church is the center," she said.

When Robert was released from the hospital, Jackie took him home, even though the challenges were many. "He had to learn everything over," she said. That included walking and talking. Robert does not remember many details of the ordeal, and he still has short-term memory loss.

He had worked in construction and was able to return for a time, but he is now retired. Jackie continues to work outside the home as director of the tribal daycare center.

But he doesn't stay home and vegetate," Jackie explained. Among other ventures, Robert still goes out to cut wood, but as for making coffee at home ... that's Jackie's job.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2003