Christopher William Beno

by Mark Beno

Monday March 23, 1998 started out like any other day. Get up, get ready for work, peek at the little guy, kiss Mary goodbye and head to work. Monday's are always nuts so you don't have time to think about much during the day so Christopher was not on my mind. After lunch I was working in my office when I was told I needed to go home right away that Christopher had stopped breathing during his nap. It was about a thirty mile drive and my mind was racing. He's not at home he's at the sitters. Mary's at work. Why am I going home? I went to the sitters house and everyone was red eyed and quiet. My two year old Brendan was just sitting in a chair not sure what was going on. Jess say's they took Chistopher to the emergency room in Dodgeville. Mary's on her way there now.

As I am driving there I am thinking he's got to be ok, He was just at the doctor last week and was 100% healthy. When I got there and asked about him they sent me into a small room and said someone will be right in to talk to you. I knew at that moment that my son was gone.

I had experienced the sudden death of my brother 11 years ago and it happened in the same way at the hospital. Wait here and someone will be right in to talk to you. We are so sorry to have to inform you that your son has passed away. Oh Mary, how can I tell her Christopher is gone! When is she going to get here?

I want to see my son. How can this happen? He's only 4 months old today. He's so small and so cold. This can't be happening. Mark your wife is here. Mary he's gone. I don't believe this. How can this happen? He was fine this morning.

We sat in the E.R. holding our son for what seemed like hours, it was really about two hours. Now it seems like it was only moments. The rest of that day is just a blur as to what happened. We went back and got Brendan and went home I know but I don't remember the rest. It's been three weeks now and I can't understand it or get him out of my mind.

Mary and I have received so many cards and letters from friends and family and people we don't even know. It is helping us get through. Christopher, Mom, Dad, and Brendan love you and miss you very much. Grandma and grandpa and all your aunt's and uncle's and cousin's do too.

Mark Beno