Review
"This book is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and renewal. With artful prose and deep insights, it takes readers on an emotional journey that lingers long after the final page. It reminds us of the transformative power of love, the impact of loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. A truly worthy and hope-filled read." ~ Connie M. Leach, Ed.D., Author, Design Your Daring Life Workbook
"Facing the death of a loved one is hard. This book shares poignant memories to show the reader how one can honor, cherish, and celebrate life during this precious transition process." ~ Patti Hulet, MS in Ed., Intuitive Life Coach, Curriculum Designer, Speaker, Author, Library Games Activity Kit
"This book is a truly inspiring and interesting story that I recommend to anyone who wants to know how to move forward in life, no matter what is put in front of you." ~ Linda Green, BA-Marketing, Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner
"I carved an hour to read...but I couldn't stop until I completed your book. Victoria, you ARE love. You live your calling, and it is so evident in this story. Thank you for sharing it! This is (one of) my favorite quotes from the book, "This memoir started with one love story—I had no idea it would end with another." ~ Karri Godek, Project Manager
From the Author
Prologue
Our last weekend together began on Friday, November 24, 2017, when my Beloved Bernie told me, "After tonight, honey, we'll have two more nights together." Wow, how could he know? I completely dedicated the next three days to him—to us.
He had been on oxygen constantly for a month. Now, the tumors in his lungs were so huge he could only breathe by sitting up in bed and leaning forward. Even though he had lost over 100 pounds, his body still looked beautiful to me. Wanting to be as close to him as possible, I embraced him from behind, holding him for hours. I read to him from an uplifting spiritual book he enjoyed, massaged his back, and made sure he had enough water. Throughout the weekend, I showed him how much he meant to me by looking into his soulful blue-green eyes and giving him a big smile of love, honor, and dignity. When he returned my smile, I felt washed in his love. These final days were tender, loving, and bittersweet.
Monday morning, Bernie was restless and agitated, I thought he might be in pain. I gave him hourly doses of his oral medications to ease his breathing and reduce any discomfort. It settled him down considerably— I hoped I wasn't giving him too much. At one point, I remembered what he had said about us only having two more nights together, so I knew— today was the day.
I again held him close as he fought for every breath. All day, we listened to the inspirational sounds of spiritual music, filling the whole room with a sense of peace, calm, and sacredness.
His eldest son came over at 3:30. Fifteen minutes later, Bernie pulled off his oxygen mask. I suggested that his transition might be easier if he had some oxygen coming in—he let me put the cannula in his nose. Shortly after this, our friend, Reverend Tina, arrived to provide counsel and comfort. Tina, his son, his friend Hans, and I formed a circle around Bernie as he sat on the lower right corner of his bed. Then Tina began praying and sending him healing energy. I told him he was free to leave—everyone and everything would be fine, and God was anticipating his arrival, along with his family and friends. He could simply let go.
I crawled in front of his lap, bent over, made eye contact one last time, smiled, and said goodbye. He nodded his head ever so slightly, squeezed my hand three times, telling me I LOVE YOU, and then took his final breath. His soul was liberated from his body—he was free.
Bernie's presence and large spirit immediately filled the room with the most exquisite, divine, pristine energy I had ever felt, as if all the angels in the universe were present, singing his praises. Tears of ecstasy and happiness for him overcame me.
We were silent for a few minutes—none of us wanted to move. We all held hands in honor of this exceptional moment we shared. I am bonded forever with Tina, Hans, and Bernie's son.
It was the most magnificent, sacred experience of my life.
About the Author
I'm Victoria Benoit, Mind/Body Repatterning expert and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author residing in Phoenix, AZ. I am a fun-loving, optimistic woman living an extraordinarily rich life, filled with passion, love, and adventure. My friends and family are especially dear to me, no matter what we're doing. My biggest fan was my Beloved Bernie of ten years, who liberated his soul from his physical body on November 27, 2017.
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI, with my younger brother and two sisters. At 20 years old, I seized an opportunity to move to Chicago, knowing no one, relying solely on my sense of adventure. While having a successful career in medical ultrasound and being divorced, I began my journey of personal growth and transformation.
In 1989, I decided it was time to move on from Chicago to Phoenix. Shortly after moving, I was forced to change careers due to a physical injury at work. I then obtained my master's degree and begin working as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
I was quickly frustrated by my clients' lack of progress using traditional methodologies. I decided to become a certified repatterning practitioner and teacher. Session after session, my clients reported experiencing extraordinary outcomes in their lives.
I left traditional counseling completely in 1996,and opened the Center for Extraordinary Outcomes. It became apparent that I needed to stop teaching and start writing to fulfill my desire to impact even more people. In addition to this book, I've published two books which reached #1 on Amazon: "What Would Love Do Right Now? A Guide to Living an Extraordinary Life" in 2017, and "Three Magical Words for a Magical Life" in 2021.
