Sister Flora Amussen Benson, wife of President Ezra Taft Benson, was released from LDS Hospital Wednesday, March 15, where she had undergone surgery a week earlier to repair a fractured hip.
Sister Benson, known for her positive attitude, is experiencing a rapid recovery. She fractured her left hip during a fall in her home early March 8, and underwent surgery that afternoon.During her hospital stay, President Benson spent numerous hours at her bedside. On Sunday morning, March 12, he accompanied her to a sacrament meeting of the LDS Hospital Branch, which meets in the hospital's education center each Sunday. The branch is under the direction of the Salt Lake Ensign Stake, and is attended by patients, their families and friends, and hospital employees.
Members of the congregation were surprised when President and Sister Benson entered the room. After momentary silence, those not confined to wheelchairs stood until President and Sister Benson were settled on the front row in the congregation.
A chair had been reserved for President Benson on the stand, but he declined the invitation to sit there, saying he preferred to "sit next to my sweetheart." His chair was positioned next to his wife's wheelchair. The meeting was one of the rare occasions when President and Sister Benson have sat side by side in the congregation.
After the meeting, President Benson accompanied Sister Benson back to her room. They ate lunch together and spent part of the afternoon visiting family members and reading dozens of get-well cards.
President and Sister Benson expressed their appreciation to those who have sent cards and letters.
Having been released from the hospital, Sister Benson will continue recuperating at home.
