Annette Theresa Schladenhauffen was the daughter of Ernest & Rhea Bessette, my father's brother & sister-in-law. In 1977, at the age of 46 she was stricken with a cancer which eventually claimed her life. She left 7 children. During her last few days she wrote a personal prayer to Jesus which she enclosed in her copy of the New Testament. The depth of faith that Annette enjoyed helped her deal with the ravages of this terrible disease. I found it a remarkable testament of faith and a worthwhile addition to the compilation of family writings.

Raoul R. Bessette
September 20, 2002


Life is like climbing these five flights of stairs. In the weakness of
my strength I still must go on, even though it's very tiresome. Without
Jesus each step would be a great trial trying to reach the top. With
Jesus' help and strength, through His love, He
Makes these steps and easy burden to cope with.

I love my Jesus, I feel He is with me at all times, in my trials, my hardships
my need, even through my joy of life which Jesus gave me in abundance.
The blessing of my children, I should say first my husband, whom I love as
he loves me. Then my seven beautiful children, a blessing from God.
I love my God, for all the material things He gave me to see in this life., trees, birds, flowers and the ocean and the beautiful blue sky.

I thank Jesus for the sorrow He brings us, it's hard sometime to face
but with the help of Jesus it's easy to bear.

I pray and thank my Jesus throughout my day. I praise Him for He is my
lover and Father. He is my counselor, my physician. When I wake at night
I glance at my Jesus crucified and praise Him and thank Him for dying
for me.

Jesus walks these five flights of stairs with me, like He walked throughout
His life when Jesus was with us in His day. Jesus was so human, He had
sadness, happiness, also was depressed; even told the apostles to get out
of his sight, like at times I feel I ‘d like my family to get out of my sight when
things go wrong. But having Jesus I feel the warm course of His love and
the strength to handle the responsibilities of my day.

My strength is very low now but with Jesus it grows stronger. He helps
me do my work and Jesus helps me face trials with joy when He gives
them to me.

Oh! I love you, my dear Lord, please keep me always with you. I need
you, I want you and I love you.

What you give in life is for our own good. It makes us grow stronger
to grow and develop in your image. Oh! How you suffered for us, dear
Jesus, and how human we are and how we forget Your suffering We can
see Your glory through Your resurrection. With your Resurrection I know
I will be re-born into Eternity and from you My Jesus, My Father, My God,
with your loving Mother. What joy that will be when You will call me.

Praise the Lord for all the beautiful people who pray for me throughout
the world. I feel your healing Lord, I know I will be healed with your help.
Glory to my Jesus when my cancer is healed. Because the whole world
will praise You for the cure; also the cure will help many patients with
the cure that You develop.

Thank you Jesus for my brothers and sisters and especially for my mother,
a blessing I am very grateful for. Through my mother I learned the love
of Jesus, through her love she taught me to be strong when trials come.
My mother is one who loves You, Jesus, her whole life is for You,
and so is mine.

You know me Lord, all my weaknesses, my faults, what I am going to say.
Sometimes I speak out of turn, I'm sorry for that. I only want to promote
Your love and receive it in Your body and blood.

Please Jesus always be with me. Again I ask be with me in my joys
sorrows and trials and at the hour of my death.

I love You, Jesus, thank You, Jesus, and I praise You, Jesus.

Annette