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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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MIKE
GODDARD |
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Email
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GOODDEALDAVE@MSN.COM
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Home Page
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City
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AUBURN
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State
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Country
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Comments
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We are
all praying for a miracle for Ben and your family. From all of us in
maine Big Ben your everybodys HERO. With all our love. Karley's granddad
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Ted
Flanagan |
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Email
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tedemtp@yahoo.com
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Home Page
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City
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Northborough |
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State
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MA
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Country
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Comments
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Thank you
so much for sharing your journey with us. I visit your site often as we
embark on a similar fight with my own son, Brendan, 2. Your family's
faith is awe inspiring, and Ben is obviously a miracle and blessing to
you. I admit often coming to tears reading your entries. Please know
that people up here in Massachusetts are among those praying for you and
your family. God bless Ben and the Bowens, and have a great Christmas.
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Jeff &
Sherry Stumph (YFC) |
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Email
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stumph@pkfamily.com
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Home Page
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stumph@pkfamily.com |
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City
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Louisville |
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State
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KY
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Country
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United
States |
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Comments
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The Word
became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the
glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and
truth. John 1:14 Thanks Ben for being full of grace and truth!
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Becky
Holmlund |
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Email
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Bholmlund@yfc.net
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Home Page
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City
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Denver
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State
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CO
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Country
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Comments
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Dear Ben,
Tonight I will go to visit my nephew Daryl, who IS big - he's 19. He
loves Jesus just as you do. Nov. 23 he was coming home to surprise his
family when he was in a terrible car accident and was severely injured.
After three weeks he still struggles to breathe - severe injuries and
pneumonia. He has no function from T-8 down. I will tell him about your
brave and happy heart. I will tell him that Jesus wants to work miracles
in and because of Daryl's story, just as He is doing in and because of
your story, Ben. My heart is comforted to know Jesus loves you and Daryl
with all HIS heart... And some day both you and Daryl will be healthy
and happy and singing and dancing before the Lord and with all the
angels AND Hannah! We love you Ben, and we love your big heart! Give
your Mommy and Daddy and Eli big hugs from me!! Remember, your Mommy
loves you, your Daddy loves you, and Jesus loves you most of all!
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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David
Schultz |
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Email
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dschultz@yfc.net
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Home Page
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City
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Parker
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State
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Colorado
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Country
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Comments
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Hi Ben -
Your parents have kept us up to speed on your condition. We are praying
for you and really proud of you. You have been an incredible inspiration
to many! Thank you! David Schultz, YFC/Project Serve
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Janice
Stewart |
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Email
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davenjan1@cox.net
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Home Page
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City
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Amarillo
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State
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Texas
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Country
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Comments
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Dear
Bowen Family-- I found your site through a link from another St. Jude
family. I was immediately impacted by the grace and strength with which
you have faced Ben's illness. I have a child with cystic fibrosis and
have been through some very difficult times with him. I know from
experience how unbearable it is to watch your child hurt or be afraid. I
also know how easy it is to be angry with God or to be bitter about the
hand dealt him. You have inspired me with the way you take each and
every day on its own merit. Ben is so lucky to have a family like you!
You have made his life wonderful in spite of his illness and you
continue to lean on the Lord every step of the way. I pray for your
family and for Ben's healing! Janice Stewart Romans 15:13 May the God of
hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you
may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Larry
Lance |
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Email
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larryyfc@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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Fort
Wayne |
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State
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Indiana
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Bowens I
have prayed often for Ben the past months. I send this note simply to
again let you know the body of Christ is at work intercededing on Bens
behalf. It is a great example of how one life can have so much impact on
our world. It is no coincidence that we are in the season of celebrating
Jesus--the life that truly changed the world. Ben will leave his mark
whether the Lord calls him home tonight or if he out lives us all. Thank
the Lord for the reminder that all of us--"one life"--- can change our
world. May it be true for all of us, God Bless Larry Lance and Family
V.P YFC/USA
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Aimee
Brashears |
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Email
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arbrashears@msn.com
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Home Page
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City
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State
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Comments
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Thinking
of you, praying, & sending love again tonight. You are never far from my
thoughts & heart. God bless you all...and thank you Lord that even as I
type , your hands are upon Ben. We again ask for that earthly mirale --
and at the same time thank you for the many mirales alreaday displayed
through this brave boy and his family. I love you more than words can
say. Aimee -- for Michael, Hannah and Grace
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Date
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December
17, 2004 |
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Name
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Jamie
Ball (Kyle Ball's Mom) |
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Email
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jamieeb9@hotmail.com
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Home Page
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www.caringbridge.org/tx/kyle |
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City
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Collierville |
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State
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Tennessee
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I admire
your strength. Ben and ELi are so very lucky to have such wonderful
parents. Ben's story has taught me to live each day like it is the last
one and not to worry about the next-God has a plan. After reading your
journal entries I am reminded that God is in control. P.S. Enjoy Thomas
the Train- I love the pictures!
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Ben
Flanery |
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Email
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ben2003us@yahoo.com
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Home Page
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City
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Worthington |
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State
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Ky
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I just
saw the pics of Ben and Eli, it looks like they're having alot of fun w/
the train set. I'm so glad to see that Ben is able to enjoy it. Ive
thought for a while about the request to post something about how ben
has affected our personal lives, and I've had some trouble coming up
with something but then i realized that Ben as actually affected my life
in a big way. Before I heard about his situation, I was mostly concerned
with myself, not really worrying about anyone else. But now, i find
myself checking your site daily (sometimes more often)and im more
concerned with the people around me. Thank you Ben for helping make me a
better person. Good luck, Ben Flanery
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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marci
osburn |
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Email
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ozzy468@cs.com |
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Home Page
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City
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huntington |
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State
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wv
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Country
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usa
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Comments
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Dear Tom,
Jennifer and boys, Before we ever met you we were in awe of your
strength and belief in God. Reading daily about your journey has
effected us so many ways. Having a child that is sick changes everything
but you have carried on and continued to do Gods work. I personally am
thankful everyday for the gifts that God has given us with Mason. My
husband has become a better person knowing how your family has handled
your situation...all because of a little angel named Ben. It hurts us to
see such a wonderful family have to suffer but what people don't realize
is, that it could happen to anyone. We need live life day to day like
you have, and to be greatful for the time we have left. I lay awake at
night and pray that God will give you many more days with Ben. I think
of him often through the day and wish this didn't have to happen. I'm
sure you have had so many people tell you what an inspiration you have
been; I know it hurts but at least you have the answer to why this has
occured. Ben was sent here to be a messeng
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Aimee
Brashears |
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Email
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arbrashears@msn.com
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Home Page
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City
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Comments
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thinking,
praying, hoping, beleiving... love you all
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Dianna
Johnson |
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Email
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YFCTNTdd@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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Fayetteville |
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State
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NC
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Tom and
Jennifer, My heart goes out to you as I read the emails about how things
are going with Ben and his treatment. Yet in your writings Tom I see
God's hand in the mist of such a difficult time. We are standing with
you in prayer over this situation. May the love and peace of God hover
over each of you as you walk this journey's path and may you know that
God is right there with you every step of the way. Thank you for sharing
your family and Ben with all of us during this most difficult time.
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Patricia
Scott |
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Email
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scottchick25@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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Louisa
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State
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KY
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Dear
Bowens, Just checking in as always. The new pictures of the boys with
their train set are beautiful! What an absolute blessing!Wishing you all
a Christmas full of more precious memories that will last a lifetime. My
the Lord Bless your family abundantly and may sweet Ben recieve the most
special gift of all.... a miracle from God! Still praying, believing and
trusting in Him always.... Patricia Scott
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Melissa
Davis |
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Email
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wkuaggie@hotmail.com
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Home Page
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City
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Gallipolis |
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State
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OH
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I heard
about Ben and your family through a co-worker. She let me know about the
website, and I have "checked in" on your family ever since! Please know
that your family is im my prayers always. I, too, like so many others
visiting this page have come to the realization that perhaps I have been
a little too selfish in my life. Reading and walking with Ben through
this has made me realize those things that are truly important. I will
forever be affected and reminded of what is really important thanks to
Big Ben! What a powerful spirit packed into such a small package!
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Carole
Nordstrom |
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Email
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CJN560@aol.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Twin Lake
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State
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MI
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Prayers
for God's best for all of you. Ben reminds us to cherish every moment
with our children, and most of all, with our GOD who is bigger than
anything we face. God loves you all. We love you, too. Carole, Lakeshore
Youth for Christ
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Leslie
Poff |
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Email
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leslie.poff@mmyfc.org |
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Home Page
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City
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Linthicum
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State
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MD
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I
received an email, from Kaaren Rexroth, our YFC prayer coordinator, and
although I don't know you personally, I wanted to share what God shared
with me from my devotional this morning. "Lord, I accept this talent of
______, from you. Help me to use it for Your glory so that when You
return, you may receive it back with interest." It is from the December
18th entry in Streams in the Desert, a book born out of one woman's
suffering. You might check it out.
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Comments
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Ben has
touched my life in immeasureable ways. We have only met twice. Both
times were at Chili's in Memphis. The first time in March, shortly after
your arrival to MEM, the second in Sept, before you went home. Your
family has such a genuine spirit, I felt like we had know you forever! I
have kept up with Ben's story almost daily since March. My daughter and
I say prayers for you when I rock her to sleep. She is 16 mos. now. We
can't imagine hearing the news you heard when Ben was 16 mos. God must
have known this little angel of yours could be used to spread His word
in such a big way! I think that is wonderful! I just pray that He could
also perform a big miracle for Ben. Your family is an inspiration for
me, you have helped me grow as a Christian. You have also brought me to
tears with gratitude for the health of our daughter. I feel for you as
parents. I will continue to pray for strength, courage and peace for the
four of you. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Looks like the boys
have already started celebrating! Go
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Comments
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I've been
praying along with many others for Ben. His story is so touching. But
today as I read your email, my heart was overwhelmed. I wanted to speak
something into this situation, but no words came. As I began to pray,
God brought a cherished memory to my heart. My dad had cancer a few
years ago and when asked by a dear friend, how Dad wanted him to pray
for him. My Dad's answer was very touching. My Dad had only known the
Lord for a short time and here was his answer. Everyone is going to die,
but I want to die well. Simple, but oh so deep. It's not about what we
do, but the marks on those around us that make a huge difference. My Dad
accmplished that so well. He taught us so much in his life, but oh so
much even in his death. I'm so thankful God allowed his grace and mercy
to continue during our time with him. May Ben do the same. WE love you
and will continue to pray! Susan
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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BeckyWhittington |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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State
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WV
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Country
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Comments
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Hey guys.
Sending much love and prayers.
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Tracy
Jacobson |
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Email
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rjacobson9@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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Oxford
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State
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GA
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I can't
even begin to imagine what you are going through. I can tell you though
that you have changed the way I look at every day. You have changed the
way I spend time with my daughters and family and you have changed the
way I handle "crisis'" in my life. When you are faced with something of
this magnitude, it makes everything else in life seem so minor. I have
learned to appreciate each day that I am here on earth and to make the
best of it. I have also learned that every time I come in contact with
someone, I have the power to make an impact on that person and plant a
seed for the future. Everything happens for a reason, even though
sometimes it seems so unfair. But I know that when we all get to heaven,
we will all understand the reasons behind everything that we've been
asked to endure while on earth and it will ALL be for the glory of God!
Please know that you are being prayer for every day, every minute and I
hope you find peace no matter what the outcome. Your family is a
blessing to so many and you have set suc
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Date
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December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Wendy
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Email
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Home Page
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www.caringbridge.org/me/karley |
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City
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Lewiston
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State
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Maine
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Country
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USA
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Comments
|
Hi guys I
have been thinking about how Ben has changed my life. I remember sitting
in the hospital room with Karley when I first found out that she had
Rhabdoid. I remember just how scared I had been and my heart broken in
millions of peices. For a week I waited because they had to send Karleys
piece of Tumor to Dana Farber in Boston because they couldn not tell if
it was Medullbastoma or Rhabdoid. I just remember hearing "You dont want
it to be Rhabdoid!" When the test results came in and Rhabdoid came out
positive I have never felt so scared and mad in all of my life. I called
the family and told them the terrible news. Everyone was in shock,
nobody knew what to say it was just a lot of silence. When I told my dad
he said not to worry and everything would be okay. Then an hour later I
got a phone call from Tom. I remember how strong he was and told me that
my father found Bens website and wrote to him telling them about Karley.
Tom and Jen were in the same boat as me. There little boy (Ben of
course) had ATRT. Tom and J
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Date
|
December
18, 2004 |
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Name
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Kathy
Weir |
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Email
|
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Home Page
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City
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Charlotte
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State
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NC
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Country
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USA
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Comments
|
Precious
Little Ben, How much you have blessed me just by reading your story and
looking at your precious face! You are being used by God in such a
special way. How awesome that God has given you to such special people,
your parents. As a parent, I will cherish each smile that I receive from
my children and each moment that we spend together. As a family, we will
pray for you and your family. As children of God, we have everlasting
life. I pray that your life here on earth is wonderful and long. May God
bless you!
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Date
|
December
18, 2004 |
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Name
|
Wendy
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Email
|
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Home Page
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City
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State
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Country
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Comments
|
Tom and
Jen took time out of their life to call and comfort me, a stranger from
miles away. To this day we have became two family that have became
friends from unfortunate circumstances. I have amired them for being
such great caring people. Ben and Karley have became my hero. You kids
have opened my eyes to a world that I only had seen on tv. You both have
made a better caring person out of me and Ill never again be the way I
was before. Ben you are a very strong boy and I think it is because you
have very strong parents that care so much for their children. Not a day
goes by that you haven't crossed my mind. I pray for you Ben all the
time. I love you guys. Love Wendy
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