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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Jean
Brady |
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Email
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bni21@comcast.net
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Home Page
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www.caringbridge.org/de/haley |
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City
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Newark
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State
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Delaware
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Comments
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Just
wanted to let you know that I have been following Ben's story for a few
months now. Our daughter Haley passed away in August from rhabdo at age
5. She was a patient of St. Jude's, as well. Please know that we are
thinking of you and praying for all of you to have the strength to walk
this difficult journey. Sincerely, Jean Brady (mom to Haley)
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Comments
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Big Ben,
your story has touched my heart...I pray each day that God will take
care of you and your family..You are such a brave young man.. Still
Praying!
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Comments
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Tom,
Jennifer & Eli, I continue to pray daily for Ben. It breaks my heart
that this little one must suffer but you are so right when you said the
best is yet to come! Our only hope is in Jesus and I know he is waiting
with loving arms to welcome Ben when it's time. I can't even begin to
imagine your heartbreak at letting him go but your faith and strength is
amazing and God given! You all take care and know that you are being
held up before the "throne" and He is hearing our prayers. God Bless you
all. And Ben, I bet Hanna is waiting to show you all the neat things to
do!
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Comments
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The Lord
says that Ben's life is not in vain and that his story will touch lives
too many to count. I pray for peace and comfort from the only true
comforter. Thank you Lord for Ben, his family and his story. May the
Lord be glorified!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Michele
Reyes |
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Email
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mreyes4@wi.rr.com
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Home Page
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City
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East Troy
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State
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WI
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I don't
know what to say. I check the website several times a day. I feel as if
Ben is a member of my own family and cry with you daily. You are
stronger than me and I have never met you! Your family closely mirrors
my own, so each night I make sure to spend quality time with my boys and
cherish each smile, each giggle, each kiss, each hug, each "love you
Mom". Your faith is simply astounding. You tell your story with
incredible eloquence, faith and strength. God has blessed you with many
gifts and I thank you for sharing them with the world. I pray that God
keeps your family safe and relieves Ben of all of this pain. He is a
merciful God and has great plans for Ben. I can't wait to get my
bracelet to share Ben's story daily. I thank God for blessing this world
with your strong, faithful family.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Kelly
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Email
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Kfentress@sc.rr.com
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Home Page
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City
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Myrtle
Beach |
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State
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SC
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I am so
sorry to read the latest update. May God grant each of you the peace,
rest, understanding and strength that you need. You are a remarkable
family - one that has touched so many lives, hearts, and souls! I do not
know the details behind a portion of your post, but if there is anyone
who is doubting your faith...they are the one's with a true problem.
Please, do not let anyone's words get to you at this time. You are held
high in the hearts of so many around the counry...many prayers going up
for each one of you, Ben, Eli (what a hero Ben has for a big brother!),
Jennifer, and Tom. God bless you and hold each of you tight. We are
praying for you all each day and night. Love, Kelly
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Comments
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Dear
Bowens, As Bens journey on this earth closes and his new one begins I am
reminded of the cruelness of this world and our earthly bodies, and also
the grace and mercy of God. Through Him all things are possible and it
should be evident to all that your family will never forget it. He never
gives us more than we can handle and I know that the three of you will
never forget what Bens purpose has been here on earth. This beautiful
little boy has done more in his two years to touch lives and teach than
many do in 80. Maybe he is just too special, too big of a life force to
grace us with his presence any longer. My prayers for you have been that
you never forget that Ben has found his purpose and will continue to
fill it through the people that he touched and the money that has been
raised to fight this monster. He has reminded me of humility and to not
take the little things in life for granted. He has shown me of the
modern day miracles that God performs. Although Ben was not healed, that
does not mean that there was not a m
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Comments
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Although
Ben was not healed, that does not mean that there was not a miracle. The
miracle was through your undying faith and how you showed so many that
God is not malicious by letting Ben be sick, but loving. If not for His
Grace and Mercy Ben would not have lived this long and his pain much
worse. I and so many others will never forget Ben. Thank you so much for
showing me the kind of faith I strive to achieve. Nothing has been in
vain; God has always had a plan. Always Remembering, Heather R.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Tami
Trunick |
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Email
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trunicks@hotmail.com
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Home Page
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City
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Cold
Spring |
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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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Hugging
you all in my heart and thoughts.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Orma
Clark |
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Email
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ORMA@AOL.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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Tom,
Jennifer, and Eli: I know that at this time it is not easy for you. My
heart goes out to you and I am so thankful to know such wonderful people
like you with your strong faith in God. God gives us the grace to face
the most terrible things in life. I feel like Ben is one of my children,
as I have kept close contact on the updates and pray for you everyday.
God will take care of you, this I know. Love in Christ, Orma
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Marie
Hutchison |
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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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Comments
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I read
your post for 2/14 and AMEN about if this life is all God has for us we
are all in trouble!! I'm reading Heaven by Randy Alcorn, it is awsome
and makes you long with anticipation for what is yet to come!! You and
Jennifer are so special that God chose you for a time such as this,
knowing you would let His light and glory shine through this precious
son of yours and I believe He has a special work ahead for Eli as well,
to contiue to bring glory and honor to Him! Eli has been given a gift
also and is such a blessing with his insights and knowledge far beyond
most his age!! You are all in our hearts and prayers! We love you, Jeff
& Marie & Boys ><>
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Heather
McIlrath |
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Email
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mcilrath1@frontiernet.net |
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Home Page
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www.caringbridge.org/il/alethea |
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City
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Morrison
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State
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IL
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Country
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Comments
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Dearest
Friends, I remember a conversation that we had not long after we met at
Target House. It was about the FACT that our children have a 100% chance
of being completely whole and healed--in heaven. We have prayed and
pleaded and yearned along with you that precious Ben would experience
healing this side of heaven, but we believe with you as he approaches
the ultimate healing. What a joy that someday you will see him again,
whole and healthy and truly perfect, waiting with Jesus to call you
home--and you will be complete again as a family. We are hurting with
you right now as you experience Ben's pain right along with him. Ben has
touched so many lives. Your family is an amazing witness of faith and
love. We're praying that the Lord will protect your hearts and minds as
you spend sleepless nights waiting and watching and caring for your
beautiful boys. With all our love, Heather for the McIlraths
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Myra
davis |
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Email
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Myra61255@mebtel.net
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Home Page
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City
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Mebane
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State
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N.C.
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Country
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Comments
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I have
been following Ben for quite a while. It is the first thing I do when I
go on line each morning. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you
espically your other son he sounds like such a sweet child in your
updates. You see I have been where you are belive me. I lost my son 20
years ago to a terrible disorder that was a long and painful journey for
us all. I was gone as long as 78 days at a time without getting to see
my other son. I know where you are coming from in your last update. God
is still there even if we don't feel he is at times. My prayer for you
all is that God will wrap his loving arms around you to give you peace
and understanding, and that you will feel a calmness about what his
plans are for each of you. You know it took me a long time to accept my
loss but you know the bible says that some day we will have all
understanding and have all the answers to all the questions we have. He
is an understanding God,and he feels the same pain we do after all he
gave up his son for us and he had the power to st
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Comments
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Dear
Jennifer and Tom, I am so sorry that Ben's life here with you is nearing
the end but you are so right - his next home will be so wonderful. That
is what gets me through each day is knowing that Michael is now well and
in the best place. I will continue to pray for you all.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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C ourtney
Ashley |
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Email
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cvest76@msn.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Fairfax
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State
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VA
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Dear Tom,
Jennifer, Eli and Ben, I'm not sure if you will remember me. My name is
Courtney (Vest) Ashley. Jason Vest is my older brother. You both were my
campus life directors at HEHS. I happened to be home for Christmas this
past December and read your story in the paper. My mom, Ann Vest, has
kept me posted ever since. You have such a beautiful family. I just
wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Aimee
Brashears |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Comments
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Thinking
of you and praying ferevntly as you treasure your remaining time with
your beautiful boy. Asking God for peace for Ben, for rest, for no more
pain, for him to feel all of the love around Him and to feel the
closeness of Jesus. Praying for you, Tom and Jennifer, and for Eli, that
you would continue to know His grace and peace. You are loved completely
-- as is Ben. None of us is "home" yet -- God has prepared our "real
home" -- and I know it will be beyond anything we can imagine --
paradise. God is good. You are loved. Ben -- you have done so well and
fought so hard. I am so proud of you and love you honey. Bless you
angel. I will keep praying -- and pray too that you feel His protecting
arms around you all gaurding your hearts and spirits. Bless you all.
Much love to you. I am here.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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wes
spurlock |
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Email
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shibbysprock86@aol.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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Comments
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i keep
you in my prayers trust in God he will do all
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Lori
Padilla |
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Email
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mitchpad@pacbell.net
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Home Page
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City
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San Diego
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State
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CA
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Comments
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I'm not
good with words so I will just say my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Big Ben, you have taught me a lot, as have your Mommy, Daddy and Eli.
Thank you sweet one. Love in Christ, Lori
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Comments
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I'm
praying for you and your family as always Big Ben! I think you are
probably the bravest and strongest person the Governor has ever met.
Thank you Ben for your heart and for your courage - I thank God every
day for your presence and your spirit. You have certainly been an
inspiration to me!!!! Believing stronger because of you, Greg
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Cathy
Sizemore |
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Email
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csizemore@hfsl.com
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Home Page
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City
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Flatwoods
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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
Bowen Family, I continue to pray for your entire family in this very
difficult journey you are on. Please know that stranagers care about you
and pray for you daily. I will wear Ben's bracelet and think of you and
others in the same situation. We care about you.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Tom &
Nancy |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Dickinson
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State
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TX
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Comments
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With each
day, heartache mounts, BUT faith sustains you as new mercy is given to
you. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
me. May you continue to be surrounded by that comfort. What a day when
God shall wipe away all tears and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain. Disease and
death may cause you to part for now, but you will see that bright Ben
smile & those twinkling big eyes again - for eternity. Loving you from
Texas, T&N
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Comments
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I
followed some links to your website and have been praying for your
precious baby. I pray now that you will have strength and comfort to
surrender him to the loving arms of Jesus. God be with you!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Joy
McCarthy |
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Email
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joymcarthy@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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San Jose
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State
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CA
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Hello, I
am just heartbroken after reading the update. On the positive side I am
glad Ben isn't having unbearable pain right now, on the negative I wish
he could be comfortable and communicate with you. If praying and
believing cured cancer then your family alone would cure every child and
every adult battling this beast. I do not believe our loving God would
allow these beautiful children to suffer, I firmly believe their
suffering is not in his hands. I do however beieve that God is
enveloping Ben in his loving arms as he makes his way to his heavenly
reward. Do not let the words of others cause you pain, just concentrate
on the love in your hearts as a family. Love, Joy
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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The
Vogelsang family |
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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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Comments
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Your
strength and faith is a tremendous inspiration to so many. Ben is a true
example of God's grace, and I find myself so touched in a way that
rarely happens. I hope you find continued comfort in the effect little
Ben has had on so many people. My prayers are with your family.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Mary Ann
Aten |
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Email
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maryannaten@adelpia.net |
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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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Just
thinking of you this morning and got so excited thinking about the day
be when we will all sit at our Fathers feet with those BIG arms tightly
wrapped around us! I can't wait to hear Jesus tell us about Big Ben and
how his life was used so abundantly to bring glory to our Fathers name.
Tom, Jennifer and Eli you were chosen by Jesus to have Big Ben and what
a legacy you will have to carry through the rest of your lives; a little
boy with such a big mission. We love you, The Atens
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