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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Jim
Mitchell |
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Email
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jpmitc25@aol.com
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Home Page
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City
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Barboursville |
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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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Big Ben:
I remember the day I first meet you. You and your Mommy and brother were
at the Mall - Borders Bookstore. You were in the stroller and I came
over to meet you for the first time. You were so full of life, bright
eyes and a big smile. Your Mommy was so proud of you. Your brother was
in the back seat of the stroller trying to peake around to see you as
well. I remember that evening as if it was yesterday. You were so filled
with life; smiling and laughing and enjoying life that only a new baby
does. Ben, I know some things have changed and you are getting ready to
meet your Creater but I wanted to let you know that you have helped me
realize what is important in this world, it is little boys like you. You
see I have four boys; Ben(same name as you), Caleb, Zachary and Joshua
and I am so thankful that they are healthy and we can play everyday. We
love to play foursquare, football, soccer, hockey, basketball, go
fishing, skiing, etc. Mainly do the things boys like to do. Ben, God has
done and will continue to
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Comments
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God Bless
you and your family. I've been following Ben's story and can't express
how it has touched me. Your entire family's faith and trust in God is a
true testament. Many would have turned from God. I lost my Mom to brain
cancer a few years ago. Your 2/14/05 posting struck a chord within me. I
can tell you that there comes a moment that you know its time to give up
the fight and let you loved one go with God and tell them its okay to
go. A peace settles over you as you know they are going to a better
place, free of the pain and suffering of our earthly bodies. I've wanted
to write before but haven't - I'm a survivor of a childhood cancer. I
was afraid it might somehow be hurtful to you. I know at times its hard
to understand why some survive and others don't. God's plan for Ben and
your family isn't finished. I pray for peace, comfort and rest for all
of you.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Donna
Hebert |
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Email
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goobies4jc@gwi.net
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Home Page
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www.geocities.com/goobies4jc |
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City
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Old
Orchard Beach |
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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
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Thank you
for your recent update. I am so touched that you would even have the
time to think of everyone else and keep us updated. I can't imagine how
painful it is to type the words. I have prayed and will continue to
pray. Your faith is such a testimony to so many. Don't let the words of
some weaker brethren to trouble you. They are blind to the truth. God
has certianly blessed you such a strong faith in Him and His promises. I
praise God for His truth that He has revealed to you and I know Ben is
in the palms of His hands. Much love to you my family in Christ, I will
not stop praying. In Christ, Donna
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Comments
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Although
I hardly ever sign this guestbook, my family checks on you and your
family each and every day. You are such remarkable people, with such a
strong faith. Ben and Eli are so precious children, but you already know
that. I pray that God will supply your family with everything you need
from rest, comfort, support, and more. Thank you so much for sharing
your story and helping others become closer to God. Tom, you should
really become a writer. The way you explain everything, I feel like I am
your neighbor or best friend. Tom, Jennifer, Eli, and Ben-Lots of hugs,
loves, and prayers your way.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Christy
and Hayden Moore |
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Email
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moore@heavener.com
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Home Page
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haydenmoore.com |
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City
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Pulaski
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State
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Virginia
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Your
family is in our thoughts and prayers.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Kathy
Russell |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Memphis
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State
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TN
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Country
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Comments
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Good
morning to you, Bowen family. I just wanted to let you know that I
helped plan and lead a retreat for the high school student at my church
last week. In part of the retreat, we discussed how and who can be a
hero. As we were planning, i kept remembering Big Ben, and told his
story to the group. We included it in the retreat and now there are a
few more souls joiing in the prayers for your family at this time.
Praying in Thanksgiving for the gift of your family and your story and
praying for peace and rest for each member of your amazing family. We're
believing.
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Comments
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Also, I
forgot on my last post to ask...How is Rachel doing? I know you have
been really busy and probably just forgot to update us on her. We are
prayer for her and her family too.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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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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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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Comments
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We love
you Ben!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Meganne
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Email
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chsmegz@aol.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Chesapeake |
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State
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Ohio
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Hello
Ben, you are a very string boy who has overcome a lot of obsticles. God
has done a fabulous job and so have your parents. Your mommy and daddy
are wonderful and have let God take this into his hands. You are a
powerful little boy and have made us all very proud of your
progress...Just remember the impact you have on people and so does your
family. God, your mommy and daddy and every else in the nation loves
you!!!! I pray for you everyday that God will deal with this in his own
way...Dont give up!!! Love always Meganne Sites
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Susan
Packer |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Chicago
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State
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Il
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Country
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Comments
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I am so
sorry that there have been people telling you that your faith need be
stronger to heal Ben. Wow. I praise the Lord that you truly know Him and
trust in Him with your whole hearts. You all are in my prayers daily.
Praise the Lord for your testimony and example in your sold- out trust
for the Lord. In Him, Susan Packer
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Nicole
Sheridan |
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Email
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ens@allenandallen.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Mechanicsville |
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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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Praying
that God's Will Be Done.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Michael
Allen |
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Email
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mikeallen1@charter.net |
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Home Page
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City
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Spencer
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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
Jennifer, Tom & Eli: Thanks you so much for sharing your experiences
with Ben's illness. Your faith, love and commitment to God are truly
inspiring! When I read your posting, I cry as I feel your heartache, as
your desire for Ben is him not to be in pain. My church, First Baptist
Church of Spencer, has had Ben and you three on our prayer list since we
discovered his illness. We will continue to pray for God's mercy, peace
and comfort on Ben and His richest blessing on you three as you have
remained faithful and true to God with your testimony! God bless and
keep you all! The Mike Allen Family
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Rebecca
King |
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Email
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jrking@murlin.com
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Home Page
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City
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Marshall
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State
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MO
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Country
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USA
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Sandra
Beccue |
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Email
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dsbeccue@charter.net
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Home Page
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City
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Jefferson
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State
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WI
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Country
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Comments
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I found
out about Ben from the McIlrath family. My prayers have been with you. I
lost my father to leukemia, it took a while for me to realize that God
did answer my prayer for healing, he gave my dad His perfect healing. We
are created to Glorify our Creator. Some are chosen to glorify with
their lives, Some are chosen to glorify with their deaths. Looking at
Ben, Eli, and Aletha shows me how much God loves all his children, and
leaves no one, no matter how small, out of His Plan for Salvation. Ben,
Eli, Hannah, and Aletha and their families are a living testament to
God, a light in this very dark world. And one day, our work in this
world will be over, we will all go home and be together.
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Comments
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I am
praying for your family and for comfort for Ben. I admire you all so
much for continuing to have such strong faith in God at this horribly
difficult time. Thank you for continuing to share Ben's story. It is
amazing how many lives he has touched and how many people are realizing
what faith is all about. Because of Ben and your family I truly believe
people are becoming closer in their own personal relationship with God.
What an amazing little boy you have!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Pam
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Email
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pblissard@yahoo.com
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Home Page
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City
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Okolona
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State
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MS
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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My girls
and I will be praying for Ben and your family. Your strength is such an
inspiration. We often take things for granted and get caught up in our
daily lives. So many times we miss out on the blessings we have right
before us. Thank you for sharing Ben with us. God bless Ben and your
family.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Rebecca
King |
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Email
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jrking@murlin.com
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Home Page
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City
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Marshall
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State
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MO
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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My heart
is broken and joyful at the same time. Broken for all of you who are
having to experience this horrible disease, and lose a son to it. But,
joyful because I know that where Ben is going is the ultimate home. He
is truely lucky to be meeting his Father!! Thank you, Tom and Jennifer,
for sharing your little boy with all of us and for sharing your AWESOME
faith that has brought so many closer to the Lord. And, thank you Father
for sharing Ben with us all. How truely grateful are we to "know" this
little boy and his story and what it has done for so many. Prayers for
you, the Bowen family, and I hope that today brings much peace and
comfort for Ben and all of you!
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Comments
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Your
family is amazing. I can't even think of words to describe how truely
blessed I am just to be able to read about a special little boy who has
to be the strongest person I have ever met, and who has touched millions
of people all over the world. Little things don't matter to me anymore,
My kids are my life, I hug them, tell them I love them every second of
the day. may god bless you, and be with your family in the future!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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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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maine
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Country
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Comments
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Dear Tom,
Jennifer,Eli and Big Ben; Tom only a few people truely know what your
family is going through right now. I am a little upset about people
questioning your faith in god in relation to a miricle for Ben. Its
obvious God has special plans for Ben, Hanna, Karley and all the other
children in his kingdom. We all ask why but God only knows. I know how
strong your family's faith is, you could never get through what our
familys have gone through without believing. Ben is showing the world
how one child can make a difference. Tom and Jennifer i can only admire
how much love and support you guys have givin to countless familys
around the country while you were going throug your own ordeal with that
beautiful son Ben. So to question Bens cure by the amount of your faith
is simply wrong. Tom ,Jennifer,Eli and Ben your family is the reason my
family, Hanna's family and all the children at st. judes can get through
this with Gods help, because we've all felt your faith touch all of our
lives. God bless your family Tom and Jennifer,
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Karen
Sansom |
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Email
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speechtherapy@chhi.org |
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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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Jennifer
and family, I believe that your testimony, Ben's story, is a great show
of faith. I believe that your family is truly walking in the light of
the Lord. Because of Ben, I realize that the life of my newborn baby is
precious and cannot be taken for granted. Thank you for your testimony
at such a difficult time. I pray for comfort, peace and strength for all
of you!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Larry and
Bev |
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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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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Leslie
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Email
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runyanb@aol.com |
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Home Page
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City
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State
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OK
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Country
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Comments
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Ben, I am
shocked beyond words that someone would have the nerve to suggest that
your mom and dad are not believing hard enough or strong enough. I have
found great strenght in their faith and belief that God is in control.
You and your brother Eli are very lucky to have such strong and faithful
parents. To you Tom and Jennifer- words can not express the sorrow in my
heart for your situation, as I can only imagine what you are suffering
through. Please know that you have been a great source of faith and
encouragement to all who read about Ben. It is my hope that my husband
and I can believe and love the Lord as faithfully as you do; and to
teach our Ben and Eli to do the same. Thank you for sharing this trying
time in your life and know that we 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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juli
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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lowell
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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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Jennifer,
As mom, I know your heart is broken. As a christian, I know your heart
is held by a loving almighty God who is doing what is best. Faith is
trusting God in all circumstances, and you and Tom have shown faith
beyond understanding. Thank you for showing the true meaning of the fear
of God throughout your trials. May God surround you with HIS peace and
may you know many are us who are on our knees for your family.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Lisa
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Email
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lgray@usa.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Oswego
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State
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NY
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Country
|
USA
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Comments
|
My heart
is breaking for you. I continue to keep you and your darling Ben in my
prayers. I cannot believe anyone would have the nerve to question your
faith. I have been so inspired by your faith through your journal
entries. I admired your strength and your commitment to bringing Ben
peace, even if it means letting him go. Continue to ignore the
detractors and take comfort in knowing that Ben's Story has reached so
many and made a difference in our lives. God Bless You All!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Emily
Prater |
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Email
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eprater75@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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Your
unwavering faith and obedience to God's will continue to inspire me!
Ben, Eli, Jennifer, and Tom, you are never far from my thoughts during
any minute of the day! I am praying for Ben's peace. I know that he will
be right at the feet of Jesus. It is unimaginable how many hearts Ben's
short life has brought to God. I am praying for peace and understanding
for Eli and for continued strength and peace for you both!
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Next
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