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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Erin
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Email
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eworrell@wowktv.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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Comments
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I saw the
most recent post and was shocked at how cruel people can be. I spent
some time looking through the guestbook and was amazed at the feedback
from around the world that you have recieved at the love and out pooring
of emotion, thoughts, prayers and love for each of you. Your dedication
to Ben and your family are truely what makes God Smile and show each of
the grace that is Ben's life and story that continues to be told. How
Ben's few short years can impact so many from so far away is only a gift
given by God to work through your family. The lessons I have learned
from watching your family and the love and respect you have for each
other I will take with me for years. I want to thank you for sharing
your story with all of us and pray that grace, love and peace of God
will carry you through this time.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Ginny
Helms |
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Email
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ghelms5@cs.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Fairmont
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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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May God
be with you and your family in your difficult time. I have been very
blesed with four wonderful daughters and four great son in-laws and
seven wonderful grandkids,ages ranging from one month to seven years
old. Benjamin is the name of my two year grandson. We call him "Big Ben"
also because he's a stocky little thing. These kids are the joy of my
life, and I can't imagine what you're going through. But with your faith
and all the prayers from everyone around the world, I truely believe
something good will come out of this. I read some of the messages that
were posted and was amazed at how loving and supportive people can be.
You're in my family's prayers and in our thoughts always. God Bless you
and keep up the faith. Your faith helps others that are going through
difficult times also. Ginny
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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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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Comments
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Ben will
be healed and freed from this horrible disease just not here on earth.
His life has been short but a powerful message has and will be sent.
Through his pain, journey and beautiful smiles he has connected with
people who never been influenced by faith, love prayer. Your pain
watching your child through such hurdles and pain is something I never
hope to understand. You also couldn’t be more proud of your boys then
you are being in this situation. They have showed strength,
unconditional love and acceptance of people who as adults we judge. We
aren’t here to judge, it isn’t our job. The playgrounds you have missed
out here on earth are awaiting you Ben with great friend you have made
along the way. I wish you much peace, comfort and love. For reasons we
will never understand Gods plan wasn’t for you to be an old man. But
never less an influential man. Thank you for what you have showed me. I
love you Ben.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Anita Kay
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Mansfield
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State
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OH
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Country
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Comments
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I am in
shock as I read your update this morning. I can't imagine people being
so cold, as to question your faith at this critical point in Ben's life,
when you have shown the greatest faith I believe I have ever seen in any
human being. I can't even understand how something like that could be
meant in a good way. It is just sickening. It doesn't matter how bad we
want anything. There is a fine line between holding someone accountable,
and just being plain judgemental. These people have definitely crossed
that line. God's will is sovereign, and not at all based on our amount
of faith in Him. I know you know that. I stand in awe of your example.
You have constantly put others before yourselves, throughout this entire
journey. Even now, in Ben's last days, you still are trying to help
others through the wristband project. God bless you for all you have
done for Him and others! I know He is very proud of you. I will continue
to keep you in my prayers. God bless you all. Much love to you!
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Suzanne
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Email
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iamjsrc@gmail.com
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Home Page
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City
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State
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Suzanne
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Email
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iamjsrc@gmail.com
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Home Page
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City
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Nicholson
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State
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Georgia
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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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Suzanne
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Email
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iamjsrc@gmail.com
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Home Page
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City
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Nicholson
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State
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Georgia
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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As you
can tell from the previous 2 BLANK entries, I am Guestbook
impaired...sigh...I apologize. Back to Big Ben, my thoughts and prayers
are will you all and I will pray for you all. Continue to believe God as
I know you do and do not let others frustrate you. In His name...Suzanne
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Comments
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Tom &
Jennifer, Please just keep looking up. God is using you all. I know the
pain and heartache is almost unbareable, but God knows and sometimes we
don't understand. But keep your faith, look up. Hang on it won't be long
till we will all go home. God has never made a mistake and He never
will. Oh, how he has used our little Ben so God must have a great work
for him in heaven. You'll never know if it had not been for Ben so many
maybe would have to suffer more. But with your concern and such a desire
to have a facility to help others God will reward you for all that you
have done and how you have kept the faith. Be strong, God will keep you
close and give you the added strength you'll need. Don't let anything
draw your faith away from our Lord. Just think one day all heartache and
pain and sorrow will be over, our work will be done and we will spend
eternity together never ever to part again. God will give you strenth.
Just keep helping others. That's what we are here for. Love and much
Prayer, Wanda Eski
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Comments
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Hi
Tom/Jen/Eli Just a note to let you know we are lifting you to the Lord.
I was saddened to read that people think your faith it not strong
enough. As I read your recent comments and many before it is so clear
that you know exactly what this is about! You understand the BIG picture
in all this and I know God has and is going to use you so much more for
his Glory. You truly know the Purpose for Ben's life. In Christ Love,
Becky
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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The
Mallery Family |
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Email
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smallery@wvaging.com
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Home Page
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City
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Mt.
Savage |
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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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Dear
Bowen family, our hearts are saddened by the latest news, but, also
encouraged to know that Ben will soon be pain free. Our daughters have
been praying for your family in their Sunday Schools classes and at
school. We will continue to uplift you in our prayers. Both Ben and your
family have been an inspiration to our family and especially how we
relate toward our 19 month old son. Soon Ben will leave the pains of
this world and will be in the presence of Jesus – what a thought. After
seeing Jesus in heaven I will want to meet Ben – he has touched our
lives immensely. In Christ’s Love, The Mallery Family.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Beth
Stewart |
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Email
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estewart@siumed.edu
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Home Page
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Southern
Illinois School of Medicine |
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City
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Springfield |
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State
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IL
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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Dearest
Bowens, Sending you love and prayers from Illinois. Please accept a big
"cyber hug" from me, as I hope to surround you in love. Always praying
for peace, Your Patch Adams
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Jennifer
Stephens |
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Email
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jlstephens@bww.com
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Home Page
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City
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Lake
Ridge |
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State
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VA
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Country
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Comments
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Tom,
Jennifer, & Eli- Knowing exactly where you are right now due to what I
do every day, but not being able to begin to fathom the pain you
experience is a strange place to be. What I do see so strongly IS your
FAITH in GOD - believing in HIM and HIS promises, even though I'm sure
not always understanding the reason. God has kept your family strong,
and I believe that your faith is the strongest I have ever been a
privelege to witness. Anyone who knows you can never doubt the depth of
your belief...Tom there are hundreds of young adults out there who are
now better, stronger people because of the influence you & your Faith
had in their lives as teenagers. Be's life is NOT a tragedy, but a
VICTORY for the Glory of God. We do not choose what God's plan is for
our lives, we can only accept it with open arms as you and Jen have so
wonderfully done. I pray for God's tender loving arms to keep your
family wrapped tight at this time, and that His Glory prevails.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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cindy
goddard |
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Email
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ccriders91@hotmail.com |
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Home Page
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City
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scio
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State
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or.
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Country
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usa
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Comments
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I would
like to tell you what a wonderful family you are. Always thanking God
and always believing in him and his work. How devoted to the lord you
are, and He knows this too, I'm sure. I wish I could stop this whole
thing, for you, and all the kids with this horrible cancer! For I know
first hand how fast it can devastate and destroy! For it took my
Grandaughter Karley in about 2-3 weeks.We barely knew what was
happening. It really was horrible! But she is in heaven with God, with
no pain, and thats what makes me able to cope with it all. As I followed
Bens life and yours, I wanted you to know what a great job you have
done, and your bravery is tremendous! And because you believe, know that
the lord to believes...in you! Still I pray, because your words keep me
believing in God. And your words are strong in my mind, today and
always. So as I believe, so to the Lord, hears, and beleives in you!
Thank you for all you have done for my Kids and Karley, you always have
time to tell them hello. You guys are so special, and I send my
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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cindy
goddard |
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Email
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ccriders91@hotmail.com |
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Home Page
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City
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scio
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State
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OR.
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I was cut
off at the end of my message, and I wanted you to know I am sending my
love and prayers to you all. Take care.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Elisabeth
~FOA/RA~ |
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Email
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familytwigg@yahoo.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Houston
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State
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TX
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I just
have to say that you and your wife exibit the most pure form of faith I
have ever seen. The two of you are a great testimony to the promise that
God gave us, that we can do all through which He gives us strength. I
pray for peace and healing for your Big Ben; which ever way God sees
fit. I pray for healing of your broken hearts and for peace and joy to
return to your lives. In Christ, Elisabeth Twigg
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Suzanne
Luck |
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Email
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suzi919@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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It is Feb
15, and I have just read your story for the first time. Touched, I
looked up the website listed in the Hospice magazine to get an update on
Ben. My son is 4 y/o today, and my heart is breaking for you. I have
read Ben's update and cannot quit crying. I'm sorry for your sorrow.
Please know that Ben has touched my life this morning, as I'm sure he
has touched the lives of many others. I will pray for comfort and peace
for your family. God Bless You, Suzanne luck
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Michele
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Madison
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State
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WV
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Country
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Comments
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Dear
Bowens, I saw last night on the news where Gov. Manchin was wearing one
of Ben's wristbands and I thought of how proud the state is of your
family for sharing a very private and difficult time in your life. Don't
ever second guess yourselves, I know that you have done all that you
could have done for your son. How many families could have had the faith
like both of you to put your entire lives and fiances on hold for your
son without thinking twice. You are what all parents should strive to be
putting your children first. We are proud of you and heartbroken for
your family. Enljoy the precious time in you have with Ben. I am looking
forward to the time when Ben has won his battle and can be an angel to
all of us here on earth. God Bless. We are proud of you.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Mandy
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Ironton
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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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Good
Morning Bowen Family. I hope you all rested well last night. First of
all, I want to say that I am appalled that anyone would think your faith
needs strengthened. My faith has become so much stronger because of you
all. And I thank you so much for that. I appreciate you sharing you
family with us for all of this time. You are a true inspiration to me
and my family. I am so proud of all of you. Ben is such a great little
boy and Eli is a wonderful big brother. Tom and Jennifer, you are a
great example for all of us. Thank you again and I will continue to pray
for you all daily. God Bless You All.
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Comments
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Thanks
for the update, I am praying that God gives you the Peace and comfort
that passes all understanding. 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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jane
bratton |
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Email
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brattonj@nku.edu
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Home Page
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City
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crescent
springs |
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State
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ky
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Country
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Comments
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My heart
is breaking for you and your family right now...I know you know our
Father is right there with you, offering comfort, strength and love. You
have my continued prayers.
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Denny and
Norma Jean Boeck |
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Email
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dnboeck@cin.net |
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Home Page
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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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USA
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Comments
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Please
add Norma Jean and my name to those who are praying for you and your
precious son. God's will be done. We are Alethea's grandparents and know
in a small way the pain you are going through. You and your son are
amoung some of my new found heroes of the faith. Thanks for blessing me!
Denny
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Nita and
Henry Eckhart |
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Email
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NEckmore@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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Cabell
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Comments
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Tom and
Jennifer, We had so much faith that our 2 1/2 yr. old son Daniel, who
had a malignant brain tumor) would be cured. I don't think it was
possible to believe more than we did but it wasn't God's plan. A friend
came up to us in funeral home and said, "You got your miracle". If we
are all truely striving for Heaven, then we know what that means.
Prayers and love to you and Eli daily. The Eckhart Family
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Date
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February
15, 2005 |
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Name
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Bethany
Sharp |
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Email
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sharp9@marshall.edu
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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, Eli and Ben- I want to thank you for the powerful witness you
have been to me over the last year, the trust you have displayed in
God's plan for you is a strong testimony. Thank you you for your
honesty, courage and right perspective, and for sharing with your
brothers and sisters even when we can't begin to understand what you are
going through. You are all in our thoughts and prayers constantly, both
now and in the future. -Bethany
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Next
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