|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Kenneth &
Beth Rice |
|
Email
|
bethkenr@adelphia.net |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Ashland
|
|
State
|
KY
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Ben's
story has touched a lot of lives. He has also taught everyone to
appreciate the little things we take for granted. Our family will be
praying for Ben and family.May god watch over you and give you strength.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom &
Jennifer, I want to thank you for all you have been doing to raise
awareness about childhood cancers and St. Jude's Hospital. I want to
thank you for using a very personal and tragic situation to benefit
other children in the future. Your faith in God has NEVER been doubted
here, you two have been the epitomy of what Christianity ought to be.
Your faith and belief in God's promises is a gift to everyone who has
made contact with you. I am glad that Ben doesn't seem to be in any pain
tonight, but sad for you that you are having to endure this terrible
event unfold before your eyes. He is so precious and we all love him so
much. We continue to pray for his comfort and peace. We also pray for
your continued strength and wisdom in dealing with all of this. God
bless you all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
I just
wanted to add my prayers. I know of you through Hanna's story and have
been reading for some time. Lots of Hugs to you and your family.
Kimberly Maes Mom of Emerald Maes.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Doreen
|
|
Email
|
dfogle@us.ibm.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Magalia
|
|
State
|
CA
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear
Bowen Family - I've just checked the website to see if there were any
recent updates - and the update that you've written just tears at my
heart. I continue to be amazed by how you are sharing this ordeal. Your
faith is just amazing. I am so impressed by the many lives that Ben's
story has touched - and how many people are responding to show their
support. Ben's story has touched so many people - I promise to dedicate
the funds taken out of my payroll check - to St Judes in Honor of Ben in
2006 (which is the next time I get the opportunity to designate how I
want the money I donate to be allocated). Ben's story has touched my
heart in ways that I just cannot begin to explain. I think this is more
than just Ben though - it is the strength of your family - and the love,
strength, faith that shines through everything you share - its' the
connection to 9-1-1 ... its' the openness of what you share through this
website. You are remarkable people - I hope to have the opportunity to
meet you face to face some day. Thin
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Christina
Wagner |
|
Email
|
harald.ina@web.de
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
near
Stuttgart called Grötzingen |
|
State
|
Baden
Württemberg |
|
Country
|
Germany
|
|
|
Comments
|
miracles
in the life of my brother so that he can play Tennis. He is 50% disabled
and he has a lot to suffer because people handle him different(they have
a problem with that in Germany) What do I want to say to you with that
writing?Nobody is allowed to say to you that you should pray more or
that you don´t believe hard enough.In other religion they have to do so
to get their gods mercyful, we do not.We can pray and ask for it and so
did you.My mother ones said: it´s so hard if I can do such a lot for
other children,but noone on earth can help my kid. I think you might
feel the same as you did a lot for other people. I pray that Gods love
will go around you and stays at your side and comfort you and holds you
all the time you have to cry .We continue to pray for you .With lots of
love from Germany yours Christina with husband Harald,
Björn(12)Carolin(9)Eric(5)and Nicole(9 month)
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Zack &
Mandy Lamp |
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Saint
Marys |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Our
Prayers go out to you and your family, Ben is truly a Angel in our
hearts, we will say a prayer for your family
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Your post
today floored me...I can't imagine how anyone could doubt your faith or
tell you how to pray! Your faith is amazing and I am in awe. As much as
all of us would love to see a miracle for Ben on earth, it almost seems
selfish to ask that he stay here when there is so much more awaiting
him. I don't understand why this happened to Ben, but I believe that God
has a purpose. It's hard to imagine that there could be anything good
about a beautiful baby leaving his loving family, but just by looking
over the journal entries...at least thing is clear...Ben's life and the
way you have shared your story has touched people's lives PROFOUNDLY.
Your faith has made me BELIEVE and I'm sure many, many, other people
would say the same. God Bless you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear
Bowens, It's a terrible thing that people have posted messages telling
you there's more you can do, or laying a guilt trip on you for not
having enough faith in God. You have taken a brutal disease and a
difficult situation and used it to touch a lot of lives. What's more,
you've done it in addition to helping your child fight his sickness.
What more could anyone ever ask of you? You've done so much. You've
built a support system for yourselves and your children that's vast and
loyal, raised money for others' sick children, and demonstrated a
profound love for your son in a way I'm certain he can feel. If Ben
lived to be a hundred years old, everything you've done for him would
remain as poignant as the day he first began to understand it. And I've
no doubt he understands your love now, in his way, and feels it through
everything that's happening to him. You have handled this remarkably, as
friends, devotees of your faith, and (most importantly) as parents, and
I know I'm not alone in commending you for it
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear
Bowen Family, My heart was breaking for you while reading your last
update. You are going through one of the hardest things that anyone can
imgine. You sound like you are in such a state of grace. Your hearts are
open to whatever happens, even while they are breaking. You have been a
witness to your incredible little boy's life...how precious and amazing
that is. It sounds like you have given him such a wonderful full happy
life the short time he has been here. He is truly like a comet...blazing
through with great intensity illuminating all around him. I send caring
warm thoughts and energy your way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom,
Jennifer, Eli and Big Ben. I come to your site every day and read your
updates. I am so heartbroken for you all. You have such faith and you
are an inspiration to me. I wish I could do more for you. I am praying
for peace and comfort for you all. You are so loved Big Ben and oh so
handsome. xx Yvonne FOA/RA New Zealand
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Dee A
Mullins |
|
Email
|
deemullins@adelphia.net |
|
Home Page
|
www.caringbridge.org/wv/taylor |
|
City
|
Mt
Sterling |
|
State
|
KY
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Sending
thoughts and prayers your way. May God Bless You.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Sue Maxen
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
St Albans
|
|
State
|
|
|
Country
|
England
|
|
|
Comments
|
It is
heartbreaking to read your journal. I am crying as I write this. Please
know that your faith comes across to me as utterly inspiring. And your
story has me hugging my own little boys a little longer each day.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Jennifer
Sharnhorst |
|
Email
|
jennifers@proinbox.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Phoenix
|
|
State
|
AZ
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Ben, Eli,
Jennifer, and Tom, I'm sitting here in tears wondering the right words
to say. Your Ben is not far from my thoughts lately. As a mother of
three it is breaking my heart knowing how much not only he is suffering-
how you all are suffering. Little Eli is the best brother any kid could
ask for. He is articulate, intelligent, kind, and loving. Ben, I'm
certain, knows this. Tom and Jennifer, you are lucky to have boys this
wonderful, and they are lucky to have you as parents. Your faith is
awe-inspiring. It is unshakable even in the midst of such a time. It
also makes my faith in God stronger. I wanted you to know that. I also
wanted you to know that Bens story has made me laugh, and cry, and most
certainly has broken my heart. I know you don't know me, but thank you
for everything you have shown me. Praying for peace for you, Eli, and
Jennifer. Praying that the St. Jude goal surpasses your wildest
expecations. Most of all, Praying for your Beautiful Boy- No more
suffering, and he be at peace.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Tina May
|
|
Email
|
tinabmay@hotmail.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Summersville |
|
State
|
West
Virginia |
|
Country
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Tina May
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
My
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have a young
daughter about Ben's age, children are truly a gift from God innocent to
the harsh world we live in. The best is yet to come. God Bless you all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Gods
going to wipe all the tears from our eyes because there is indeed no
more dying beyond the grave. To be absent from this old body can mean
only one thing....To be present in the Lord!
Rest well
sweet little Ben
Praying specifically for Bens comfort and strength for you all
Love
you guys
Trina/Jophie/Jamie
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Jo-Anne
|
|
Email
|
jxparsons@edu.pe.ca
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
|
|
State
|
Prince
Edward Island |
|
Country
|
Canada
|
|
|
Comments
|
Your
story has touched my heart and soul. The grace and dignity that you are
showing at this time is incredible . Thank you for sharing your pain so
that others may learn . I will continue to pray for the entire family.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
sherri
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
htgw
|
|
State
|
wv
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
I truly
appreciate the heartfelt words and faith demonstrated by you and Jen.
You not only believe God is able, but belief in His promises is much
more than just physical healing. I ask that your belief displayed in
God, which is evident, be released in power to others. Many lives are
being effected and changed. We all will never be the same. I am so
thankful that what He gives freely isn't up to us doing more or doing
somehting better. Thank you for that reminder. God is an Awesome God!!!!
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Sherri
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
htgw
|
|
State
|
wv
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
p.s. I
agree. The best is truly yet to come!
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Heidi
|
|
Email
|
hnboren@aol.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Winter
Park |
|
State
|
FL
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom &
Jennifer, I was saddened to read your lastest update that anyone would
question your faith or belief/love of God. My husband and I talk daily
about how strong you both must be and how we are amazed by your faith in
His plan. You are truly an amazing family and I pray for peace for all
of you. The Boren Family
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
The Kiger
Family |
|
Email
|
kiger5@tds.net |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Bainbridge |
|
State
|
IN
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
We just
wanted you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God
surround you with His perfect peace, strength, and comfort at this time.
God bless you all for sharing Ben with us....his testimony has reached
all over the world and there is nothing more you could ask for than
that. And you are so right....the best is yet to come for Big Ben.
Holding you close in prayer, Jeff, Michelle, Bethany, Chelsey, & Noah
Kiger
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Sandra
|
|
Email
|
mamiesan@msn.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Charleston |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear
Bowen Family, Praying that God gives you all peace today. I was sadden
that people have been sending comments about your faith. Your faith has
made my faith stronger. Tom, you are so right. If this world is all God
has to offer, we are in trouble. Ben, along with we who believe in the
Almighty God will see Glory Land one day. Oh what a time that will be.
Keep the faith that you have. God has used Ben's story to touch many
lives. A story like I have never seen. Yes, I to believe in healing, but
our Lord and Savior is in control. The plan he's had for been has
already been fulfilled. The true meaning of love, faith & courage. Don't
let anyone degrade your faith. Ben has touched the world and will soon
be able to touch the face of God. He is the blessed one. Much love to
you and your family. Hope someday to meet you all. If not here on earth,
we will meet in heaven. What a day that will be!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Date
|
February
15, 2005 |
|
Name
|
Kari
Burdick |
|
Email
|
bjordok@verizon.net
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Barboursville |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom and
Jennifer, The best IS yet to come. Ben will be made new, he will have a
glorified body, according to the scriptures. I pray for comfort for your
family and for Ben over the next few days.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom and
Jennifer I haven't signed the guestbook in several days,I've been at a
loss for words as to what to say. Please know we think of Ben constantly
and someone is often lifting you up in prayer here as I am sure is
happening in many homes around the world. Ben has been am amazing
testimony to me in so many ways. He has been such a fighter and endured
so much!! We have been praying God would give Ben relief from pain. I'm
certain no one can imagine what it has been like for you to see him so
uncomfortable. I thank you both for your testimony and for Eli's child
like faith (boy we could learn so much from him!!). Just know we love
you and lift you up in prayer. Praying for peace and relief for Ben but
believing God could still heal. The Millers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Tom &
Jennifer, You do have a tremendous faith. A faith that God is good, He
loves us and that He knows more than we do what is best for us. Reading
your updates for the last 10 months or so has given me such insight into
what true faith in God can be. Seeing how you feel and reading how Ben
responded through out this long ordeal kept me strong when I was dealing
with my own son with a brain tumor. I found myself feeling sorry for
myself this morning because my "healthy" son still has to go to therapy
two days a week and can't handle (emotionally) school yet. Whenever we
whine and complain God is sure to remind us that He is in charge. Then I
read your latest update. Thanks for all the faith you display. I wanted
you all to know that I am praying constantly for Ben and the three of
you. Remember we can do all things through Christ who strenghtens us.
Sometimes we are at the bottom before the strength comes but He lifts us
back up again and helps us to stand. Love in Christ, Gail Dowling
|
|
Previous
Next
|
| |