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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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JoNell
Lee |
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Email
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jodylee@knology.net
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Home Page
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City
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Lynn
Haven |
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State
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Florida
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USA
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Comments
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I have
not left a message in a long time, but I check Big Ben's website many
times a day. Through his site I have traveled the pages of hundreds of
children who are fighting various life-threatening diseases or who are
now angels playing with Big Ben in Heaven. I proudly wear my Big Ben
band which I have not taken off since the day I received it. Jody
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Elizabeth
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Home Page
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City
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Powellton
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State
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WV
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I love
the way that you speak about St. Jude. I never knew that such a
wonderful place existed. I received a thank you letter from St. Jude the
other day. My husband read it and told me to be sure to send something
to St. Jude every month. You would have to know my husband to understand
that he didn't use to be like that. He too now wants to help the
children. Ben's story is still changing lives.
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Rochelle
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Email
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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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I still
think about you and pray for you everyday. Your story and family has
touched my life greatly. God Bless you all.
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Sarah
Hastings |
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Email
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Home Page
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City
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Lexington
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State
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KY
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Comments
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I just
want to thank you again for continuing to post updates and keeping us
informed on the continuation of Ben's story. In light of the upcoming
Easter weekend, your focus on hope in your latest update is so
appropriate. Last night Hilton and I were watching CNN and they were
interviewing Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose-Drive Life series.
The last question they asked Mr. Warren was something along the lines of
"As this Easter weekend approaches, if you could give everyone watching
a short summary of what is in this book, what would you say?" Mr.
Warren's answer was that above all, there is HOPE. That good can come
out of what seems bad. That light can and will follow darkness. That if
you think you have fallen beyond help, you are mistaken, because there
is ALWAYS hope. We love you guys.
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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karla
leonard |
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Email
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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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Comments
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JUST
CHECKING IN. I PRAY THAT YOU HAVE A VERY PEACEFUL EASTER. CANT WAIT TO
SEE THE NEW PICTURES. THE STORY IS STILL ALIVE AND THE PROOF IS THAT
THIS SOON AFTER BEN WENT TO BE WITH JESUS YOU VISITED ST. JUDES. THAT IS
SUCH A WITNESS TO THE NEW FAMILIES THERE. I FINALLY CHECKED THE WEBSITES
OF NOAH AND BRADLEY. IT ALMOST FELT LIKE BETRAYING BE, SOUNDS DUMB I
KNOW, BUT OH HOW YOUR SON AND YOUR FAMILY HAS TOUCHED AND CHANGED ME.
DAXX ( MY 2 1/2 YR OLD) ALWAYS SAYS TICKLE TICKLE AND I REMEMBER IN YOUR
STORY, BEN WOULD SAY THAT EVEN THROUGH HIS PAIN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND
MAY YOU HAVE THE PEACE OF KNOWING BEN IS FREE OF PAIN AND CHERISH ELI
AND EACH OTHER. LOVE AS ALWAYS.... KARLA
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Trish
Young |
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Email
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Drpeppertrish@aol.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Fraziers
Bottom |
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State
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WV
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Comments
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Words
still don't seem enough,even now. Praying exta prayers for you
tomorrow.Hope your special trip was extra special for all.It's amazing
how many still come to visit Big Ben's site,,,but we believe what you
say "The story still isn't over", so thanks for continueing to share
"His" story. Happy Easter! Trish
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Comments
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I just
wanted to wish you guys a happy Easter! Clearly, people are still
inspired by Ben's story and now aware of and praying for other young
heroes because of Ben and yourselves! Believing, Greg
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Comments
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Dearest
Bowens, You emulate everything I ever wish to be myself. The most loving
parents, the most brilliant educators, and the most kind hearted people.
I continue to check in on you all everyday, and keep you in my prayers
every night and all throughout the day. My young son sees the pictures
and simply calls Ben "bay-bee" with a huge grin on his face...Ben could
and always will light up every persons life who has the pleasure to know
his story or even just see his gorgeous face. Thank you, as always, for
sharing your journey with us and for continuing to teach and inspire me
and so many other every single day. All my love and prayers, Megan
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Date
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March 24,
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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How aptly
said - a long life is not necessarily a full life. We are called to
'live' life. Certainly Ben lived it well despite the monster, the
procedures, the medications, and the side effects. We'll always have the
memory of seeing that strut directly after chemo, his determination not
to be carried. Ben swept the halls with 'presence.' And his presence
will remain with the three of you always, despite the fourth chair. We
love you all and continue to pray, T&N
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Comments
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I am so
glad to hear that you trip went well. I agree that we could never fully
explain what St. Jude has done for our families. We are truly a family!
Joshua has told me several times this week that he is sad that he won't
see Ben again. He even came through the house the other night and said
"mom, I just got on Ben's website because I miss him." It is so hard to
explain to him that Ben's cancer and McKinley's cancer are different
forms. Give us a call when you get a chance. We Love you Brian Amanda
Joshua and McKinley
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Laurie
Bardsley |
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Email
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lkneeme@megavision.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Columbus
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State
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NE
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Country
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USA
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Comments
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I wanted
to let you know we are still praying for you and Hope you have a nice
Easter together. I am sure it was hard to go back to St Jude, I'm
guessing the other parents we glad to see you and to learn Ben's story
if they did not know it. Looking forward to your updates and pictures.
Lots of prayers still going your way and hope Easter is a peaceful one
for you guys. Laurie, Todd, Alisyn and Trevor
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Date
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March 24,
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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Comments
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I think
of our champion, Big Ben, so often as time seems to pass so quickly in
this life. I think of the amazing ways that God was able to use his
precious, willing heart to change so many people. And each time I read
your latest posting on the web site, I am touched by the eloquence of
your words and the way it is so clearly obvious that God is going to use
you in such powerful ways, even more than He has already. I look forward
to watching your journey because I can't even imagine what all He has in
store! Your openness to His plans for your lives is inspiring and I
thank you. Praying for you all!
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Heather
McCoy |
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Email
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hdlmccoy@yahoo.com
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Home Page
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Comments
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Thinking
of you very often.
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Comments
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I'm glad
to hear your trip went well, I heard you were able to meet Mr. Shadyac
and Mr. Mckee, you gave them goosebumps when you spoke to them about
precious Big Ben. Big Ben is my hero and I wanted you to know that I
think of you daily, and I wear my Big Ben band with pride. Tom and
Jennifer I have a letter for you from Beth Fogakoldyke Morgans mom, I
will get it in the email for you soon. Thanks for sharing Big Ben with
the world.. his story truly is bigger then this! I hope you received
your gift in the mail "snailmail", and I hope you liked it!
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Alan and
Christy Gianettino |
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Email
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gnatinos@columbus.rr.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Sunbury
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State
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OH
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Comments
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It's
Thursday, and the eve before before Good Friday. We know another father
who watched his son have to be given for the sake of others. We also
know a mother who gave of herself to care for and raise a boy that was
such an example and encouragement to many.....and...we know a proud yet
confused young fellow who had to watch his little brother be taken from
him. I know a world that was changed by a Savior who died to bring it
life....and we now know a young boy who did a mighty work in countless
lives by his and his family's sacrifice too. May God overflow your cup
this Easter and in the years to come. Love, Alan and Christy Gianettino
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Becky
Whittington |
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Email
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Good
Friday Am I a stone, and not a sheep, That I can stand, O Christ,
beneath Thy cross, To number drop by drop Thy blood's slow loss, And yet
not weep? Not so those women loved Who with exceeding grief lamented
Thee; Not so fallen Peter weeping bitterly; Not so the thief was moved;
Not so the Sun and Moon Which hid their faces in a starless sky, A
horror of great darkness at broad noon-- I, only I. Yet give not o'er,
But seek Thy sheep, true Shepherd of the flock; Greater than Moses, turn
and look once more And smite a rock. Christina Rossetti
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Date
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March 24,
2005 |
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Name
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Becky
Whittington |
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Email
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Home Page
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Comments
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March
25th Good Friday and a month since Ben went to heaven. An acquiesce? I
don’t think so another reminder of Gods will and there is a plan for us
all. Ben’s story and journey continues to move people even though his
body is at rest. WOW!! Love Big Ben!!
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Comments
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Tom, You
have such an amazing sense of family and life. I have been following
Ben's story for quite some time now and feel so blessed to have had the
opportunity, like so many others, to get to know you and your precious
family through the pages of this wonderful Web site. Even though sweet
Ben's earthly journey is over, it is evident he will continue to inspire
and encourage thousands of people who continue to read your eloquent,
heartfelt log entries. I find myself wishing your entries were longer
and more frequent as I am always in awe of your strength, faith and love
for humanity. You, like Ben, have a gift as well - you were put on this
earth to be Ben's Daddy and to teach others about faith, hope and love.
I thank you for sharing your dear family with the world. I do hope to
meet you one day. I would like to see you giving motivational speeches
one day - you are a natural.
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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Aimee
Brashears |
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Email
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Comments
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Thinking
and praying for you all today. God is with you now and always. May he
bless and keep you. With love and friendship in Christ.
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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Hal
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Email
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shad246@aol.com |
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Home Page
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City
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Ona
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State
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WV
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Comments
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Jennifer,
Tom, and Eli...it just struck me a few minutes ago of how much we should
be celebrating this particular Easter. We are celebrating the first
resurrection, that of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was the first of untold
numbers. His was the guarantee that Ben and each of us will one day be
resurrected, HEALTHY and full of joy. Ben's Spirit is worshipping our
Saviour now and enjoying His majesty and love. One day he will be
resurrected to with us all to a new body and life. Love you all and will
continue to celebrate Ben's life and pray for your peace.
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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Barb
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Email
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barbilens@yahoo.com
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Home Page
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City
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La Crosse
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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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Tom,
Jennifer and Eli I just want to let you know that my most loving
thoughts and prayers are yours today. You are such a strong family and I
am so in awe of your Strength, Love and Faith. I have learned so much
from Big Ben. I am still learning. He is such a great teacher and is
still teaching us from Heaven along with the greatest teacher of all. He
will live forever in our hearts and in our toughts. He is such a loving
and special little boy. Big Ben you will be forever in my heart. Fly
high, little Angel. Today is sunny and somewhat breezy. I believe that
all of the angels are smiling down on us and chatterting away to us
through the breezes. If you close your eyes and listen you can almost
hear the littlest angels laughing and singing. What a glorious day to
start a very special and important weekend. Thank youi for sharing Big
Ben and your family with us. I am forever grateful. Forever Believing -
Barb
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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NOELLE
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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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THINKING
OF YOUR SWEET FAMILY. WITH LOVE, NOELLE
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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Lara
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Email
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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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On this
Good Friday, I am thinking of you. I know how special Holy Week and
Easter must be for you, especially now. I will be remembering Ben while
I hear the Passion retold at church tonight. As always, you are in my
thoughts and prayers.
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Comments
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Wishes
for a Blessed Easter.
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Date
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March 25,
2005 |
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Name
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Karen T.
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Email
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Comments
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Thinking
of you on this anniversary and Good Friday. The significance of the
combination is not overlooked. May you have a Blessed Easter!
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