|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Renee
|
|
Email
|
reneewattlesbell@comcast.net |
|
Home Page
|
caringbridge.org/ut/dexter |
|
City
|
Pleasant
Grove |
|
State
|
UT
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear Tom
Jennifer and Eli and Ben, I included Ben because I know he is. Your
words are so beautiful. And so your story is. I think you should
consider writing a book. You have so much to tell the world and we need
your experiences. We all have grown to love Ben and Eli, and you both. I
have to say, I am so scared for what is possibly to come for our family.
There are many nights I can not sleep. I am so sorry for your heart
ache. I kept waiting for that last minute miracle. I know my knowledge
is so earthbound and so is my faith alot of the time. I pray for your
anguish and sorrow be lifted soon, and your hearts to become full of
life. Sincerely, Renee
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Tonya
|
|
Email
|
tduddek@cox.net |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Crestview
|
|
State
|
Florida
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
My name
is Tonya and I am the mother of 2 children, Emilee, 5 and Jeffrey, 1. I
have been communicating with Shari, Rachel's mother and read in their
updates last night that Ben passed away. I came to Ben's web site so I
could get a little information about your story so I could pray for you.
I have to tell you that I just cried because of the pain I feel for you
all. I know that the only way you made it through all of this was the
strength God gave you. There is no way face such a loss on our own
strength. Ben's story and Rachel's story have truly changed me. I was
already extremely grateful for my children and husband, but now I
realize just how much of a blessing they really are! You are so right,
"believing God" is so much more than just "believing in God!" I already
knew this, but your stories have made my faith even stronger. I can't
imagine never being able to feel my baby or smell him as I rock him to
sleep or kiss his cheeks ever again. I am SO sorry that you lost your
son this way. Here come the tears ag
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Tonya
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Crestview
|
|
State
|
Florida
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
CONTINUED) tears again... real, heart wrenching tears. And yet it isn't
even a small portion of the pain you are feeling. God bless you all for
your incredible testimony! Thank you for sharing the TRUTH about God
with so many people and for not being afraid to do it!!!!! I will keep
all three of you in my prayers! Believing God always, Tonya Duddek
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Darlene
Foster |
|
Email
|
Darl@earth1.net |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Scott
Depot |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Ben has
never left you nor has he forsaken you, for he still lives within your
hearts and memories. He just went to a far better world where he can
play with Jesus and the Angels and forever in bloom as a Rose in the
Masters Bouque!
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Debra
Pauley |
|
Email
|
debralynn47@yahoo.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Apple
Grove |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear Tom,
Jennifer & Eli....I thought when I gave my condolences it would be the
last time I would write, but I find myself returning to Ben's web site
daily. First of all I would pray that God will give you all rest and
renewed stregth daily as I know you still have a lot of heartache. I
honestly believe that you all have an amazing work ahead of you. God has
and is still using you all to uplift and lead others to Christ. Thanks
for the words spoken in your last posting.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Courtney
Bennett |
|
Email
|
xmasbabe7@hotmail.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Barboursville |
|
State
|
W.VA.
|
|
Country
|
CABELL
|
|
|
Comments
|
TOM, THIS
ME COURTNEY FROM HUNTINGTON EAST HIGH SCHOOL IN 1988 REMEMBER ME AS DEAF
PERSON. I SAW NEWS ALL ABBOUT YOUR SON. HE IS BEAUTIFUL BABY. PRETTY
NAMES LIKED BIBLE.. YOUR SON ELI HAS RED HAIR !! YOUR WIFE VERY NICE...
I WAS SO VERY SORRY. I KNEW HE IS GOOD SPRIRT HE JUST BE HAPPY. HE IS
BETTER PLACE TO LIVE THERE HE ALWAYS SMILING ALL THE TIME . MEANT NO
MORE PAIN OR SUFFER EITHER.. I KNOW YOU HAVE VERY GOOD PATINCED TO TOOK
CARE OF BEN I REMEMBER YOU WAS RUNNING TRACK AT HUNTINGTON EAST HIGH
SCHOOL AND NOW YOU WORK AT FIREMEN I PRAY FOR YOU ALL FAMILY.. FRIEND ,
COURTNEY
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Mr,Mrs
Raymond Little |
|
Email
|
kkbsetter@hotmail.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
chesapeake |
|
State
|
ohio
|
|
Country
|
us
|
|
|
Comments
|
your in
our prayers.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
John
Mckenzie |
|
Email
|
jhnmck3@yahoo.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Wurtland
|
|
State
|
KY
|
|
Country
|
United
States |
|
|
Comments
|
May the
love of God go with you all. You are in my heart. My sincerest
condolences, John
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Sarah
Fischer |
|
Email
|
sarah@sarahewilkins.com |
|
Home Page
|
www.sarahewilkins.com |
|
City
|
Hopewell
(Pittsburgh) |
|
State
|
Pennsylvania |
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear
Bowen Family, Myra from the contemporary Christian Band SackCloth2Joy
sent me Ben's story and asked for prayer....I have been following your
little guy's story for a few months now and would like to offer deep
sympathy for Ben's passing but huge joy that he knows the Lord and is
sitiing with Jesus waiting for you. I have fwd'd this story to many
folks in the Pittsburgh area and please know that we have been praying
for you. I wanted to share with you the lyrics for a song I wrote---I
hope it comforts you---it's called "Believe" Remember, that I said, I'll
never leave you. Remember, that I said, I will not forsake you. Why do
you think I made you???? Forever, I'm beside you My spirit, it will
guide you And there will be loneliness----no more Loneliness-----No more
Trust in me, take me at my word Open up your soul and believe Be still
in me-I am your God Let go, Let God--You'll see--You'll see--
BELIEVE!!!!!!!! I'm standing; right beside you I'm feeling all yo
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
angel,daniel,shayla little |
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
chesapeake |
|
State
|
ohio
|
|
Country
|
us
|
|
|
Comments
|
where
thinking of you . we go to school at chesapeake Elementry.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Rebecca,Matthew Lucas |
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
chesapeake |
|
State
|
ohio
|
|
Country
|
us
|
|
|
Comments
|
your in
our prayers.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Frederick
Bradley |
|
Email
|
fbradley@charter.net
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Holden
|
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
I am
heartfelt, over the lose of little ben. He was a inspriation. But I
think Sometimes The Lord gives us a little angel from time to time, to
watch over us, or we watch over their wellbeing. But then after the
little miracle has changed our lives, the lord calls them back into his
fold. Ben resides with the Lord now, and I know he sees you. He will be
waiting on to see you again. My prayers and thoughts are with your
family in this time of need.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
I have
just come across Ben's story in the last week and have truly been
uplifted by your amazing inspiration. Doing my devotions this morning,
one of the verses I read was Mark 10:27 which says "With men it is
impossible, but not with God: For with God ALL things are possible."
Although I, nor anyone else knows God's complete reasons for Ben's life,
we do know that God has now healed what man couldn't. And God is using
Ben's story to reach people that were impossible for man to reach. May
God comfort you and bring peace to you and your family during this storm
in life. May you one day be reunited with "Big Ben" and see all of God's
plan and reasoning. Many prayers! Kari S. Rodriguez
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Karin
Jackson |
|
Email
|
kjackson6@cinci.rr.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Monroe
|
|
State
|
Ohio
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
I learned
of your tragedy through the Ransbottoms and am very sorry to hear of all
you've had to endure. You are an inspiration to many. Keep your faith
and know that you're being thought about and prayed for. Karin Jackson
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Teresa
Lucas |
|
Email
|
tdamian1@yahoo.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Chicago
|
|
State
|
IL
|
|
Country
|
usa
|
|
|
Comments
|
My
deepest condolences to the Bowen family and anyone who knew this little
angel. I came across this website by accident and now I am truly
grateful I did. My husband's family is from Logan,WV..and I will be
visiting this weekend. I will be sure to stop by the hallmark store in
huntington mall and pick up a BigBen band. God Bless you always and
continue to give you strength.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Sandra
Burdette |
|
Email
|
mamiesan@msn.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Charleston |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dear Tom,
Jennifer & Eli. Althoug I cant' be at the service today, know that my
heart, thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom, you were so right in the
latest update. Ben's story has made me turn closer to God and I've been
a christian for awhile. I've always believed, but have a more
understanding of his plan for us. Thank you for that. You will never
know the impact Ben has had on my own life. Because of Ben I'm a
stronger christian and know that someday heaven will also be my home.
What a day that will be. Ben is now having the time of his life. Being
with Jesus. What more could we ask for!!!Again thank you for sharing
Ben's story. Will continue to pray for your family. Especially Eli. So
young to have to endure so much. He has also been a blessing to me. What
wonderful children God blessed you with. Special in more words than can
be described. Much love and prayers for you all today.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Your
family is in my prayers and thoughts. I would like to share a story with
you if I could- I am a teacher assistant at a daycare here in
Huntington. Yesterday I was in the gym with my class and I had my BIG
BEN bracelet on. I had long sleeves on so I guess no one had noticed it
all day. I was picking up one of the three year old boys, and he said
"Hey Miss Katie I got one of those BIG BEN bracelets, just like you." He
went on to tell me how he didn't know BIG BEN, but he saw his picture on
TV and in the paper and how his mommy had told him about Ben. He told me
that Ben had passed away, and it was sad, but that Ben was with Jesus,
so he was happy now, not sick anymore, and lucky because he gets to play
with Jesus all day. I just thought to myself....What an amazing story,
what an amazing Ben and Bowen family. The pure honest truth really does
come from the mouths of our innocent children. Peace be with you and
your family on this day.....With a heart full of love and prayers, Katie
Deakin
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Melanie
Schultz (St. Jude Partner in Hope/Friends of Allie) |
|
Email
|
mschultz@i-sect.net
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Bristol
|
|
State
|
CT
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dearest
Bowen family, My thoughts and prayers are with you today. I know today
will be a very emotionally draining day for you and I am sending many
hugs and prayers to all of you. I am sure Ben's service will be
beautiful. I am sorry I cannot be there, living so far away, but I will
be lighting a candle for you during the time of his funeral. Love, Mel
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
millie
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
my
thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God give you strenght to
get through this as i know he already has. God Bless You!
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Tom &
Nancy |
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Dickinson
|
|
State
|
TX
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
We are so
very sorry for your heartache over the loss of a precious son and we are
reminded that to be absent from the body is to be present with God. He
is restored and is now charming angels in heaven, playing at the feet of
Jesus, and romping about with Hanna. The journal entry continues to
reflect how big our God is and even in the midst of tears and sorrow,
your words convey revelation and power. There was a time to stand for
healing, and then there was a time to just stand – stand in awe of the
incredible grace that was showered over your family and Ben and the way
God used each Bowen for His glory, each chosen to be part of a special
mission. Did God make Ben sick? Absolutely not – for He is not the one
who has come to steal, kill, and destroy. But did he take what was meant
for evil and turn it to good? Absolutely, He did. A sick little boy
became a mighty man of God and brought thousands to their knees. A
brother became a champion, a mother became the very essence of true and
gentle love, and a father became a strong tower
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Elizabeth
|
|
Email
|
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
I type as
tears stream down my face this morning. It is for the family that I cry,
not for Ben. He has received what many have to wait 70 or 80 years for.
Ben had an important mission in life. He probably knew before he was
born what that mission was and he accepted it. I am going to meet Ben
one day, and I am going to thank him in person for all that he did for
me. I donated to St. Jude in Ben's memory.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Tami
Chatterton |
|
Email
|
BilTam@zooominternet.net |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Huntington |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
United
States |
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Angela
Stull |
|
Email
|
angiestull@yahoo.com
|
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Jackson
|
|
State
|
Ohio
|
|
Country
|
USA
|
|
|
Comments
|
Ben, I
know that the Lord has taken you home. I cant tell you how much you have
touched my heart. In this short time on earth you have taught many of us
to cherish what means most, life. We will see you again. You were an
angel on earth. Have fun in heaven and we all will see you soon.
XOXOXOXO My deepest regaurds to the family. I know what you are going
through and not one word said can make your heart mend. It will take
time. Your thoughts of him constantly keeps him alive. He will be in my
heart forever. Thank you for giving me a small part of his life by
sharing your story. God Bless you.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Stephanie
Spradling |
|
Email
|
stephlsprad@hotmail.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Charleston |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
US
|
|
|
Comments
|
The whole
Family will be in my thoughts and prayers! May God touch you all through
this difficult time.
|
|
|
|
Date
|
March 1,
2005 |
|
Name
|
Megan &
Jamie Eplin |
|
Email
|
megpegwv22@hotmail.com |
|
Home Page
|
|
|
City
|
Chapmanville |
|
State
|
WV
|
|
Country
|
|
|
|
Comments
|
Dearest
Bowens, please know we are thinking of you today. I'm sure the service
will be beautiful with the slide show and all of Ben's pictures placed
around the church, all with his smiling face. He is our angel in Heaven
now. The song "Angels Among Us" comes to mind. It says, "They come to
you and me in our darkest hour to teach us how to live, to show us how
to give, to guide us with a light of love." Ben's story and his life
have taught us these things and I believe his legacy will live forever
in our hearts. Thank you Ben for sharing your story with us. We love you
baby boy! You and your family have deeply touched our lives. May God
bless you Tom, Jen and Eli and keep you through these difficult days.
Sending all our love and condolences..........
|
|
Previous
Next
|
| |