Frak
Ben’s tumor has grown by more than 50% in the last three weeks. The IV line that was installed today should help us have more control over his pain and vomiting. Dr. Foreman says that we need to think of Ben’s remaining time in days instead of weeks. I’ve been asking for some mercy to save him from slowly wasting away and it looks like my prayers are being answered.
We’re preparing Ben and Madie with the information that they need to face the events to come. I have no idea exactly what that means, but I know in my heart that Ben will be free from his cancer and pain. I have faith in an existence beyond our understanding and find comfort with Ben knowing more about it than I do. I am blessed to have had this time to learn from him.
We remain focused on keeping Ben comfortable. Thank you for respecting our privacy and using the comments here to send us your love.
Thoughts and prayers for your family. Ben, I wish for you no pain or suffering, you are a very strong boy.
Laura Morris
Thoughts and prayers for your family. Ben, I wish for you no pain or suffering, you are a very strong boy.
Laura Morris
Dean, Melinda and Madeline,
We all wish we could change what is going on with your family. My heart is so heavy with sorrow and I wish you peace. Nothing anyone says or does can take away what you feel. Just know that Bens pain will be gone and he loves you very much.
This is the time to focus on Ben, letting him know he is loved and comforting him through this. Know, there are many people who have him in their thoughts and prayers. My offer stands for whenever you decide you are ready.
Words cannot express our feelings for you and Ben. May our love help a little to ease your pain. Much love, Rich & Dot
Stay strong, Dean, Melinda, Madie, and most of all Ben.
Much love,
Colin & Roby
I remain in awe of all of you. Your strength and love are an inspiration to all of us and I feel truly blessed to have each of you in our lives. Ben is one of the most remarkable people I have ever met, and I have known that in my heart of hearts from the first time I saw him give a giant bear hug to his friend to comfort their tears. Remarkable is the closest word I can find to name what it is about Ben that makes him so special. He is all love and simple pleasures, kindness and imagination. I am grateful to him for every one of his stuffed friend I now have the pleasure of knowing by name, for every giggle he shared with me when he said something wise and witty far beyond his years, and especially for every time his smile brightened the room I was lucky enough to be standing in. He is a gift to everyone who knows him, a remarkable gift of love. My heart is breaking so much right now and my sorrow for all of you immeasurable. I wish you all peace and comfort and all my love. I am here for all of you, in any way you need. I send you hugs and more hugs in spirit.
Much love,
Amber
Words escape me for the right thing to say, but I know that there are none. I hope you all (Ben, Maddie, Dean and Melinda) know how much you are loved by all of your friends and family. I also hope you know how much you inspire us (Abe and Shan). Your strength and love for each other is the most amazing thing we have ever seen. We are here for you for you all, when you are ready or desire it, all you need to do is let us know. You are our family and we love you!!!
Abe, shan and Quinn
Quinn says ” llpcl;cl;vcplcplcplvbvbbvn bjtrt57y7y” which means he loves you too!!!
Ben,
Your’s was the first diaper I ever changed. You were the first baby I ever really held, so tiny and perfect. I’ve watched you grow into an amazing boy, who opens the eyes of those around him to the wonder of this world. I wish you peace, joy, comfort and love.
Cori
Ben & Maddie are both such gifts to the world, and you as their parents are gifts to them. You have made Ben’s life fun, filled with love, and memorable. You are loved. You are in my thoughts and have filled up my heart.
Love, Andrea
I can’t think of much that doesn’t sound dumb or sappy.
Just know that you neither grieve nor hope alone.
We love you and are holding all of you very close to our hearts. We’re here for you when you need us and can let us know how to help you.
I have spent the last five minutes staring at my screen through teary eyes trying to think of something to say…
All I know is that I know that Ben has the best parents that any child, anywhere, could ever hope to have. He is loved.
-Steve
Dean, Melinda,
We have been thinking of you so much lately. Our hearts are very heavy. As you know we can relate to your emotions and pain more than we wish we could as our son faces the same battle as Ben. There are no words….just know that we continue to lift your family up in our prayers, and we hope you will recieve strength and feel the love and support from those prayers.
God bless you.
Matt and Wendy Alley
You are in my prayers, and have been since I learned of the trials facing your family. I pray comfort, peace, and joy for all of you. God bless your family.
~Laura
We are sending our prayers and love to you all. If/when you need any help please don’t hesitate to let us know, whatever I can do to help I will. I have great respect for your family and am sorry. Enjoy this time with Ben and know how much all of your family and friends love and care and respect you.
Jeff
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for comfort and peace for your family.
Remember in Ben’s darkest of hours, he will never be alone.
May peace be with your family at this time,
Sharon & Mark Bowers
Dear Cousins,
Abby just called and gave me the news. We send you our strength today. I can only believe that Grandpa and Grandma Nelson are ready and waiting with open arms. Amy, Dane, Jeroen, and I love you all.
B
May god be with all of you. If you need any help I am not that far from you guies.
My prayers are with all of you
Wendy
I wish I knew what to say, something helpful or functional. Sadly, I haven’t the words. Just know that you all have every hope, thought, and wish that I have to offer in this time. I wish I, or anyone, could do more. I am so, so terribly sorry for what you’re all going through.
I’m so sorry. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
We love you very much, all of you. And while we have not been as close to you as some of these other friends and family, we have very fond memories of the times we have spent with all of you. You have truely touched our lives with your kindness of spirit, strength and loving hearts. Be Well.
To Ben–
Walk toward light with a big smile and when you get to that light Ben…
hug the first person you see. We love you very much.
Mark, Janice, Joel, Athena and Austin Horn
So much I want to say and so few words that sound right. Please know that you are all in my thoughts. And know that we are all there in spirit giving you hugs and holding your hands. If you need anything I am here.
Love Wendy and Daphne
We’ve been thinking about your family alot and amazed at your strength. We’re here if you ever need a hand with anything. There’s really nothing that more that can be said than what all of our friends have already written. We just wanted to let you know that we are here for your whole family.
Love, T, Rewth, and Baby Rewth
I wish I knew the right thing to say. I can not imagine your pain. I am so very sorry!!! We will continue to pray Ben and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help. My home number is (321) 633-6002 anytime.
With Love & Hope
Christine
mother of Alicia
http://www.aliciahopefund.com
Dean, Melinda, Ben, and Madie,
It is so incredible to read all of the supportive emails that have been pouring in for Ben. What’s is even more incredible is reading all of those messages of support and witnessing through their words how many lives, hearts, and souls little Ben has touched… at six years of age!!!! I truly hope everyone who has had any type of contact with Ben will learn from his gentle spirit and kind, compassionate heart. I know he has taught me to take a step away from all of the daily stresses of life and realize that all that really matters is reminding those around you how special they are! I will NEVER forget walking into a room that my son was supposed to be napping in and finding Ben in there singing lullabies to him! That act of kindness displayed by our tender hearted Ben touched me as a mother in a way I will never be able to express.
I have been desperately praying that the pain medications are keeping Ben as comfortable as possible and that he can escape all of the ugliness of this disease that he has had to endure! A perfect paradise is awaiting him and our Father is standing with open arms… marveled at what an incredible boy Ben is!
I am always here for anything you may need…
My constant love, support, and prayers surround you,
Alisa Meyer
Dean, Melinda, Ben and Madie,
I have had the pleasure of knowing your Ben through school. Our prayers have been with you throughout your journey and will only continue. May the Lord bring you what no person can and may he say to you what no other can express.
For you, Ben. from Psalm 57
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past.
I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
He will send help from heaven to save me, My God will send forth his unfailing love and faithfulness.
Love, Mike, Stacy, Daniel, Makaria, Abrianna, David and Olivia Judson
Sometime words from a stranger can touch a heart or ease a pain in someway. I’ve been following your story since I first read it in the paper. Our prayers go out to you everynight, and I know God will have a special place for Ben. He has blessed you with someone special, and the world is a better place in all that Ben touches.
Godspeed and hugs
Van
Dear Steadman Family,
I heard that Ben passed away this morning. My tears, heart, and sorrow are with you. Ben had such a wonderful life, and you filled his last months with such love and joy. His life has touched my heart, and my tears this morning are for him and you. My love and prayers go out to you this morning.
Love, Andrea
Dean, Melinda, Maddie and Ben,
My heart is with you all.
love,
Cori
A verse from a poem by Robert W. Service:
“And so in the strife of the battle of life
It’s easy to fight when you’re winning;
It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,
When the dawn of success is beginning.
But the man who can meet despair and defeat
With a cheer, there’s a man of God’s choosing;
The man who can fight to Heaven’s own height
Is the man who can fight when he’s losing.”
Ben is the strongest man I have ever met. There are no words that can express how I feel about the Steadman family. You are loved.
Abe
Dear Steadmans,
All our dearest thoughts are with you. Ben was a great kid in a tremendous family, given tremendous love each and every day of his life.
Lots of love and strength to all of you,
Colin & Roby
I don’t know why I writing to you because I don’t have the necessary words to express anything meaningful. I just want you to know how deeply moved I am by your story. I admire your family’s courage. I thank you for for being so open and sharing Ben’s life and your life with all of us. I pray for you.
Dean, Melinda and Madie,
I trully just do no know what to say. I am so sorry! My heart goes out to you. I, along with many, many people, will be shedding tears with you, for you and for little Ben.