Anniversary
Melinda got a call from the Sears portrait studio a few weeks back asking if we wanted to schedule Ben to get pictures done for his seventh birthday. It’s taken some practice, but we’re both getting good at having the “Ben died of cancer last March” conversation with strangers. Melinda’s had much more practice than I have and I don’t envy her having to answer another one. They called back last week letting us know that they’ve released the copyrights on all of Ben’s pictures and that they’ve burned a CD with his last session for us. It’s a fairly small gesture as I’ve never thought twice about the copyrights on the pictures we’ve had done there, but it did feel good. It’s nice to see people and companies doing little things that have a big impact on the lives of others. And I don’t mind giving them a little positive PR for it.
I’ve been reflecting on the events of the past year as we approach the anniversary of Ben’s diagnosis. The painful memories still overpower me at times, but I’m also starting to realize some of the little things that had a huge impact on us. We had so many moments of joy as a family that would have been impossible without the support of so many people. We were carried through by the cards, emails, meals, fund raisers and unending love of our community.
I’m also reminded of the greatest gift that we received - the gift of time from the folks at Requisite. The four months of paid leave that they gave me exceed any legal requirements and tipped the scales of generosity. I am grateful for everyday that I spent with Ben; for every trip to the hospital for treatment; and for the ability to drop everything that mattered on Sept. 7th and refocus my life on Ben and my family. None of our adventures and experiences would have been possible without their gift.
It’s hard facing the anniversary of the worst day of my life, but I am looking forward to the other anniversaries that will come up as well. The anniversary of Ben’s last day of decadron and radiation treatment; our trips to Las Vegas and San Diego; Ben’s “unbirthday party” and all of the other little events that brought joy to our time with him.
Posted by in 16:50:40
I know that the day is vast approaching, and you are all in my thoughts. Make sure to take care of yourselves and remember that my family loves yours very dearly and we will be thinking of you all, Dean, Melinda Ben, Madie and Pineapple on this very hard day.
LOVES AND HUGS!!!
Shan, Abe and Quinn
Thinking about you all day. My love and hugs are with you.
Thinking of you, hoping you know we love you!!!
Loves…Shan, ABe and Quinn
Haven’t heard from you guys in a while. How’s it going? How’s Pineapple? Due soon right?
Miss you!
It was great seeing your home and thanks for the grand tour. Hope the Pineapple gets here soon, love and hugs, Vicki and Howard
Hey!
Been thinking about all of you lots! How is the end of the pregnancy treating you- pure anxiousness I am sure! I too, am very excited for baby Pineapple to arrive for all of you! As you know, babies bring such an undescribable joy to your lives! Their innocence and presence is so comforting and uplifting. Though nothing will ever fill the intense pain you feel in your hearts, you can still experience love and joy and happiness. I think baby Pineapple will help some new, positive energy to be released!
I love you, am praying for you, and keep you in my thoughts at all times!
Love,
Alisa
You have been in our thoughts, we love you.
Lily, so beautiful….but you just cant beat Pineapple!
Your love is a blessing to us all.
Josh, J, Ashen and Emberith Lawrence
Just wanted to say that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We will be anxious to hear about Pineapple’s arrival! Blessing to all,
Laura, Pat, Jacob and Rachel Morris
WE LOVE YOU DEAN, MELINDA, MADIE, AND PINAPPLE.
Hello to all of you!! I don’t think I’ve ever signed your guestbook! I think about you all the time. I’ve been wondering when Pinapple is going to show her face. Please make sure I’m on that email list.
I think about you guys so often. I tell everyone about the ecllipse & Ben - I’m sure I mess up the details, but the sentiment is the same. I often wish I could be back in that comfort zone we were in while we were in Vegas. It was such a good feeling. I hope you guys are hanging in there. Some days are just so sad. I miss Cameron so much, I know you feel the same way.
Thanks so much for dinner, that was very fun. I’m glad we went.
You are in my prayers.
Carla
Just thinking of you all today. Love you bunches and cannot wait to meet your newest addition!!!
Just wanted to write a note and let you know I’m thinking about all of you today. Hugs.