Anniversaries
We’ve been meaning to post these pictures for several weeks, but have been unable to. The first week of February brought with it the one-year anniversary of passing for both Sam Walsdorf and Cameron Brooks. They are two beautiful boys that I pray are with Ben, all of them laughing in the sunshine, free of their tumors. Dean, Madie, and I wanted to commemorate this, so we bought six purple balloons, and released them to the sky. I had the pleasure of meeting Sam on several occasions. He had a smile that lit up the room and made you feel joy inside. I feel equally touched by simply looking at pictures of Cameron (him and his noodle bowl make me smile every time!). HOW UNFAIR LIFE IS!!! I hate that we have lost our children, these beautiful boys who were so full of life.
We will be commemorating the one-year anniversary of Ben’s passing soon as well (March 29th). Both Dean and I have decided that we want something to take place, but are unsure of what. Please share any ideas that you might have of a way to mark this sad but significant anniversary. Once we have a plan, we will be sure to let those interested know what’s been decided.
Peace to you all
Take care
Melinda
Thank you so very much for remembering Sam on February 2nd. Cameron too. The day Sam died is so vivid in my mind … it’s hard to believe that it’s already been a year. It’s so nice to know he’s remembered and loved, even by you who didn’t know him when he was well. His smile, laughter, and good spirits never changed though. We survived the day, and the week before. Now we need to get through his birthday on February 25th. I’m not sure what we’ll do, but Tara will have some good ideas. Thanks for remembering.
Hope
Hi Steadman Family,
I just wanted to pass on my thoughts and prayers to you. I stumbled onto this site via MyBlogLog..and my heart goes out to you. You have an amazingly strong family and I have no doubt that your loss will somehow turn into a positive aspect for inspiration to all who have the pleasure of knowing your family.
God Bless,
Tom
I had an “out there” idea for Ben’s Angel anniversary. My first thought was how brave and wonderful that they want to do something when probably their first instinct is to crawl in bed and never leave. When Shazam it hit me! How about a “bed-in”? Get other people to “bed in “and get sponsors for all the people who are In bed. Then you could donate the money raised to the people who are looking to defeat this monster, or maybe to give pajamas to kids who are fighting this thing or something on this line. How about calling it “Ben’s Bed In to Eclipse Cancer”
Maybe this is too big and too crazy. The other idea I had was hosting a scrapbooking retreat. Whatever you decide to do even if it is a small private ceremony it will be special. I will be praying for you on that day.
I went to college with Diana Lipski (jj’s mom) and have followed all of the children through his website.
Hello Steadman Family! I haven’t posted in quite a while, but I wanted you all to know how often I think of you! Lily is beautiful! And Madie has grown up so much. Just know that your family is in my prayers! Love,
Shannon Barton
Dearest Steadman Family,
The B.R.A.V.E. moms had a get together at the library last week.
Heidi whose daughter died when she was four years old, brought her new baby, Caleb, to visit with us all! It has been maybe six years since Lauren passed away and they were afraid to have another child that might have the same problem. Beautiful baby! My son, who had the brain tumor that filled a fourth of his brain in 1989 and is currently in medical school (!!) is named Caleb! He is a true hero to me!!
Heidi has a huge scrapbooking set up! I think she used to sell the products but I can’t remember what the products are called…Creative Memories maybe? Anyway, she is eager to have you and all of us who would like to come to her house and scrapbook. Many, many of our children who have brain tumors do not live. Many of the mothers of these children still stay with the group. So there is a ton of support through us…unforunately but we are here for you all!! One of the moms whose little girl Megan died in 2000. They wanted to do something special on Megan’s birthday but of course it was a terrible day. In the end, they bought several stuffed animals and such and went to Children’s hospital and we able to give the things to another little girl there that had a brain tumor. The two families became fast friends and once again, that little girl also died. But, as I shared earlier, we are all still together to support and love each other and talk about the hard things that only we can understand together. We are ALWAYS available!
We are meeting together on Saturday, March 11 in Littleton. We normally meet in Longmont but this family wanted to participate in their home and we wanted to be closer to the families we have in that end of metro area.
Our mothers’ retreat is the second weekend in July. I know it is probably not a good idea, but Melinda, we would soooooooooo love to have you with us. At this point we are going to a condo in Steamboat Springs. If we get a big response from moms who need to stay closer to the Longmont area, we can regroup.
Would so love to hear from you all!
Valerie Baker
1531 Cambridge Dr.
Longmont, CO 80503
303-772-3337 or cell 303-775-2584
Namaste’
I have no ideas to share with you, as on the first anniversary of my mom’s death I went to Glenwood Springs to avoid the day. But whatever you have planned I would like to be a part of. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, Dean, Madie, or Lily. :o)
love you!!!
Shan
I just wanted to let you know my prayers and thoughts are with you on this the first anniversary of Ben’s death. It was such a privledge to know him and I think of him often. We all learned from his precious goodness. I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. My prayers are with him also.
My love to all of you,
Paula
Expect more excellent articles from you. You are always my example in writing.