March 29, 2006

All about an eclipse

Melinda was crying when I awoke this morning. Ben spent the night snuggled in between us. She asked me for assurance that we’d all be together again. We placed our hands on Ben’s heart and discussed what heaven is and how to define it for Ben and Madie. We agreed that it would be heaven to spend eternity with our family and that Ben will be an angel waiting to greet us. His heart stopped and we saw him peacefully leave for the place we described.

Ben was born on Aug. 11th, 1999 – during a solar eclipse. He died on Mar. 29th, 2006 – during a solar eclipse. We were fortunate to have six loving years with him. He’s taught me to be a father, a better husband and a better man.

I want to thank everyone for the support that has been provided to our family. You made Ben’s life beautiful and we’re happy to have had the chance to share it with you. I intend to spend the rest of my life repaying the love that you have shared with us.

Posted by Dean Steadman at 10:40:36 | Permanent Link | Comments (108) |
Comments
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1 - Family, we are all crying with you.
-Merri Ann (Comment this)

Written by: Merri Ann at 2006/03/29 - 10:47:49
2 - Thank you so very much for sharing your beauty with us all. (Comment this)

Written by: Athena (Kim) at 2006/03/29 - 10:57:02
3 - The words escape me to describe my emotions for your loss. A child touches us in very deep ways. Ways that one cannot describe or understand without having experienced it for yourself. As I have become a parent myself, your feelings for children seem to spread beyond those of your own. As a parent, I cry deeply for your loss. My heart completely goes out to you. Ben is at peace now. He was truely a gift in your life and beyond his short little life, he will continue to give to you. Hold onto those memories tightly and share them with all that you love.

You do not grieve alone.

Peace be with your family at this time.

Mark & Sharon Bowers (Comment this)

Written by: Sharon, Mark, Sean & Brandon at 2006/03/29 - 10:59:08
4 - My heart is overflowing with love, sorrow, and joy all at the same time. What a beautiful life Ben had, what love he has shared.

Andrea (Comment this)

Written by: Andrea Oakley at 2006/03/29 - 10:59:29
5 - Dean, Melinda, Ben and Mandeline,

You have shown us a family that loves and supports each other. I hope we all can have as much grace and courage in our selfs.

Thank you Ben for helping us learn to live life and be a better person. (Comment this)

Written by: Paula at 2006/03/29 - 11:02:41
6 - Dean, Melinda, Madie, and little peanut in Melinda's tummy
Please know we love you and are here for you with a shoulder to cry on, arms to give you hugs, hearts to give you love, and tears of grief to share with you. We love you deeply, and admire your courage and strength.

Love you bunches!!!
Shan, Abe and Quinn (Comment this)

Written by: Shan, Abe & Quinn at 2006/03/29 - 11:12:51
7 - Words can not express. I am so so sorry. Our hearts go out to you and your family as you deal with your grief.
Ben was a bright star. His smile warmed anyone around. His life was and is a gift. A gift of love.
Please take care.
The Turners
(relatives of your neighbors)
 (Comment this)

Written by: Hula Doula at 2006/03/29 - 11:30:46
8 - Peace be with you all.

-Steve (Comment this)

Written by: Steve at 2006/03/29 - 11:40:09
9 - A donation has been made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® in memory of Ben.

He has touched so many lives during his time here and he will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathies to all of you.

 (Comment this)

Written by: Anonymous at 2006/03/29 - 11:46:57
10 - In the season of Easter, take comfort in God's promise that through Jesus's death on the cross, we all shall receive eternal life. Ben is a special place in God's arms waiting to welcome you. He is a special angel shining down on you.

Love and prayers,
Laura Morris (Comment this)

Written by: Pat, Laura, Jacob and Rachel Morris at 2006/03/29 - 11:48:44
11 - My heart wraps around you and your family. We never know how long we have with each other. What a blessing was given to you to share in joy for 6 years. I'm very sorry it came to end so soon. Angels always wrap their arms around the special ones too early. I am a co-worker of Genuine's and he led me here today. (Comment this)

Written by: Cyndy at 2006/03/29 - 11:52:26
12 - Ben was a special gift from God to me and my family. His memory will always have a special place for us and I know that our kids will miss him beyond words. I wanted to share a special memory I have of him. His last words to me will always be special as he giggled, played and hugged our 8 month old baby:

"Jim, I love babies."

I love you too Ben. Thank you. (Comment this)

Written by: Jim (Genuine) at 2006/03/29 - 11:59:46
13 - Dean, Melinda, Madie, family and friends,

My heart aches for all of you. Ben was such a wonderful person and my family and I will miss him forever.

Thank you so much for blessing us with the chance to be part of Ben's journey to San Diego. The memories of the fun times we had with all of you will bring smiles to our faces for the rest of our lives.

It means so much to me to know that Ben was able to leave this world in the arms of his parents, as loved as any child could ever hope to be.

All of our love and support,
Matt Bryant and family (Comment this)

Written by: Matt Bryant at 2006/03/29 - 12:00:46
14 - Words escape me. Your description of heaven is beautiful and I strongly believe accurate. Angels are very powerful and you will continue to experience Ben in your life. This I do know. He will always be with you, talking to you, guiding you and showing you beauty in the world. Our prayers are with you. Please know that your story has enriched the lives of everyone who has experienced it with you. Thank you for your courage and grace. Each of you are truly blessed.

Take care.

Gwendolyn, Steve, Alex and Zoe Kasnoff (Comment this)

Written by: Gwendolyn Kasnoff at 2006/03/29 - 12:31:30
15 - We are deeply sorry for your loss. Ben is a terrific young man and he will be in our thoughts and prayers, as will your entire family. If you need us for anything, we will be there for you. You guys are a terrific family and deserve the best.

Jeff & Alison. (Comment this)

Written by: Jeff Deem and Alison Hamilton at 2006/03/29 - 12:45:21
16 - Dear Family,

You do not know me, but I felt compelled to share in your grief. I am a co-worker of Matt Bryant's. Matt shared Ben's story with us all here a few months back. I am truely sorry for your loss. Being a father myself I can relate, though not completely. I know how it would impact me and my life and can only imagine how it has impacted you. Hold Strong! Rest easy in the fact that Ben is no longer suffering and know that your son is in the hands of the MOST HIGH! Me and my family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

Most Sincerely,
Andrew Lindberg (Comment this)

Written by: Andrew LIndberg at 2006/03/29 - 12:49:20
17 - Dear Steadman Family,

You're all in our thoughts and hearts right now. Thank you for letting us share in your journey. Ben touched us all whether we'd met him or not. We can't wait to see Madie for her 5 year checkup and the new baby also.

Love,
Your Family at Partners In Pediatrics (Comment this)

Written by: Jasmine Staff at Partners In Pediatrics at 2006/03/29 - 12:54:17
18 - Dear Family,

I read about your beautiful little boy, Ben, over at Genuine's place and hope that you accept my deepest sympathies and -- as I said over at G's place -- will be praying for your family, while hugging my four babies extra hard and long and telling them that there's a new angel born, tonight! (Comment this)

Written by: Liz at 2006/03/29 - 12:56:49
19 - Dear Family,

This is the sadest thing I've read in years. But at the same time inspirational. That probably doesn't make any sense. You raised a fine young boy. I know that I'll never be as good of a person as anyone in your family throughout my life but I hope I can at some point come close. Our prayers are with you.

Hakan, Sandra, and Daniel (Comment this)

Written by: AdventureDad at 2006/03/29 - 13:19:25
20 - I am sorry for your loss an admire your love and strength. (Comment this)

Written by: Matt (Guy) at 2006/03/29 - 13:23:11
21 - Dear Melinda & Dean & family,

Though I don't know you and may not ever have the pleasure of meeting you, I think I speak for many of us in the tri-town community when I say that we were all touched by your story. After sitting here for almost an hour trying to decide what or even if to say anything, I finally decided that I just wanted you to know that total strangers like me are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. You may never know the impact that Ben had on other people. I think of other children struggling with similar problems who may have seen Ben's story on TV or in the news and the strength they gained from seeing his courage. Or maybe it's even as simple as helping us all to realize how precious our children are and to hold them a little closer. There is a heaven and I know Ben is there. Haley (Comment this)

Written by: Haley at 2006/03/29 - 13:46:45
22 - Dear sweet cousin and family,
Words really cannot express the heartache we feel for your family. We have been following the story of your beautiful son, and have been constantly amazed at your courage and strength, and at Ben's testimony of love and life. Thank you for sharing with all of us. His life was used to brighten the lives of many others, and he is now dancing and singing with our God. You are all so beautiful. May God bless and keep you close. Love, Craig and Rhonda (Freeman) Fortunato (Comment this)

Written by: Craig and Rhonda Fortunato at 2006/03/29 - 14:03:01
23 - I cannot put in words how deeply sorry I am for your family. My heart goes out to you, and you all are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mona Rodriguez & Family (Comment this)

Written by: Mona Rodriguez at 2006/03/29 - 14:05:37
24 - Dear Dean, Melissa and Madeline,

I struggle for words to express...perhaps because there are none adequate or perhaps because there are so many that come to mind. A parent knows greater joy than the love of their child and no greater sorrow that the loss of their child. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you as you continue your journey........the journey you so graciously shared with many does not end here. Because of the love of Ben, your journey in life will continue with so much love and prayer from all the lives that Ben touched. This is but another gift Ben has left you. Thank you for sharing Ben.

As always,
Love,

Linda Bryant (Comment this)

Written by: Linda Bryant (Matthew Bryant's Mom) at 2006/03/29 - 14:11:47
25 - i have come over from genuine to offer my deepest deepest sympathies. i am so sorry for your loss. i wish i could think of something to say. i am in tears at learning of your sweet boy's passing. my heart is with you all. (Comment this)

Written by: denice at 2006/03/29 - 14:26:28
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