Prayers for Ben

[Meld256]

Kathy,

How is Ben doing these days?  And that little great-nephew of yours-Daniel Benjamin? 

My continued thoughts are with Ben and your family.
Melinda

[Katybarstool]

Hi Meld

Thank you for thinking of Ben and the baby.

I saw Ben this weekend at my sister's house. He seemed very low when we first arrived, but cheered up some after he had been chatting about rugby with my husband and son. That is a tricky subject, as Ben had played rugby for his country in the early days in the army - he had been to Canada and New Zealand. Having his injuries means that will not happen again. However, he does like to talk rugby tactics, and gets enthusiastic about the local team.

Ben was sitting very proudly in his new (orange) titanium wheelchair. It was imported for him from he States and is very lightweight. Apparently, using this will mean that, when he gets his mobility car, he won't need to drive in in the wheelchair. He'll be able to slide his bottom into the car seat from the wheelchair, and then the fab new chair comes apart, to store in the footwell. Ben is a very determined young man and has decided that he wants as few adaptations as possible, which is a wonderful attitude, and he will go far.

Daniel-Benjamin is doing very well. He's gaining weight, and beginning to look quite plump - like a little peach! I love babies, and it's a while since we had a new one in the family. His mum is doing very well. She's a practical young woman, and not much fazes her, which is a good thing, as with Ben and the new baby in the last few months, as well as a more than full time job before the baby arrived, she has had very little time to herself.

So, life is going on for our Ben. He is still in rehabilitation, and will be for some time to come, but he will get there. He doesn't like being at the rehab centre, but knows he has no choice, if he wants to get as well and strong as possible. He is to be given two medals next month - one is for serving in Afghanistan, and the other for our Queen's Diamond Jubilee. He makes us very proud.

Hugs
Kathyx

[A66eyroad]

Meld, thanks for reminding Kathyx to post about Ben and the family. I think of these things but never follow through. You're a good girl! 

Kathyx, I'm so pleased yet saddened to hear about Ben. It's so awful that he's having to go through rehab and changing his life so drastically. Yet he's got such a spirit that I'm inspired to also do my best.

Life is hard, but life is good.

[lynnmarie219]

Thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear that Ben is still so determined for the most part...he inspires me that's for sure!

[Cricket]

Kathy

What a remarkable man Ben is!!!

I do not know that I would have the courage to fight the good fight if it happened to me.  Lord everytime another thing is heaped on my shoulders I want to give up, but the as if my daughters can tell they bring on the heavy duty medicine, my grandchildren and now I learn I am going to be a nana for the 6th time, I am blessed!!
So onward I press to get things done, get ready for more babysitting etc.  kind og=f got off the subject though.

Back to Ben and his lovely little family.  I will pray all goes smoothly for then and they will receive the best life has to offer them. 
Cricket

[Meld256]

Kathy,

Thanks for the update on Ben and your family. I think of all of you often. 

So glad to hear Daniel-Benjamin is doing so well. Like a plump little peach; what a cute description. Sounds like his Mom is a very practical young woman.  I'm happy to hear the baby is growing and healthy.

Ben certainly has had his challenges, and appears he will for quite some time.  He is a determined and strong man, that is for sure.  That's exciting news about his wheelchair and how it will help when he gets his mobility car.  I worked with a young man who drove that type; he just parked, pulled out the chair from the front of the car, popped over into it and rolled into the building.  Quite impressive!

I'm sure his rehab may seem frustrating to him some days, but he seems so determined to do his very best, it must spur him on.  He's quite a remarkable guy.  I'm sure you are all very proud of him, as well you should be! 
Please update us more about his service medals later if you like. Will there be a ceremony you can all attend or a very small event?
Send him our thoughts and wishes, please, and take care of yourself. 

Melinda

[genko_b]

So glad to hear of Ben's progress. What a blessing that he has the support of all his family.

Take care,

Genko

[harrigan]

Hi Kathy - just wanted to wish you all a lovely, peaceful Easter and hope that all the healing Ben needs will keep coming.  I think of him often and every time it is mentioned on the news.  Love to you all, Ailsa

[Katybarstool]

Ailsa

Thank you for remembering Ben. I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks, so I'm assuming he's okay. I know he is thinking about a Motability car, but don't know when that will happen. His little family seem fine too.

I hope you have a happy, joyful Easter too.

God bless
Kathyx

[Meld256]

Kathy,

Thanks again for your news.  We keep Ben and your family in our prayers always. 

I'm also wishing you a joyful and happy Easter.   

Take care,
Melinda

[Katybarstool]

As you can imagine, this is a very proud day for our family. I wasn't able to be there, but this is a short video clip from the local television news. Ben is right at the end. He is the one in the wheelchair with the little boy in his lap.

http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2012-04-19/soldiers-receive-campaign-medals/

Kathyx

[Daisy1234]

Oh thank you so very much Kathy for sharing this news clip with us and enabling us to see Ben and little Daniel-Benjamin. 

My goodness what a sweet little cherub Daniel-Benjamin is and to see him sitting happily on his daddy's lap was very very touching.

May God bless them both and all of the family.

Daisy

[Katybarstool]

Thanks Daisy. I'm sorry, I should have made it clear, the little one on Ben's knee is Kaden. He is 18 months old now. Daniel-Benjamin is 2 1/2 months - he's Ben's nephew. Both are so cute though - I just want to squeeze them tight!

Kathyx

[Daisy1234]

Kathy, well little Kaden (the nephew) is a really cutie too.  So nice to see Kaden on Ben's knee, he looks quite comfortable there and very fond of his uncle.

Daisy

[genko_b]

Yes, thank you for sharing - glad he was able to celebrate with his fellow servicemen as well as family.

All the best to all of you,

Take care,

Genko