said he would have approved. The music was fantastic, everyone who
helped in many ways did a great job, the weather was perfect (overcast
but dry and just enough wind to blow the flower petals around when the
coffin left the church), and I was dressed in a half decent suit and
polished shoes. If you weren't there and don't understand the
reference to my clothes you'll have to read my eulogy. Links to the
program including eulogies will be posted on the blog in a few days.
And now it is time to rest. We are heading off to Pt Lonsdale until
Friday. So the blog will be silent until the weekend. Feel free to
send your comments but they will probably not appear for a few days.
We look forward to more blogging so don't go away!
Finally: if anyone took any photos yesterday at the funeral we would
love a copy. Thanks.
8 comments:
I have no words. As a mother, my heart breaks for Lindy & Chris; as a sister I grieve for the loss of a lifelong companion for the boys.
I'm so sorry.
Kerryn & family
a member of St John's Diamond Creek.
I have been giving thanks for Ben's life. For everything he gave when he was alive, but I am able to appreciate already what he has given me through his death.
He has:
bought those of us who were already close even closer
bought those not so close, close
Strangers together
I have seen the love and kindness in SO many people, including complete strangers,
He has and is helping me to clarify what is or should be important in my life.
This is still only a week (albeit the longest week in my life) since his death. I can only imagine what he will give me as time goes on.
Thankyou Ben, what a truly extraordinary human being you were and are.
I love you.
your (nutty aunt) Meg
I'm sad i was not able to make it to say goodbye to ben yesterday... even though i had only known him for such a short time as a favourite patient of mine... he definately touched myslef and our entire ward in a special way and i know for sure will never be forgotten.. especially for his strength and great humour... may ben rest in peace and his most amazing family find strength in each other to help each other through this tough time. To his beautiful girlfriend stay strong sister your absolutely amazing (thanks for keeping me up to date with neighbours). You are all an inspirational family who i know will be able to hold each other up
Lauren Black (Ben's favourite nurse)
xx ps i found a death notification in the border mail in albury/wodonga did Ben have family and friends up here?
Thank you for sharing so much on this blog so that people like us (in Germany) can follow. We rang Glenda and Tom today to ask how yesterday went. What a wonderful send off to an amazing young man. Our prayers are with you all and we know you will have a special time at Pt Lonsdale together.
Dear Chris and Lindy, Tim, Andy, Pete and Matthew. Having found out last Thursday about Ben's condition, and subsequent passing, we have just been sitting here reading the blog from the start, trying to soak it all in. We are so shocked and grieved. Thank you for allowing us to share some of the journey. We look forward to when you put some details of the service on the blog, and the eulogy. Wish that we could have been there to honour his life and what a fantastic guy he was/is, and to offer you our love. From Chicago - Un abrazo grande, Scott and Kate Harrower
desde lo mas profundo de mi alma los acompaño en estos momentos tan indescriptibles y le ruego a cristo que los llene de calma y bellos recuerdos de su amado Ben, los quiero con el corazon.... Silvina Lazo
Queridos amigos, espero que hayan descansado y recuperado fuerzas y energía en familia.
Si para mí me resulta aún increible que Ben haya partido, me imagino para ustedes!!!!
Qué lindas fotos y que lindos recuerdos de Ben.
Les diré que lo tengo presentísimo y ya le estoy pidiendo ayuda espiritual.
El año pasado partió Lucía, la hija de unos muy amigos de Tucumán y muy amiga de Cecilia(de 22 años, por Leucemia)así que lo de Ben me ha hecho re vivir esos momentos de tristeza, misterio e increíblemente, alegría. Ellos han llegado a la meta y han permanecido fieles.....antes de partir ella escribió una carta a sus amigos diciendo: "no se desvíen del camino, yo los espero allí" (o algo parecido).
Gracias por compartir lo que ha sido el funeral de Ben, realmente una hermosa fiesta!
Un gran abrazo, Mercedes
Our Father in heaven,
So, what made you think that we might be better off without Ben?
…
We know you are listening.
Our Father in heaven,
We suppose that 23 years of Ben was better than 22, 21, 20
Or no Ben at all.
Do you know something we don't?
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you that Lindy and Chris got it right from the start.
They called him Ben.
Big Ben.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you for those massive biceps.
The streets of Buenos Aires felt a lot safer when I was with Ben.
It was a comfort to know that he was on my side.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you for that crooked grin;
Fair warning of the raw quip that was sure to follow.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you for that searching gaze.
Ben wanted so much to be first and best.
Ben wanted so much to get it right.
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you for Ben's courage.
Countless children instinctively recognised Ben the hero.
The less perceptive of us saw it eventually.
In the last battle.
He finished well.
Our Father in heaven,
We want to be like Ben.
Because he reminded us of Jesus:
Rebellious, generous, demanding and fearless.
Ben led many in the way of eternal life.
We will follow him.
Que así sea, Señor. Que así sea.
Amen.
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