eSpecially Ben

A few months ago, I requested prayers for another boy named Ben, and I recommended his mother's blog,  Prayers for Ben Sauer.  Ben's mom, Mindy, shared the pain and anguish of finding out about their son's inoperable brain tumor and the family's journey as they prepare for the inevitable. Mindy's strength, honesty and willingness to be truthful during an incredibly painful time is astonishing. The outpouring of love from her family, friends and hundreds of strangers is visible in the fund raising benefit, prayers and comments for support. It brings me much sadness to share that Ben passed away yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Playtime after school at the local park Jugglers spun their pins around Ben's head, at Logan's request. It is actually a thing - standing in between jugglers while they throw their pins back and forth past your head. Logan and Sean got the chance last weekend to participate. Immediately afterward, Logan ran over to me and asked if Ben could do it too. My first reaction was, "H*%#! No!" but then I saw how much Logan wanted Ben to experience it, and I saw a way to do it more safely. The jugglers thought I was a lunatic, but they agreed to throw the pins over Ben's head rather than to the side of him. If he stuck his hand out and hit a pin, he could get hurt. The jugglers were relieved when it was over and Logan beamed, asking Ben if he loved it. I think Ben was glad to have made his brother happy. International Festival with dancing Chinese Dragons

Polar Express in Bryson City, NC On Wednesday, an activity chair was delivered to our home. It had been a year long process, and we were excited to receive it. The technician, Mike, who delivered the equipment was one of those people you connect with immediately. He was friendly and informative, and he was good at his job. I know how to move that activity chair in every way possible because of Mike's lesson, and that was no small feat. It was obvious he liked his job and the group of clients he served. At home in Charlotte After he gave us a thorough lesson on how to use the activity chair, I asked him some questions about the Convaid Stroller he delivered to Ben at school in early April. I was not there for that delivery so I did not know all the features. I mentioned that I had Ben's old Convaid Convertible Chair and that I had exhausted my resources to find a home for it. With its broken axle, no one could or would take it. In all other respects, the chair