eSpecially Ben

This was sent to me from Shriner Hospitals for Children and I thought it was a good reminder for us all: Summer is a time for playground fun, camping, swimming, and other outdoor activities.  But unfortunately, it’s also a time when the number of accidents involving children spike. Did you know that 40 percent of all injury-related emergency room visits occur between May and August? The good news is that we can keep our children safer by educating them and ourselves on how to avoid accidents and injuries. Please read and forward these Top Ten Tips for Summer Safety  to anyone caring for kids! Teach children to buckle up every time they get into a car, regardless of the length of the car ride. Remind kids never to play with matches, gasoline, lighter fluid, or lighters. Do not leave children unattended near grills, campfires, fire pits, or bonfires. To ensure a safe celebration, leave fireworks to the professionals. When participating in any sport, use appropria

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