Special Shout Out...572 views"Lila rockin' #7 for procedure #9 because she is tough like Ben Roethlisberger. You'll never meet a stronger young lady and we couldn't be more proud to be her parents!!! Procedure (hard part) is done... Now we rest and wait for results meeting tomorrow.. Thanks for the love, prayers, and good thoughts!! Keep em comin'!!! ♥" -- Jenn Pyatt
Lila brought her BuildaBear Teddy, whom she named "Big Ben" and has been by her side for years, with her to the hospital.
"It's funny that a toddler can decide what/who they love and are passionate about.. #7 kid through and through," added her mom, Jenn.
Please keep this Lil Fan in your thoughts and prayers! Mar 04, 2013
|
|
Starting off right!603 viewsThis little guy, Sheamus Michael Garren, is kept warm by dad's Terrible Towel. Mar 04, 2013
|
|
In memory of a special young fan1159 viewsConnor Williams, age 11, who passed away December 30, 2012.
This was one of the last photos taken of Connor, wearing his Big Ben "bumblebee" jersey during a family holiday skiing trip. He decided to decorate himself with the leftover holiday package ribbons!
You can read Connor's story, as told by his father, Patrick, here:
http://bigben7.com/in-memory-of-a-young-fan/
Feb 27, 2013
|
|
In memory of a special young fan807 viewsConnor Williams, age 11, who passed away December 30, 2012.
The photo above is part of the tribute to Connor at his school.
Poem, written by his father:
A Father's Pride
By Patrick Williams
You were a source of great pride-
A beautiful little boy- both out and inside.
Compassionate & witty, with intelligence to burn.
Coming home and talking with you is something for which I yearn.
For those conversations with you and your nimble mind
Were something that I found extremely divine.
You could morph from being a little kid at play
To talking about the serious issues of the day.
Your gregarious nature and wit made you a perfect cohost
And your presence at parties is among things I will miss most.
Singing, laughing and running the margarita machine,
While talking to folks, exhibiting a brightness so keen.
I was proud when I watched you win the spelling bee,
Spelling "perseverance" quite easily.
I was prouder still by how you treated your opponent.
You ignored the accolades and became his greatest proponent.
For young Jacob looked sad and dejected
And you made sure his feelings were not neglected.
Some victors' tendencies are to taunt and mock,
But, instead, you went to your foe and gave a pep talk.
You indicated that he should not be ashamed
As Mrs. Hall indicated that you both deserved acclaim.
You told him it had been the longest spell off in the history of East School
And that he should be proud and not feel like a fool.
I came home that night and said I was proud of you
For winning the bee but for how you treated Jacob, too.
And you looked at me as if I had grown two heads,
Like doing any different would fill you with dread.
You told me Jacob was your good friend,
And you felt conflicted when the bee came to an end.
For your friend looked dejected and sad,
So you talked to him because you didn't want him to feel bad.
And you got elected to student council last year,
Even though, when you ran, you told me your fears.
You were frightened that you might not get elected,
So I was afraid I would come home to find you dejected.
But I came home to find you happy as a lark,
So happy to succeed that you glowed with an inner spark.
Unlike most ten year olds, you actually had a platform,
But I came to find your real motive was the free popcorn.
And, as always, you got straight "A's"-
That brilliant mind never ceased to amaze.
You helped your sister and looked out for her, the best that you could-
You were a great big brother, that is well understood.
And, this year, you started at Welty Middle School.
You quickly adapted, being nobody's fool.
And, even though you were the youngest in your class,
You stood up to a bully- tactfully letting him know he was a jackass.
He called you nerd and other such names,
And you ignored him, as his efforts were lame,
But, finally, you decided that you'd had enough,
And you weren't going to put up with any more of his guff.
So you looked up at this man-child-three years older and a half foot taller than you,
And you stared up at him with those beautiful baby blues.
You told him that you, indeed, might be a nerd
But that he might want to be seen and not heard.
For, one day, he would be shoveling poop from the sewers you designed,
And, therefore, he might want to be a little more kind.
And, oh, to watch as a fly on the wall,
And see the man-child stammer at the thought of it all.
And, Connor, there are so many other stories
That show your wit, compassion & brilliance- a glimpse of future glory,
But, unfortunately, your life was cut far too short,
And there will be no more stories to report.
And I put your sister to bed each night,
Knowing that things will never again be quite right.
And I think of you and my heart fills with pride,
Then often I cry, as I am wounded inside.
But I always will be proud of the boy you had become-
A brilliant little boy who was compassionate & fun.
And I will forever miss your company,
Until, one day, on the other side, we can again be family.
You can read Connor's story, as told by his father, Patrick, here:
http://bigben7.com/in-memory-of-a-young-fan/
Feb 27, 2013
|
|
February 23, 2013 - Chris Tomlin "Burning Lights Tour" Concert1136 viewsJustin Bendik and his sister, Emily, met Ben at the concert held at Consol Energy Center.
"I am a HUGE fan and both the concert & meeting Ben were amazing experiences!" -- Emily
*Thank you Emily and Justin!Feb 24, 2013
|
|
February 23, 2013 - Chris Tomlin "Burning Lights Tour" Concert852 viewsBrianna Thomas and her father, Dale, pose with Ben at the concert at Consol Energy Center.
"It was great seeing Big Ben and his family at the Chris Tomlin concert worshiping God!" -- Brianna
*Thank you to the Thomas Family!Feb 24, 2013
|
|
February 23, 2013 - Chris Tomlin "Burning Lights Tour" Concert4813 views"Chris, you’re the man!" -– Ben, with a photo taken from their vantage point at the Energy Center.Feb 24, 2013
|
|
February 23, 2013 - Chris Tomlin "Burning Lights Tour" Concert3962 views"Giant beach balls released into the crowd for the finale." -– Ben
*Click on any photo to see a larger version!Feb 24, 2013
|
|
