Ben Gets Physical!

This weekend was Ben’s “break-out” weekend as far as physical activity was concerned. Here are some photos and videos:

Ben jumps down the stairs.

Ben gets tickled at the art show.

Ben is “King of the World“!

Here is Ben on the swing.

Next Ben climbs the ladder, crosses the bridge, and slides down.

Ben shows off his sprinter speed.

Ben and Uncle Vernon play on the see-saw.

Ben and Dada play on the monkey bars.

Everyone gets on the swing.

Click here for all of the pictures from this weekend.

UAB Park Picnic

I am a little behind publishing photos and video, so let’s get caught up!

Just before Ben was released from the hospital, he received a visit from Aubie. Here are some additional photos taken by one of his child life therapists (Blair):

Ben sizes up Aubie.

Ben finally gets comfortable and gives Aubie “five”.

Aubie gives Ben an autographed calendar with all of Auburn’s upcoming victories (it was very thick).

Ben and Blair pose for a picture.

Last Saturday, Ben and family attended a picnic at UAB park for organ recipients, living donors, and their families:

Ben and family enjoy some bar-be-que.

Ben makes his handprints for a quilt.

Aunt Tammy, Ben, Lana, and Blake are having a good time.

There were a lot of people there.

Can you find Ben in the crowd?

There was a lot of good music!

Later, back at the apartment:

Ben was hungry again — another chicken bites the dust!

Ben shows off his pajamas. 

The Griers having fun on the couch.

That’s all for now!

In Memoriam – Chad Lee, Jr.

Yesterday, I received an email from Courtney Hubbard. She teaches a 4th grade class at Magnolia Park Elementary School in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. I wrote about them in yesterday’s post. (Please read it first so that the remainder of this story makes sense.)

Here is what Courtney wrote in her email:

I received a phone call today from a student’s mother, and she informed me that he was killed in a car accident last night.

Chad was very into Ben’s story and sent him several items.  His mother wanted me to let you know that he had been begging her to go to the store to buy tons of things for Ben, but she told him it would mean more if he sent something of his own that he liked.  There’s an envelope in the “care package” with several Hot Wheels cars…those are from Chad.  He also drew Ben a picture.

As a teacher, sometimes we prepare children for things that we don’t understand WHY at the time.  We just happened to find Ben’s story on the Internet and email you.  We discussed organ donations and all of the benefits.

Chad’s family DONATED his organs!

God always has a plan for everything in our lives, and HE sure had a major plan for our class of fourth graders to team up with Ben and Uncle Vernon.  Chad was 10 years old, and I could not help but think of Adrianne.  I talked to Chad’s mother about her and how it would be wonderful for her to get his heart.  We did talk about her in class and go to the links you provided.

Chad’s mom and I both agree that Ben has his very own GUARDIAN ANGEL in heaven, and his name is Chad Lee, Jr. 

…

Our school and school district will do all that we can for them (Chad’s family).  You take care of Ben because I know that meant a lot to Chad.  I would love to share their (Ben and Chad) story with others.  I know that what was taught in my classroom wasn’t taught by accident.  It was all part of a much bigger plan.  I am overcome with emotion by it all.  Chad was the perfect student, and he had the biggest heart.

…

Thanks for all of your help.  With it, I have been able to introduce and prepare a classroom of fourth graders with what has happened.

We’ll be keeping up with Ben’s progress.  Please keep us posted!

Thanks so much for all your help,
Courtney

The following story was aired last night about Chad:

Brad Kessie Talks To Grieving Family Of Young Hero

Chad Lee The Lee family wanted to share its heart-wrenching story of a 10-year-old who did more with his life Tuesday night than many of us will ever do. Chad Lee, Junior was a fourth grader at Magnolia Park Elementary in Ocean Springs. His family believes he died in a traffic accident Tuesday night just like he lived — thinking of others first. Brad Kessie tells us about Chad Lee, Junior and his truly remarkable act of bravery.

Chad’s obituary can be read here.

Ben’s family grieve’s with the Lee family over the loss of their precious son. We will never forget their family’s caring, loving, and selfless act to donate Chad’s organs. If it were not for the courage of families such as Chad’s, Ben would not have received a second chance at life.

The Magic Flying Stool

Last week was spring break for Blake (Ben’s 6-year-old brother). It was the first opportunity Lana had to spend some quality time with Blake in over two months, so we took advantage of it. Blake, Lana, our cousin Tammy Cone and her son Joey, and Uncle Vernon visited the McWane Center and the Birmingham Zoo. We also watched a movie at the IMAX theatre.

We took some photos and pictures, and Blake wanted to share them with everyone.

Blake especially wanted to show everyone the “magic flying stool” at the McWane Center. If you know the secret, you can sit on the stool, flap your arms, and float up into the air like magic.

Blake tried it first, but he did not have much success.

Joey tried it next, but he didn’t do much better.

Then Uncle Vernon gave it a try, and he knew the “secret”.

If you can guess how this was done, add your comment below. Next week Blake and I will let you know who figured it out.

Here are some hints:

Making goofy faces does not help.

Joey got it half right, and half wrong.

Now for some other videos from the zoo and McWane Center:

Here is the sea lion posing for the camera.

Here is Blake next to a large rattlesnake.

Watch Blake peddle a bike across a tightrope two stories up in the air!

Blake and Joey build an arch.

Here is Joey sitting on a giant rabbit. Here is Blake on a tortoise.

Here is Tammy having a REAL bad hair day!

Blake and Joey are feeding the goldfish.

Here is Blake and Joey trying to driveoff in a truck at the zoo.

Blake and Joey are dancing in front of the big screen.

Click here to see all of the photos and videos. We had a lot of fun!

Ben’s Videos

“Thank You” message

Ben says “Howdy!”

Singing “Happy Birthday“

Singing “Cookie Monster” song

Spinning Wheel B’day gift

Ben bopping Uncle Vernon on the head

Music Video produced by Blake (Ben’s brother) & Uncle Vernon … Ben has watched and laughed at this one dozens of times … (The name of this video is Piano Man meets Pillow Fighter!)

Candle Light Birthday Celebration

The Candle Lighting in Ben’s honor was held on March 3rd, 2007.

It was a huge success!

Watch the video.