6/21/01 12:28 AM
Name
: Mary E. Rice
E-Mail
Address : LilMer88@aol.com
Comments
: It has been a while since we've seen your face or heard your voice, but it
seems just like yesterday when we got the call that you were gone. Almost
everyday Larken and I will be talking and somehow or in someway your name will
come up. We miss you now and love you always.
1/11/01
6:46:24 PM
Name
: alex staton
E-Mail
Address : bzzqb15@aol.com
Comments
: well there really isnt much i can say that i didnt already in the other
book but i do want to say that we will all miss u ben and everything uve
done.
1/6/01 9:43:31
PM
Name
: Tamara
E-Mail
Address : bratangel2006@aol.com
Comments
: Hey I didnt know Ben really well but he was friends with my friends he
was a great person so i was told we miss u ben
1/6/01 9:41:07
PM
Name
: Classified
E-Mail
Address : Classified
Comments
: Hey I didn't really know Ben well but my friends did and from what I
heard he was a nice boy. How a life of a nice boy can be taken but I know
any live can be taken it doesnt matter if u are nice or mean but Ben was
a great person and he will never ever ever ever ever ever be forgotten
Ben we miss you and think of u always
12/26/00
11:00:48 AM
Name
: Traci Keen
E-Mail
Address : tRaCi024@excite.com
Comments
: At first I didn't quite understand and I still don't entirely but I've
come to accept that there are always going to be things that I wish I had
said or done. I try and picture Ben as an old man sometimes and it just
makes me laugh; what would he do if he couldn't run around. That thought
always gives me some solace because as Mr. White put it perfectly Ben was
an "Athlete Dying Young." Well I love you Ben, and although there are things
left unsaid and undone I know you forgive.
Love
Always,
traci
Keen
11/3/00 6:30:37 AM
Name
: Heather
E-Mail
Address : JUSPLAYIN129@cs.com
Comments
: Well sweetie it's been over a year now that you've been gone, and we
all miss you just as much now as we did then! There was so much left unsaid
and so many things left undone, but it makes everything easier just knowing
you're in a better place watching over us all! Life has def. thrown me
some curve balls this past year and I want to thank you for being there
and listening (even if you didn't want to :))! There is a special niece
of mine you need to make sure God takes special care of these next several
months and a little someone I'm expecting that I might need some guidance
on! I Wish you could be here! I miss you sweets! Don't cause too much trouble
up there! I'll see you in my dreams and see you when I get there! I Love
you!
10/23/00
9:58:21 PM
Name
: Ben Martin
E-Mail
Address : Btm001@bridgewater.edu
Comments
: Hey man, it's been a long year. You meant so much to soo many people.
I think about you a lot, and I know your up there watching out for me.
I know it was through you and God that we won our state championship. I'm
sorry you had to leave so soon, but I'm sure you are giving the greats
in baseball a run for their money and a good laugh. I miss you man.
10/23/00
1:22:28 AM
Name
: Gideon Hale
E-Mail
Address : HaleGJ@3fssg.usmc.mil
Comments
: Ben, I'll never forget you man. I'll never forget the legion baseball
trips. You were not only a great ball player but also an awesome person.
I feel privileged to have become friends with you. You mean so much to
not only me but to a lot of people. We miss you and love you man, Gideon
10/21/00
6:09:20 PM
Name
: Kristen Burton
E-Mail
Address : krburton@vt.edu
Comments
: Ben- I miss you. What more can I say? We all do. Not a day goes by that
I don't think of you and how much I miss you. There are so many things
that could be said, and that I want to say to you. But I know that you
are watching after me and making sure all of us are doing ok. Sometimes
life just gets really hard, but I know that no matter what happens, your
memory is what will keep all of us going. It's been a year and the pain
is still there for all of us. Your memory keeps me strong and sometimes
it just helps to get away and sit by myself and talk to you because I know
you are listening. It's been a very rough road for all of us, but we know
that you are in a better place and that you're gonna be waiting for all
of us when we get up there. Until then, I'll always keep your memory alive
and will never forget you Ben! God Bless Sweets!
Love,
Kristen*
10/18/00
9:17:04 PM
Name
: Dana Woody
E-Mail
Address : outtaherein2001@aol.com
Comments
: Ben,
I cannot
believe that it has been a year. It seems like just yesterday I was handing
you a water bottle and saying "good job". You always had a encouraging
word to say and always made me laugh with your gorgeous smile. I miss you
so much but I know you are happy up there. You will always have a special
place in my heart. I love you "BIG BEN" Until then... XOXOXO
LOVE,
DANA
10/18/00
9:15:14 PM
Name
: Missy Davenport
E-Mail
Address : Mdavenpo@vt.edu
Comments
: Ben~ A year ago we lost you unexpectedly, and even today it seems unreal.
Not a day has gone by since then that I haven't thought of you or in some
way been reminded of you. You taught us a lesson that we will carry through
life. You deeply impacted so many people's lives and will continue to do
so. Thank you so much for all the memories. Keep watching over us and keep
us safe. Until we meet again........I miss you and love you!
10/18/00
12:49:41 AM
Name
: Allison Moser
E-Mail
Address : Alysun2000@aol.com
Comments
: Well Ben, it's been a year already. It's so hard to believe you're really
gone. I just don't understand why you had to go so soon. But you're in
a better place now. It seems just like yesterday that I "kidnapped" you
and Jeremy and you were helping me study for my exams. We have some good
memories don't we? Can't forget our 4-some :) You were a great friend and
always knew how to make me laugh. Not a day goes by that I don't think
of you. I'm glad I have all those good times to look back on. You will
be in my heart forever. I love you and I will see you one day.
10/18/00
12:19:03 AM
Name
: Jennifer Richardson
E-Mail
Address : Ginfur2000@aol.com
Comments
: Well, it's been a year today since you left us Ben. I woke up this morning
the same as i woke up last October 17th, in disbelief and an empty feeling
in my stomach. I bet you never knew just how many people loved you. I hadn't
talked to you since you graduated, but you were still in my thoughts and
now I know that you always will be. It's amazing how someone can come into
your life, even if its just for one summer, and touch it forever. Who would
have ever imagined that it would have ended this way? I can't help but
question God on why he took you. I know that He has His reasons though
and I'm sure that they are the same reasons as the ones we have for wanting
you back. Allison and I always talk about all of our memories of hanging
out with you and Jeremy. You could make me laugh, I think you could even
make me yell, but now the fact that you're gone makes me cry. But I just
have to tell myself that you are happier and in such a much better place
now. I'll always get a little down though when I hear a song that you use
to attempt to sing :) or when I see a mustang or when I go somewhere that
I went with you. You'll be in my heart forever. Well, I love ya and I'll
see you one day.
10/17/00
3:10:12 AM
Name
: Brian Crawford
E-Mail
Address : Capnnore@aol.com
Comments
: What can I say Ben? I still haven't gone through one day without at least
one thought of you since that night. It is now within an hour or so of
being one year since your death. I sometimes try to make myself believe
that these thoughts shouldn't cross my mind everyday, but you were my boy
you know? People never forget about their peoples right? I know you're
probably up there right now laughing cause tears are coming out of my eyes
right now, telling me to quit being a pud, but I can't ya know. I can't
let the past go. I realize that memories are all you've got when it's all
said and done with in life, and I can't feel bad for feeling this way either.
This is life huh? I never knew God could throw as big of a curveball as
you until one year ago. Since then, so many things have changed. At first
I constantly questioned God, even screamed at God, but I am just now starting
to realize that this is the way things have to be, and there's nothing
I can do to change the past. Even though I am accepting what happened,
I've searched for peace inside and I just can't find it because I feel
like a piece of my heart is missing, and it sucks man. I can't and probably
will never get over it, but the only thing that comforts me in the slightest
is knowing you're in a better place now. See you when I get there................
10/14/00
3:24:32 PM
Name
: Jessica Beck
E-Mail
Address : PiTcHnBeE13@aol.com
Comments
: I didn't know Ben at all. But I do know that he was an awesome baseball
player and my brother used to watch him play at the baseball games and
I know he wants to be like him. Ben's death touched all of us in a special
way. It made us realize what happens when you drink and drive. My thoughts
and prayers go out to Ben's family and friends. I'm sorry for your loss.
And Ben, I'm sorry I couldn't meet you down here, but I'll c ya up there
one day. I'll BEE there to watch you hit a homerun over heaven's gates.
10/10/00
10:43:54 PM
Name
: Derek VandeWater
E-Mail
Address : DDAWG3414@aol.com
Comments
: Ben, what can i say. I still miss you buddy. I want to thank you for
being there for me every night that i pray. I hope that those special prayers
that I ask you ever night will come true. I can already see some of them
beginning to come true. I know your up there looking out for all of us.
No matter what anybody says to me, I still do not feel like it is real.
However we keep happy by thinking of all the good times we shared with
one of our favorite people. You!! You know you have that special place
in my heart. I know we will all be together again playing that special
game up there with you, but until then buddy, know that i love you and
will always miss you. Derek VandeWater #14
10/10/00
12:57:05 PM
Name
: Gary Straw
E-Mail
Address : strawgl@jmu.edu
Comments
: What's up buddy? Ben, everyone's been thinking about you a lot lately.
We all miss you very much. Gene just called me last night and we talked
about you for a little while. BH and I talk about you a lot up here at
JMU, too. Man, it's hard to believe it's been a year already. The memories
of us playing football and baseball together at Brookville are still just
as clear as the day you left us. Hey man, we even dedicated a few games
to you this year on the football field. I miss all of us getting together
after the games. We had a lot of fun, Ben. If you can, look out after us--your
Dad especially. He really misses you a lot. You've left a lasting imprint
in all of our lives. Love you Ben...see you one day again on the field...
Gary,
#39
10/10/00
12:48:48 AM
Name
: Randy Haithcock
E-Mail
Address : Erndog10@aol.com
Comments
: What's up Ben!! I just want you to know that a day doesn't go by that
you don't cross my mind at some time or another. You have taught me how
fragile life is and that i have to live everyday to its fullest because
you don't know when the last will be. I hope you are doing good playing
with all the greats because if i am going to be your agent when i get there
i want the best. but i am sure being the best wont be a problem for you
it never has been. you are the man and i miss you very much. i love ya
dawg---randy
10/7/00
1:36:08 AM
Name
: Matt Creasey
E-Mail
Address : Creasey_MG@hornet.Lynchburg.edu
Comments
: Ben.....Hey buddy, how ya doin man, Your probably up there having so
much fun, and we're down here just missing you man, and praying for the
day when we high-five one another after a great play to end that inning,
we're once again playing on the field together. I still think back to those
nites, when one another encouraged the other to do something stupid and
dangerous, but no we never got hurt, and most of the time we never got
caught, but almost 1 year to the day you left us we still think of that
nite when you so bravely left us, and changed our lives forever.......Everyday
I get a lil stronger, believing more and more each day that I will see
in the long run, in better form then ever Before. I feel you everyday right
beside me, stride for stride with me, watching my path wherever it may
go. I will always think of the good times during those daily moments that
I spend thinking of you and daydreaming that we are doin our thing like
we always did. I Love you so much man.........
10/6/00
2:51:22 PM
Name
: Ken Maddox
E-Mail
Address : Sigart50@aol.com
Comments
: A day never goes by that I don't hear my voice say, "Why did my son have
to die, or Ben, why did you have to die?" The pain is terrible and so are
the dreams. For all of you great people who continue to leave things on
Ben's grave, thank you, you touch the pain with a warm feeling. He was
my life's best work, and living without him is difficult to the highest
extreme. Many of you have been kind to me and it does help. If you know
me and see me somewhere, please come up to me and introduce yourself and
say hi. I might get a tear in my eye, but it helps. Thanks for remembering
my son.
10/2/00
1:13:37 AM
Name
: Danny Lopaze
E-Mail
Address : DLOPAZE25@aol.com
Comments
:
WERE
ALL GONNA MISS HIM-
AND
WE'LL KEEP HIM IN MIND-
I STILL
FEEL LIKE I CAN SEE HIM-
I GUESS
GOD THOUGHT IT WAS HIS TIME-
SO HE
HAD TO LEAVE US-
TAKING
UP ALL THOSE CRAZY DARES-
AND
THE GOOD LORD KNOW'S WE'LL ALWAYS-
KEEP HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS-
I FELT
A RAGING BURN INSIDE-
WHEN
I HEARD THE NEWS THAT DAY-
I JUST
THOUGHT ABOUT GOOD TIMES-
AND
PLANS WE COULDN'T MAKE-
LORD,
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TAKE HIM-
IT JUST
DOESN'T SEEM FAIR-
SEEMED
LIKE HE NEVER CAUGHT A BREAK-
THAT
WILL BE KEPT IN THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS-
I WON'T FORGET THE TIME HE TOOK CARE OF ME-
AND
I HAVE HIM TO THANK-
NO ONE
ELSE TOOK CARE OF ME-
WHEN
I STAYED OUT TOO LATE AND DRANK-
HE CARRIED
ME HOME FROM GOING OUT-
AND
SHOWED ME HE TRULY CARED-
HE WATCHED
OVER ME LIKE HE DOES NOW-
KEEPING ME IN HIS THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS-
NOW ALL WE HAVE IS STORIES-
JUST
TALKING ABOUT HIS CRAZY WAYS-
MAYBE
THINGS WOULD'VE BEEN DIFFERENT-
IF WE
HAD MADE HIM STAY-
I GUESS
THE MAN UP STAIRS KNOW'S BEST-
BY TAKING
HIM UP THERE-
I STILL
CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT-
BUT
HE WILL HAVE TO REMAIN IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!
BEN,
I LOVE YOU DAWG AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! I HAVE THAT POEM ABOVE MY
BED, I WROTE LAST YEAR RIGHT AFTER EVERYTHING HAPPENED. ROBBIE AND I ARE
COMING DOWN TO LYNCHBURG TO VISIT YOU PRETTY SOON. GEENO AND I ARE PLAYING
BALL TOGETHER THIS SUMMER UP BY MY HOUSE, WATCH OVER US BABY, I KNOW YOUWILL...
LOVE
YOU BEN!
LOPE
10/2/00
12:54:07 AM
Name
: Danny Lopaze
E-Mail
Address : DLOPAZE25@aol.com
Comments
: Ben, I can't believe it was around this time last year that you left
us...just doesn't seem right brotha. I wanna thank you for watching over
the rest of the guys and myself last year, I know you were right there
with us. I never got to write this last year so here I go...
10/1/00
11:02:52 PM
Name
: Amy Loflin
E-Mail
Address : loflinab@jmu.edu
Comments
: Ben, I miss you so much and I can't believe a year has already passed
since the night of the accident. Of course we all will carry that sadness
and loss with us throughout our lives whenever we think of the tragic way
in which you were taken from us. But with the passing year, I have come
to accept what has happened, and this tragedy has taught me to not take
anything or anyone for granted. I'm sorry that something this terrible
had to happen to make me realize how special life is, but you taught us
all so much when you were with us, so it's only naturally you are continuing
to do so now that you're gone. Thank you for the memories and I love you.
10/1/00
10:28:05 PM
Name
: Gene Yost (Geeno)
E-Mail
Address : Geeno05@aol.com
Comments
: What up pimp daddy....its been a long year and everyday some thought
goes through my head knowing your gonna show up at my door. We went through
lots of stuff man and everyday I see something we did and all I can do
is think of the good times we had. I know your having a blast man...Hope
the fields are awesome and your representing us well up there. I miss you
man.. and I'll never forget what we had..Your dawg for life
Geeno
10/1/00
10:11:30 PM
Name
: becky yost and family
E-Mail
Address : beckstir233@aol.com
Comments
: I cannot believe it has been a whole year since you have been gone..but
there is not a day that goes by that we do not think of you. We miss you
very much and pray that you are watching down and keeping an eye on everyone
(esp. geeno). You should see his addition on his arm....number 16 is on him
for life..
