Our nephew Ben Steadman passed away peacefully this morning in the arms of his mother and father, a little after 7:00am. At six years old he was one of the most sensitive, charming, and courageous people I’ve ever had the chance to know.
We’ll be spending time with our family over the next few days. We’ll post information about the memorial service as soon as we know more.
Update: A memorial service and reception for Ben will be held at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont on Tuesday, April 4th at 2:00pm in the afternoon. The viewing starts at 12:30pm. All are welcome. Please check here or on the Steadman family blog for more detailed information in the coming days.
Update: Dean posted details about the memorial service.
March 29th, 2006
Yesterday morning Dean called me to say that things looked pretty bad for Ben, and that we should consider coming over soon to say goodbye. Before we could get ourselves moving, however, my aunt Peg called to say that the nurses thought things were a little too hectic at the house and that all the congregated family were going to leave to give Ben and Dean and Melinda some peace — could they come over and hang out at our house?
We were sorry to not be able to see Ben, but happy to be able to open our doors and provide a refuge for my aunt and my cousins. We had some lunch and talked a little about our fears for Ben and his parents. But after a few hours with no news folks decided to retire to their own homes, to their own personal waiting.
Debbie had promised to make a pot roast for Dean and Melinda, and later in the evening I took the food over to their house, unannounced. They welcomed me into their darkened livingroom where Ben and some of the rest of the family were lying on the couch, everyone listening to the silence and warmth.
Ben lay quiet and motionless, asleep. I hugged Dean, and kissed Ben on the cheek with a whispered goodbye to a boy who’s taught us so much about courage in the short time he’s been with us.
We will miss you Ben.
March 29th, 2006