Hello everyone ... I am so sorry it has been so long since I have been able to get on here and write to you all I feel so bad about it...but I am back and I want to let yo all know a little about what has been going on in my life.
As some of you may know the family member that was sick in my family was my grandfather. Well, he passed away on Sat. morning. It is very tough for our family because we are so close. He was a great man and I know he is the reason my father is such a great man, and it is why I strive to be a great man so I can make them all so proud of me.
He was 83 years old and lived a great life he lived through and fought in a world war, made it through a depression, and saw so much else in his life time that most of us will never see or ever want to see. He was married to my grandmother for over 60 yrs and I have never seen two people so more in love then them. They were still holding hands and kissing at the age of 80.
It was tough for me because I am the only grandson in the family and grandpa was a great athlete, so he came to a lot of my games ever since I was a little kid, it hurts a lot because he never got to see a Steelers game live, but I guess at least now he has the best seat in the house for the rest of my career.
It was tough for me because the last funeral I went to was my mothers when I was 8, so I am not used to these kinds of things, but it meant so much to have all the support from friends and family and other players, and all the prayers.
I guess that's enough venting for now. It feels better to talk to you all about this because I have to be the rock for this family and when I can let it out sometimes it helps so thank you all for
your support and prayers and I look forward to talking again soon.
I am dedicating this season to my grandfather Ken Carl Roethlisberger. I love you.
Ben,
Im sorry to hear about your grandfather. It sounds like he a wonderful man and that he and your grandmother were very much in love, that is so wonderful. I know its hard losing someone you love, I lost my father and grandparents at a young age and it was hard for me, but it also makes me feel good knowing that i ahve all of them watching over me each and every day, and that even though they are not with me that they are always in my heart. Your grandfather is at rest now, and even though it hurts, at every game from now on he will be on your shoulder watching with the best seat in the house, and he will be with GOD helping you and all of your family each and every day. I know you want to be strong for him but still let it out too, its not good to hold it in. There is a saying that goes dont be sad that Im gone be happy for my life. Ok Ben you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. take care and GOD Bless
Posted by: Michele | June 29, 2005 at 10:02 AM
Its good to hear from you again! I am really sorry about the lose of your grandpa! I am thankful to have not losted anyone in my family that I am close to so I don't know how that feels yet! But I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers! God Bless you!
Posted by: Beth | June 29, 2005 at 10:19 AM
Ben,
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. I just lost mine about a month ago. It was hard for me too but then I know that he lived a good life and is in a much better place. I know your grandfather is just the same. It's hard to be the rock, i know because I have to be the rock most of the time in my family. But you also have to let it out too. Thank You for sharing with us. I hope it made you feel somewhat better. God Bless You!
Posted by: Becky | June 29, 2005 at 10:31 AM
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. My prayers and condolences are with you and your family.
Posted by: Jenn | June 29, 2005 at 10:35 AM
Ben,
I have never posted a comment on your site before, but just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I lost my grandfather in late March and I know what you mean about not knowing exactly how to deal with it. He was our first loss since before I was born ( almost 26 years) so I moved back to New York from Pittsburgh to be with and help out my loved ones. My sympathies to you and your family. By the sounds of it, you guys sound much like mine so you will help each other to get through. That's the best part of a close knit family.
Best of luck in the upcoming season! Be safe and try to stay healthy.
Your New York fan,
Meghann
Posted by: Meghann | June 29, 2005 at 10:46 AM
Ben,
So sorry to hear about your grandfather. I am about to loose my grandmother as well, and it's good to hear someone that I look up to being strong about a similar situation. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
And thank you for being open to us, your fans. That means alot to me and I assume most of the people who ready your blogs. Well, God bless you and be strong with him.
thanks again Ben,
and let Jerome know that I named my dog (Bettis) after him. I would love to send him a picture of her (thats right, its a girl dog) but I know that would be tough
Joshua Sisler
Posted by: Phisler | June 29, 2005 at 10:52 AM
Hello Ben,
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. But I'm sure it feels good to know that he lived such a great long life. I lost my mom when I was in high school, so I know what you mean. I just put it this way, God made you extra stronger to deal with somehting like that.
Take Care!
Go Steelers,
Kelsey
Posted by: Kelsey | June 29, 2005 at 12:27 PM
Ben- I am soo sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my grandfather back in December. He meant alot to me even though we always fight about football. Me being a steelers fan he would call me a pittsburgh steel-head and he was a patriot fan and i would call him a patri-idiot (ha ha). I only hope the best for you and your family. Just remember that he is in a better place and he isnt in any pain (one of my good friends has to keep remining me that now every so often when I start thinking of my grandpa).I also understand what its like to be the rock of the family, because I am that too, even though I am only 16 and the middle child of 3 alot of people in my family just seem to come to me for comfort. Like you my grandpa never saw me play basketball and now I know he can finally see me play and your grandfather can finally see you play, I know he would be proud. Ben you and you family are in my prayers during this hard time.
Love,
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Pienkoski | June 29, 2005 at 12:30 PM
Ben,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at such a tough time. Its very hard to have to be the "rock" of the family. But you deserve to grieve in whatever way is best for you. There isnt much I can say that will make the pain go away but Im glad to listen whenever you need to vent.
Posted by: Nicole | June 29, 2005 at 12:33 PM
Ben,
Sorry to hear about your Grandfather, I never knew either of mine because I was too young. Focus on the good parts of your Grand Dad and live your life as he would. Keep your chin up as best as you can and my wife and I are praying for you and your family.
God Bless You!
Matt
Posted by: Matt | June 29, 2005 at 01:30 PM
BEN!!
All this time I've been sitting here (and I'm sure I'm not alone in this) whining about the fact that you haven't updated your blog in over a month ~ and here you are, struggling with a major loss in your life!! I am so sorry. I am sorry for your loss, and I am sorry for being selfish. We are all proud of you for being the rock that your family needs, even though it's not easy. Keep your head up - and we really look forward to seeing you on the field soon.
Posted by: Megan | June 29, 2005 at 02:16 PM
Dear Ben,
I already said this in a comment on your last blog, but I'm so sorry about your grandfather. All of my grandparents have passed away so I unfortunately can relate. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. It was nice to see you play golf in person at the Mario Lemieux tournament, and I'm so glad that you came back to the blog and posted your feelings to us. Your true fans really do appreciate all you do. You just confirm, again and again, why so many people cherish, admire, and want to know you. God bless you and your family. Please tell Zeus I said hello. :0) Marissa Reed and Forrest Smith
Posted by: Marissa Reed | June 29, 2005 at 03:11 PM
Hey Ben~ I'm very sorry to here about your loss. You are very blessed to have had strong male figure in your life. Boys need their fathers and grandfathers to grow as good men themselves. Keep on pointing to the sky!
GOD, family, country, Pittsburgh Steelers!!!
Rikki
Lewis Center, Ohio
Posted by: rikki | June 29, 2005 at 03:29 PM
Hey Ben!
I am glad to hear from you again. I am deeply sorry for your loss and it's good to know that your fans can be here for you. You are a very strong person and I admire you so much for that. Your a great man and I am sure your family is proud. Not only your family, but I know you make me proud to be a Pittsburgher! lol. My prayers go out to you and your family. Your a great role model for people of all ages. May God Bless you and your family. I hope you have a great day!
Love,
Samantha
Posted by: Samantha C. | June 29, 2005 at 03:40 PM
Ben ,
I am sooooooo sorry to hear about your grandfather.For a month I have been complaining about you not writing... and I feel horrible. I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry to hear about your loss , and you and your family our in my prayers.*
Posted by: Lauren | June 29, 2005 at 03:41 PM
Hey Ben,
I'm so sry to hear about your grandfather. I can tell by how nice you and your father seem that I know he was very nice also. Saturday eve. My best guy friends mother past away. She had been fighting malinoma cancer for the past three years. She was only 41 years. She left behind two sons (16 and 18) and her husband, Please keep them in your prays. I shall pray for your family. WEll I would type more but i just got back from the funeral and am tired. May God bless you and your family in these tough times. Good Luck with Training camp this year I know you'll do great!
Rachel
P.S. I plan on comming to training camp in August. I hope to meet you :)
Posted by: Rachel | June 29, 2005 at 03:47 PM
Hey Ben
Even when we have "time to prepare", the heart and mind never really are ready to say goodbye. Like you, I really wasn't used to it until my mid-20's (I'm now 30).
My grandmother is the last grandparent, 90, and has Alzheimer's, so I know what you're going thru. Use this time to strengthen family relationships; esp. w/your remaining grandparent(s).
On that note, while it's good that you're the rock for the family, don't be afraid to let it all out. The next several weeks, months, etc, will be an emotional roller-coaster. Know that you and your family have the love, support, and prayers of your friends and fans. While most of us aren't there for you in person, we're here for you on the blog and forum. We'll be your "sounding board" when you need it.
Above all, remember the same fella who you trust as Lord and Savior has it all under control. Among other things, He can heal the hurt and pain. Just continue to trust Him, and He'll take care of ALL your needs.
Wishing you God's blessings and comfort,
Rick
Posted by: Rick Diamond | June 29, 2005 at 03:59 PM
Ben,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are for you and your family.
I had the pleasure of meeting you and getting my picture taken with you at Andrews Cycle in Salem, OH. You have impressed me so much on how you handle everything on and off the field.
Thank you for giving us Steelers fans something to look forward too!
God Bless,
Sylvia
Alliance, OH
Posted by: Sylvia | June 29, 2005 at 04:14 PM
hi ben it is so good to hear from u again i just wish it was under better circumstances. i lost my grandmother when i was 6 and she was my last remaining grandparent and we were very close as well and it still hurts eventhough that was 20 years ago. just remember all of the good memories that you and your granfather had together and that should help to get you through this very diffiult time. my prayers are with you and your family. i am truly sorry for your loss, just know that all of your fans are here for you and whenever you need an ear or a shoulder to lean or cry on feel comfort that we are all here for you. may god continue to bless you and keep you and your family. and remember as long as you have GOD on your side you can't lose.
Posted by: DENISE | June 29, 2005 at 04:21 PM
hi ben it is so good to hear from u again i just wish it was under better circumstances. i lost my grandmother when i was 6 and she was my last remaining grandparent and we were very close as well and it still hurts eventhough that was 20 years ago. just remember all of the good memories that you and your granfather had together and that should help to get you through this very diffiult time. my prayers are with you and your family. i am truly sorry for your loss, just know that all of your fans are here for you and whenever you need an ear or a shoulder to lean or cry on feel comfort that we are all here for you. may god continue to bless you and keep you and your family. and remember as long as you have GOD on your side you can't lose.
Posted by: DENISE | June 29, 2005 at 04:21 PM
Hi Ben,
I cant tell you how sorry we are to hear about your Grandpa passing. My Grandma passed a few years back and it still gets to me. She was amazing. I am from a large Italian family and she would have dinners every Sunday. That kept us all close. Now that shes gone nobody wants to take the time to do it anymore i guess they are all busy. Family is so important I wish more people would realize that because in the end thats all you have.
He will be at all of your games now and to see you through your life. You will always have a guardian angel on your shoulder.
Its great to hear that your grandparents were so in love. What an inspiration.
I admire you so much for your strenght and how down to earth you are. There are not many people out there that carry the morals values and spirit that you do. God bless you Ben and your whole family.
God bless
Gina
Posted by: Gina | June 29, 2005 at 04:25 PM
Hey Ben,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. My grandfather died in 1998 and we were very close. I never lost someone that close to me until then. So it really opened my eyes to life. But on a different note. I was in Ohio for my cousins graduation from college. I was up there for about a week. I came back on the Sunday the 19th. Now I think it was route 70 that was closed. So my aunt and I were in traffic for a while. Then out of no where we see a BMW next to us. So we (my aunt and I) were trying to figure out who it could be. Between that time we saw the passenger window role half way down( I don't know who he was though) .But we still couldn't see who was driving. She guessed that it was a Steeler because we saw the backwards hat (LOL) * I think that is a trademark* but anyways... After about 5 minutes the back window was down. Since we were nosey and wanted to see who was in it. We tried not to be obvious, but I don't think we did a good job at that. Then when I looked into the car ..I saw YOU. Just to let you know, that was definetly the highlight of my day! You must of got out of the traffic REAL quick because, after we got out . We saw you parked on the side of the road. I wanted to stop , but we were pressed for time. Well.. I just had to share that story with ya :) Hey , you might just remember it!
ps.Make sure that you keep your head up through all the hard times. Even though you may feel like giving up. Stay grounded and focused. Because, we don't call you "BIG BEN" for nothing baby boy ;)
<3 Jessica
Posted by: *~*Jessica | June 29, 2005 at 04:59 PM
Hi Ben,
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. I know how you are feeling. I lost my grandmother it will be a year July 1st I miss her alot. I always tell everyone she is my guardian angel. She was very special to me and always will be. So hang in there and don't try too hard to be such a great person, because you already are a great person.
xoxo Brandy
Posted by: Brandy | June 29, 2005 at 05:52 PM
I'm back again.. I had a question that I forgot to ask the last time. I live in Penn Hills and some people that I know are always telling me that they see you in Homewood? Now I don't know if it's true. But I was wondering why you would be down there? (LOL) Make sure your CAREFUL though and stay SAFE
<3 Jessica
Posted by: *~*Jessica | June 29, 2005 at 06:00 PM
I'm back again.. I had a question that I forgot to ask the last time. I live in Penn Hills and some people that I know are always telling me that they see you in Homewood? Now I don't know if it's true. But I was wondering why you would be down there? (LOL) Make sure your CAREFUL though and stay SAFE
<3 Jessica
Posted by: *~*Jessica | June 29, 2005 at 06:00 PM