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, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather sounds like he was truly a wonderful man. Even though he never got to see a Steelers game in person, I'm sure he was proud of you. And as you said, he now has the best seat in the house. I'm sure he is & was proud of the man you've become. I will continue to keep you & your family in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. Just please know that your fans love you. Thank you so much for sharing personal information about your grandfather with us. God Bless You & Your Family, Ben.
Terri
Posted by: Terri | June 30, 2005 at 12:13 PM
Ben,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My grandfather recently got out of the hospital - we were close to losing him, but he's had surgery and the doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
Again, I'll be thinking of you and your family - God bless you.
Posted by: Kristina | June 30, 2005 at 12:15 PM
Ben,
I am soooo sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. Your Grandfather sounds like he was a wonderful man. My Grandfather passed away a few years ago ON MY BIRTHDAY!! You and your family have my deepest condolences and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
GOD BLESS,
Lin
Posted by: Lin | June 30, 2005 at 01:12 PM
Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.I never knew my grandparents...they all passed away before i was born, so i dont know what if feels like to have one.You are lucky to have spent time with him, from what you wrote, he sounds like he was a wonderful person.He will always be watching over you. Best wishes and God Bless you and your family
Posted by: Tammy | June 30, 2005 at 02:19 PM
AWW... that is so sad to hear that your gradfather passed away :-( I pray for the best for your family! Now you have 2 people to point to when you throw or score a touchdown! God Bless
Jen K
Posted by: Jen Klecan | June 30, 2005 at 02:23 PM
Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. You have my deepest sympathy.
I hope your family and you will be okay I think it is sweet that you dedicated this football season to your grandfather. My family has you in our prayers.
Posted by: Allison | June 30, 2005 at 03:39 PM
Ben,
I'm so sorry about your grandfather. I understand about being the emotional support in a stressful time. When my grandfather had his heartattack, we didn't know what would happen. It took a quite a few months for him to come to recover. I fed him and sat with him when my grandmother couldn't handle it emotionally, got their groceries, anything they needed. I helped my mother and my aunts too all the while with a smile because i didn't feel i could let anyone see what a toll it was taking on me. I also, did not have a real outlet for what i was going through. This close bond made it very difficult for them when i had to move from pittburgh because i was relocated for work.
As so many have all ready posted, we're happy to listen and share experiances and are glad that you are so willing to share your experiances with us.
Wishing you peace and comfort through a difficult time,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | June 30, 2005 at 06:16 PM
It's very sad when you lose a family member and I'm very sorry about your grandfather. Just be glad you got to know him for a long time. I never knew either of my grandfathers since they passed away before I was born. I have been to many funerals including by father's at a young age like yourself. They are never easy especially when it's family. God bless you and your family.
Posted by: Sue | June 30, 2005 at 09:51 PM
Hey Ben,
I'm really sorry that ur grandfather passed away. But think of it this way: he's w/ God now. He'll b w/ u 4ever. I think it's really nice that ur dedicating ur season 2 him. Let's win 1 4 him. Well good luck in the season. I'll b watching u the whole time. Untill next next time, c ya, and God Bless!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dushyant Raichur | June 30, 2005 at 10:59 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. I will be sure to keep your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Melanie | July 01, 2005 at 12:05 AM
Ben, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My grandfather, my mother's dad, died March 7, 1998, just 5 days before my birthday, and it was really difficult for me and my family, so I understand what you're going through. I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers and hope that all of you get through this time of hardship. Just keep in mind that he's in a much better place now. Also, I think it's very honorable of you to dedicate this next season to his memory. It's obvious to see how much you looked up to him. Again, I'm sorry and I'm praying for you.
~Jaimie
Posted by: Jaimie | July 01, 2005 at 12:29 AM
Ben,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather. I know exactly how you feel. But see the thing is I'm used to funerals. but once someone that close dies it doesn't matter. take it for experience. it's hard. well, good luck. He's better off now and plus he will never miss a game or practice now. You ever need to talk just e-mail me.
*~* Stephie *~*
Posted by: Stephie | July 01, 2005 at 02:45 AM
Our condolences go out to you and your family, Ben. Our prayers are with you. And, even though I never met your grandfather, I think it's safe to see that he couldn't be prouder of who you are and what you've accomplished. Best wishes and take care.
Posted by: Mike B | July 01, 2005 at 09:13 AM
I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather's passing. It is tough to be strong for everyone, and I think it is very brave you decided to take on that position. Once again, I am very sorry to hear of your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Megan C.
Posted by: Megan | July 01, 2005 at 11:52 AM
Dear ben,
hi ben, as i read your blog , i feel soooo strange saying this but i couldnt help to cry because my mom is very sick and she doesnt have much longer to live and sooo you were saying that your family is very close and my mom and i are very close and i see her struggle everyday and it hurts sooo bad to see her like this, and top everything off our family isnt close and i can only hope one day ill see her at her best and no more hurt and your probably wondering what does my mom have , well she has anurisium ( i think i spelled it wrong )
and she is 6'1 and the doctors said that her bones are frail so everyday i help her up and down the stairs and help her put on her clothes and i can remember when she wasnt sick and didnt have all this pain and im just sooooo afraid of one day waking up and seeing that she had past on, you know when you lose someone, your never prepared for them to go, when your a child you think that your always going to have that person in life forever and unexpectantses suddenly appear and you dont want to let them go, so i do know what your going through except in my case its my Mother and i pray all the time and wondering well she be at my wedding and see my children, but i guess not. sorry if im going on and on i just dont want to let my mom go. but you are right at least you strived to be something and i know your grand father will be watching over his only grandson.
ps i know you have alot going on in your life but if you could please say a prayer her name is carol.
melissa
Posted by: melissa | July 01, 2005 at 02:20 PM
Dear Ben,
I am really sorry about your granfather. I only ever got to know one of my grandparents and I don't know what I would do without her. Funerals are really tough. I have been to 5 in the last year and I understand why you don't like them. Again, I am so sorry about your grandfather and make this your best season ever because of him!
Love ya Ben!!
Valerie
Posted by: Valerie | July 01, 2005 at 03:21 PM
Ben-
Its good to hear from you, its been a while.
Im sooooo sorry to hear about your grandfather passing away.. I know how hard funerals are. In October of 2004, my REALLY good friend Tim Parks passed away, and he had just turned 13 years old (we're the same age). He was almost like a brother to me.. I remember that funeral was the hardest thing for me to go to. I think his funeral was the first one i have been to that i can remember, becuae when my great grandmother passed away, i was maybe 4 or 5 years old... Its nice to know that they all go to a better place though...
Ill keep you and your family in my prayers...
Your Fan-
Heather from California
Posted by: Heather M. | July 01, 2005 at 04:05 PM
Ben keep your head up I'm sure your grand dad will be with you each and every day and watching from great seats on Sunday.
Wish you the best of luck on a spectacular and healthy season!
The Steeler faithful in Georgia!
Posted by: Morgan | July 01, 2005 at 05:47 PM
Ben, sorry about your grandfather I know how it feels... both of mine are dead. But ur right they get the best seats in the house. I tried to do the same as you and win the championship (for u the Super Bowl)because I knew he'd die but I made it and I screwed up and threw one to the defender (while avoiding a sack). It sucks, but next year he'll see you win the Super Bowl, and hopefully mine will see me win the championship, good luck! GO STEELERS! BOO PATRIOTS!
Posted by: Patrick | July 01, 2005 at 06:42 PM
Hi Ben,
I am so sorry for your loss. This breaks my heart! I am sorry to hear anything bad. My deepest sympathies to you and your family and you are all in my prayers. I know it hurts, but hang in there trooper. Part of loving somebody is letting go. I only say these things out of concern, as a fan who cares.
I know it's hard to be the rock, but please make sure you do let your feelings out. If you need to cry...then cry. And lean on Jesus. Let Him be your rock. These kinds of things we can't handle on our own. He is there for you.
Your grandfather sounds like a great man. He is one of our heroes. All of our veterans are heroes and thank God for people like your grandfather who fought for this country so people like us can be free. God bless them and your grandfather. I love our veterans!
As hard as it is right now, try and look at this like a celebration. Your grandfather is with our Lord in Heaven and what greater gift is there than that? I remember a church service I was at a few years ago and our pastor described it something like this.... that we should all be happy for them. They have graduated from here and have moved up. They are where we want to be! I loved that sermon. It healed my friend who lost her aunt in a tragic car accident related to drinking and driving. She was close to her so it was very hard on her. But that sermon really helped her. IMO, We live in unthinkable pain in this life on this earth and this is not what the Lord originally intended for us. So when people "move up", I do feel as though they have graduated. Your grandfather led a full life and probably has been so happy and gifted and was obviously blessed with a wonderful and talented grandson. But he was sick and now, he is no longer sick and in pain. There are no wars where is at and no depressions to go through. He is surrounded by our Lord in Heaven, angels, love, his loved ones, and so on that I can only just imagine and dream of. I believe he is even young again. And I just know you do make him proud. But now, he can enjoy himself being proud of you. He doesn't have an illness that will hold him down or hold him back. He won't miss any games of yours now for sure.
My dad has been sick for quite sometime. He has a bad heart. He is OK for now, but I know what is going to happen someday soon. But I know when that time comes, he will have no more pain and I know he would want us to celebrate. And I know when that time comes for my dad, he would not want me to be sad. He would want me to be happy for him and celebrate for him. He longs to see his mother again. She died due to breast cancer. She died when he was real young too. He barely got to know her! So I would not want to give him a reason why he would have to worry about me. I would want him to enjoy himself with his mom.
I think your grandfather would want you and your family to celebrate too. He'd have to. He has to be having a ball!
You will see your grandfather again and be with him again, as well as with your mother and all your ancestors that you will someday meet. And that life is for eternity. There will be no more pain and no more tears. And no more deaths. That is something to look forward to. We will be with our loved ones and I think that is so exciting. We will be with our Lord and our loved ones again forever. I will meet my grandparents there, I have never met them. No, I met a grandfather, but I was too young to remember him when he "moved up". But anyway, I think that is so exciting. Getting to meet them and know them.
That is why having faith is so important. Faith helps us to keep strong. It gives us hope. It's our light through the bad times and the good times. It is our strength. It's the one thing that holds us together especially through those hard times. And for now until our time has come, that is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given us. I honestly don't know what people do who don't believe because how dark their worlds must be. But I pray for them and I have compassion.
Sorry this is so long. My faith about this is so strong I could go on and on. I still didn't write down everything I wanted. I just hope these words are a little healing. I had a friend whose uncle "moved up" and that was also due to cancer and we would talk like this and it was so healing to her. So, I am just hoping it can be for you too. It is for myself as well. Just anything to make you feel better. There are brighter days. Our eternal life will be so wonderful! This here is only temporary. I think we forget that sometimes. This is only temporary.
There are brighter days ahead. FOR NOW, he does have the best seat in the house and you will continue to make him proud.
Also, please don't worry about posting to us, especially during these times of crisis. I love it when you post, but you've got to be kidding. You don't owe us anything and you certainly don't even owe us any explanations. Please don't stress yourself out and carry too much on your plate trying to make everybody happy. I would not want you to do that. I am just saying that out of concern. Even if you didn't have a crisis, if you are busy, you are busy. We understand. We are here to support you no matter what and I am glad you feel support from us because we are here for you. We love you Ben!
Much Love,
Kim
Posted by: Kim | July 02, 2005 at 12:06 AM
Hey Ben,
I'm so sorry to hear that your grandpa passed away. I know its hard but his always with you and he left you the greatest gift in the world...which is his love and all the memories that you both shared together. My deepest condolence to you and your family.
Allow yourself the freedom to grieve because its out of love for a great man. I'm sure that you just being there with your family is keeping them strong and your deep faith will bring you through. Jesus is with you always and lean on him and he will hold you up when you feel weak. Your grandpa is smiling down on you and just remember the great times and his love for your family and your grandma and you will find solace. You are so blessed to have a great relationship with your family so don't be afraid to show how you feel in front of them.
I'll keep praying for your family and I hope things will be a little brighter soon.
Love ya much!
Posted by: Samara | July 02, 2005 at 03:08 AM
Ben,
Sorry to be writing again but i had 2 tell you how sorry we are 2 hear such bad news. Remember your family is in my family's prayers.................... b4 i 4 get HAPPY 4TH BTR7!
*~Nikki7~*
Posted by: Nikki7 | July 02, 2005 at 09:36 AM
hey man sorry to hear about your grandfather. give your family my best
Posted by: slack | July 02, 2005 at 01:44 PM
hey man sorry to hear about your grandfather. give your family my best
Posted by: slack | July 02, 2005 at 01:45 PM
hey man sorry to hear about your grandfather. give your family my best
Posted by: slack | July 02, 2005 at 01:47 PM