Binka - please post Ben updates here

[helderheid]

I'm afraid they'll get lost in other threads and I want to know how you are. My prayers have been with you.

[Mnemosyne]

1. Has Binka been back since earlier?

I feel so badly for her. I'm just glad she spoke with Ben.
Thanks for this thread. Bookmarking it to check back in a.m.

[helderheid]

3. I'm right there with you. I know nothing - just hanging on and remembering

what it was like when I spent nights in Children's Primary with my daughter who had bacterial menengitus - luck of the draw and not based on lies.

She is fine thank God.

I hate Ben was put in harms way for lies.

And I pray he'll be okay too.

[Mnemosyne]

6. And maybe it is a way out of there for him, just

praying hard he isn't damaged too badly.

* argggghhh!

[helderheid]

7. had that thought too

Another vet SAFE

[Mnemosyne]

9. w8liftinglady's son

was injured also and he is safe now she says. Thank the Universe for each blessing!

[me b zola]

19. Oh no, I hadn't heard

I've been so concerned, I hope his injuries are not serious.

[Mnemosyne]

25. She says not, I was relieved to hear! n/t

[cassiepriam]

29. He is conscious and safe in Germany? Thank God.

I am sending a prayer every day.

[Mnemosyne]

80. Prayers are always good energy. He is safe. n/t

[knitter4democracy]

55. I hadn't heard that!

I made him a helmet liner. I really hope he's okay. :scared:

Edit: I offered to make one, but she decided to ask her mom to do it. It was stanwyk's son I made one for. I am supposed to make one for Binka's son but am waiting for word on how he's doing. I'll make him something else if he's coming home. :hug:

[Mnemosyne]

79. She says he's okay, not serious. n/t

[Tsiyu]

2. Perhaps someone will link here if she posts

I have a candle lit for Ben, and my heart is hoping for the best but still breaking some more.

This whole war seems so hopeless and I feel so helpless to stop this senseless hell...but I know we have to stop it somehow.

[roguevalley]

4. I hope she's on her way to Germany. There is nothing like being

there. Not being there allows fear to eat you alive. Take care, Binka. We are praying for you and yours.

[helderheid]

5. I so agree

I hope she's there

[Mnemosyne]

8. Thanks for the reminder, another candle is lit for them. n/t

[Catch22Dem]

10. Sorry to change the subject on ya, but

What's the C-SPAN pic in your sig all about?

[helderheid]

11. thought she looked like the church lady

[Catch22Dem]

23. You're right, she does

I wonder why she's plugging her ears. Perhaps someone's trying to tell her the truth about *. ;)

[Kingshakabobo]

36. Randi Rhodes is telling her the truth about bush...it's on crooksandliars

[Binka]

12. No Word Yet

It is 7AM in the morning here. I have been awake and reading my initial Ben post and crying hard for the past hour. Thanks and love to each and every beautiful soul that sent prayers and hope.

For those who offered monetary assistance Ray and I do not need any financial help to get to Germany. We are in Italy and have plenty of resources. But the offers are wonderful and we are very touched.

I have not slept much and I am a bit overwhelmed so my posts might be foggy. I will be contacting the admin at Sigonella this morning. Thanks to all who provided much needed information. I am going back to bed. I will post again when we have word on Ben.

LOVE LOVE LOVE to all DUers. You so rock and I am so fortunate to call you my friends.

[phusion]

13. Binka

Have a safe journey and know that you and Ben and your family are all in our thoughts.

:grouphug:

[alittlelark]

14. I am sooo happy to see you back here

Foggy realities are normal - keep up w/ your rest. I wish you the best of the best of the best.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

15. Binka, take care of yourself

and I hope you get to see Ben soon. My heart has just been aching all day over this, but I am sending my prayers to you , your family, and especially to Ben for his recovery.

:hug:

[Sydnie]

16. Please know that you are in our thoughts - I hope that you arrive

in Germany to find that things are better than imagined. Get some rest and please do keep us informed when you can.

Have a safe journey and give Ben our love! :hug:

[bunny planet]

17. More hopeful prayers for your family.

:hug:

[democrank]

21. Thinking of you, Binka.

Take good care.

[helderheid]

24. Glad you're on your way - try to get as much rest as you can and know

we are ALL thinking about you and your family and hoping for the absolute best outcome! Much love to you and your family!

[blm]

44. Rest at every opportunity and know that you're in our hearts.

.

[FreedomAngel82]

71. I'm glad to hear

Hope he's doing okay though and not in too much pain. :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

18. kick. n/t

[fooj]

20. Just wanted you to know that Ben's candle will be burning

throughout the night. Prayers, hope and much love to you and yours.

O8)

[OhioChick]

22. You and Your Family

are in my thoughts and prayers.

:grouphug:

[newyawker99]

26. kick

:kick:

[Fridays Child]

27. Kicking back to page one

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. kick

[Bozita]

30. Thanks for starting this thread. The other one was too big.

DUers on dial-up were effectively shut out.

[Binka]

31. Ben Is Still In Baghdad

After waiting all day and calling 100 different people in Germany we found out this evening Benjamin is still in the hospital in Iraq. He is heavily medicated but I spoke with him for 12 minutes tonight.

He sounds awful but we are so lucky he is ALIVE! I'm shaking all over and just want him out of that hell hole. We still do not know the extent of his wounds. But he said he is "pretty banged up."

Can't write much now but THANK YOU and LOVE to all my friends here on the best community EVER! I am so overwhelmed by the support.:hug:

[Poiuyt]

32. That's good news

The fact that you were able to talk with him a few days after the incident is good news. With each passing day, his body will be healing itself.

We are all thinking of you!

[Blue_In_AK]

33. Binka, my wish for you is that your son gets to come home...

...soon and never has to go back. You and yours continue to be in my thoughts.

[leftchick]

34. thank God Binka!

:hug:

[ultraist]

35. Thank you for the update

I woke up thinking about you,Binka and your son, Ben. :hug: I'm a mom too, my heart goes out to you. I'm so glad to hear you were able to talk with him.

Hoping Ben gets out of that hell hole, soon!!!

[spuddonna]

37. I'm so glad you heard from Ben!

:hug: We're praying for his recovery, and for all the soldiers in his group... We're praying for you and Ray, too!

I hope they'll transfer him out to Germany soon...

:grouphug:

[texpatriot2004]

38. I am glad you found him and got to speak with him. Love & Light.

God Bless you all at this time.

[Straight Shooter]

39. So good to hear from you, Binka

12 minutes of conversation means Ben did not suffer major head injury and is going to be all right, safe and sound and back home soon, where he belongs.

:hug:

[truebrit71]

40. It is great that you got to talk to him...

Keep your chin up!

You and your family are in my thoughts.

[helderheid]

42. Thanks for the update - it's GREAT news you were able to talk that long!

Thanks for keeping us posted - sending positive vibes your way!

[deadparrot]

43. Thanks for taking the time to update, Binka.

Thank god he's alive. That's the most important thing. Hopefully, they'll get him to a more stable location soon.

:hug:

Best of luck. My thoughts and prayers are with Ben and your family.

[in_cog_ni_to]

45. What a relief to know you have talked to him

and he's OK! I hope he comes home SOON! :hug:

[Tsiyu]

47. Move it to the top for Ben and his buddies

and for Binka.

:patriot:

[Crunchy Frog]

48. I'm glad you got to talk to him.

I hope you are able to see him soon, and that he can get out of Iraq for good. Prayers for both of you.

[cally]

49. That's great news

that he's able to talk and be somewhat coherent. It's also good that he wasn't first priority to Germany because it probably means it's not life threatening. I hope so. I'm trying to see the bright side but I do recognize how horrible this is for you. Again sending many prayers and good wishes to you and your family. If you need anything, please let me know.

[nadinbrzezinski]

51. take care he should recover

[Rex]

53. I hope he gets to come home to you.

Hang in there, everyone here supports you and can't wait to hear good news about Ben.

[AirmensMom]

54. Thanks for the update, Binka.

We have a candle burning for you and are praying for Ben's recovery.

:hug:

[knitter4democracy]

56. That poor young man.

I'm so very glad you got to talk with him. May he be surrounded with a thousand guardian angels who guide the doctors' hands, the nurses' hands, and the hearts of everyone who touches him.

[Cha]

57. That's sooo Good to

hear, Binka! :hug: Our thoughts and Best Wishes are with you and your son, Ben, and his friends, for sure!

I'm very glad you got to talk to him..that must have been like the best phone call in the world!

[lostnfound]

58. Been thinking about you and him all day today. Thanks for the update

Glad you got to talk to him. It's going to be okay.

[Dinger]

60. Thank You Binka

I'm so glad you had a chance to talk. That is indeed good news. :)

[Mutley]

81. I'm so glad he is okay!

I hope he can get home ASAP! :hug:

[merh]

86. Still sending out those prayers for Ben and you and yours.

(((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

[Solly Mack]

99. Glad you heard from him!

My thoughts are with you and yours.

[PatriotMom]

41. kick and hoping all is ok will watch for updates, Peace and Hope

[MN ChimpH8R]

46. Great to hear that you spoke with him.

I hope this means he will be OK - it is certainly a good sign.

:hug: :grouphug:

[Arugula Latte]

50. We're all pulling for you and your family.

I hope you get to see Ben soon!

[livvy]

52. Thanks for posting this thread, and thanks for the update, Binka.

I have thought about you and Ben on and off all day. I was really crabby today, and I couldn't figure out why, because I'm not a crabby person. About half way through the day I realized it was because of this happening to your son, and knowing how distressed you are feeling, and how much I hate this "war" that has caused so many so much pain. I know you don't know me, I'm not a big poster, but I have read many of your posts, and I can't stand the thought of one of my "DU family" being hurt so badly.
Anyway, my evening candle is lit for you and Ben. I hope he recovers quickly and comes home as soon as possible. Take care.
livvy

[lavendermist]

59. Binka, my thoughts and prayers are with you.....

and Ben. Take care of yourself, too.

Beverly

[ngGale]

61. Binka.....

sending love and prayer's your way...:grouphug:

[helderheid]

62. kick and hope we'll hear some good news soon!

[AnotherMother4Peace]

63. Binka, your son Ben has been in my thoughts & prayers all day

and tonight I have a candle burning for him, & a tear in my eye for your family's pain. Please take care.

[Binka]

64. Waiting For Word...... I'm Packing For Germany

Ray is going to stay here in Sicily with Peyton. This would be way too much for her. I have never left her overnight before. Big Daddy Ray will do just fine I'm sure.

I just so badly want to hold Benjamin. Then he can come home and join us in a goofy shot like this.

[wtmusic]

65. Ben is in Germany now?

If he's made the move from Baghdad that seems like good news.

Keep us posted. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you and your son. :thumbsup:

[Binka]

67. No He Is Still In Iraq

I am waiting for word. The Major keeping me apprised of the situation will be calling sometime this afternoon. Looks like Ben will go tonight or tomorrow morning.

Fingers crossed and tears a flowing I'm just waiting to go!

[wtmusic]

68. As a father who can only imagine

what you're going through (with crossed fingers and tears flowing) all I can think of is that I didn't do enough to try to stop this war. I tell myself I did all I could, but in reality I didn't.

Goddammit.

[knitter4democracy]

85. I feel that way, too.

I also feel almost helpless, in that we have a government that doesn't listen to the people and keeps going in a bad direction no matter what.

:cry: Binka, you are such a strong, amazing woman. May you be blessed with a healed and healthy son after all this is through.

[IN-dem]

70. Travel safe...and think good thoughts. My thoughts are with you & Ben

[nomatrix]

74. Binka, may you all stay safe until you are together again

I am pleased the Major is in contact with you. You'll be in my thoughts also.

Edit for spelling

[nadinbrzezinski]

75. You'll be soon with him

:hug:

[nadinbrzezinski]

66. take care and remember

we are all wtih you

[spuddonna]

69. I hope he's in your arms very, very soon, Binka...

Have a safe trip. We're praying for all of you!
:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

72. Sounds like your close to getting to see Ben

I'm so glad, and am continuing to send prayers and good thoughts to you, Ben, and the rest of your beautiful (if somewhat goofy) family!

Thanks for the update. You are never far from my thoughts.

O8)

[helderheid]

84. thanks for keeping us posted - what a beautiful (and goofy) family you

have! I'm sure having you close will be wonderful medicine for Ben!

[Missy Vixen]

106. Binka

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially Ben.

Please give him a hug for us.

Julie (and DH)

[ngGale]

73. A kick for Binka and Ben...

:grouphug: ...

[tavalon]

76. kick to the top

for Ben and Binka and family.

[fleabert]

77. Kick...keeping it on the front page til the next update!

your heart in our hands until you are both strong again...:hug:

[PatriotMom]

78. kick and watching the updates, hang in there, lots of concern here.

[latebloomer]

82. Love and healing thoughts to Ben and you all

May he heal and thrive and never go back to that nightmare!

[Sydnie]

83. Kicking back to the top n/t

[Binka]

87. Ben Is En Route To Germany Now

He will land some time this evening. I am flying out of Catania tomorrow morning and it is a bit less than a 5 hour trip. I hope I will be staying at the Fisher house on the base. It is for families of Afghanistan and Iraq war wounded. Any DUer who is in Germany and near Landstuhl and would like to visit us please pm me your phone information or email Ray at [e-mail] and leave it with him. I am not taking a laptop and I am not sure if I will have computer access there.

The Medical Center website is
http://www.landstuhl.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/

Continue to pray, shine light, dance in your underpants, or any myriad ways you send strength. I LOVE all of you! Hang on Benjamin Elliot, Mama is on her way to Germany and I have a whole bunch of Cuban cigars for ya honey!

Ben's Momma & Sister Peyton



Chimpy McHorseButt's MommaNag

[Sydnie]

88. That is great news! I hope when you get there that he is well on

the mend! "Dancing in my underwear" with good, healing vibes for Ben! :)

[Straight Shooter]

89. Here comes the sun, and I say

It's all right :)



Shining a little light on you and Ben and your awesome family.

[Binka]

90. Thanks Everybody! I Am Baking Zucchini Bread For Him Now

He needs to get his strength up! Poor guy lots of surgeries and rehab ahead.....but he is HERE! He is breathing...he is ALIVE! When I did not know his condition I thought I was going to die of a massive anxiety grief meltdown. Worst days of my life and that is saying something because I have seen some VERY dark days in my life.

Back to the kitchen. :hug: To DU!

[myrna minx]

91. We are all here for you, Binka.

:hug: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. :hug:

[soup]

93. Homebaked zucchini bread and mom hugs.

ain't nothing better.

Thank you so much for keeping us informed. Cried, worried and prayed for your son almost as if he were my own. So relieved you will finally be able to see each other.

Continuing to send healing prayers and hopes for a full recovery.
:hug:

[spuddonna]

95. This is such good news!

Let us know if there is anything we can do, and if there is anyway we can send get well packages/msgs to Ben and his fellow soldiers in Germany!

Lots of hugs and love to you all! :hug:

[deadparrot]

96. We're all so, so happy to hear that, Binka.

Hopefully he'll never have to go back to that hellhole again.

Here's hoping he'll be back with his family where he belongs ASAP. :)

[bigbrother05]

92. This is great news, will contact husband to see if you need anything

moral support, or just to vent. Our prayers are with you. Be strong.

[nadinbrzezinski]

94. This is great

and if he should end up at Balboa let me know, I am not kidding

Anything we can do

[Binka]

97. Thanks My Sis Lives In SD And She Is A Nurse!

I'm gonna push for them to get Ben to Balboa because Maureen could really help him. I have a cuban cigar and some kick ass Sicilian Nero D'Avolo wine for the Marine Liaison Major Holmberg. It should do the trick! Thanks for all your support. BTW my family is Navy my Dad is a retired Cmdr. In a former life in a galaxy far far away I was married to an F-14 pilot.

Now I have my lovely Polish dude who wouldn't know a F-14 from a fire truck! :loveya:

[helderheid]

100. huge hugs to you!!

[demobabe]

102. Good luck, Binka!

Will keep the prayers coming, and hope for a speedy and good recovery for Ben! You being there for him will make all the difference in the world. :)

[nadinbrzezinski]

103. Well if yuo do

I am here, and my sis is now a civie dietitian at Balboa, she hates do to in patient, but hey

As I said, if you do and I hope you do... at the very least we can take you out for diner, and even Ben... if and when they allow him.

[AirmensMom]

104. Good luck, Binka!

Candles are still lit ... thinking about you!

:hug:

[Tsiyu]

107. Just kicking cuz it's the only thread I found.

:kick:

[ourbluenation]

115. God Speed to you Binka - go get your boy outta there!

"I have a cuban cigar and some kick ass Sicilian Nero D'Avolo wine"

Ben - your mom is smart gal...my prayers are with you all.

[ewagner]

101. Good luck Binka

We're thinking about you and Ben here in "the Heartland".

:hug:

[flygal]

117. Take care Binka

I'm in Germany but not close to where you'll be. I wish I could help - sorry you have to be away from your daughter. Good luck on your trip and much love to your son and the rest of your family.

[Ilsa]

98. I don't know how I missed this thread yesterday as I was

looking for updates on Ben. Glad things are moving along so you can go see him. He's been in my thoughts and prayers since Saturday.

:grouphug:

Please keep us up to date on everything going on and how we can help.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

105. I've been worried about him and you

all day, Binka. As a mother, I understand what you have been going through for the past day. It sounds like he will recover but I hope he is not sent back there - I wish the same for all of our children

[fujiyama]

108. I hope your son makes it through ok

You and your family are in our thoughts.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

109. A loving Kick for Ben...

and you Binka.

Much love and hugs

:hug:

[uppityperson]

110. Hope you are doing OK Binka, Ben and family

I haven't been DUing much recently, came on to find this and sending positive wishes your way. With love, uppity

[lonestarnot]

111. lighted candles... praying for your safe return tonight.

[BlueIris]

112. Good luck to Binka and son.

I think about you guys a lot.

[me b zola]

113. My candle is still burning for Ben--and for you, Binka

My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes are with Ben, you, and your entire family.

[roguevalley]

114. the mercy flight crews are awesome. they treat the kids like they

were their children. they suffer with them. he can't be in better hands.

[ninkasi]

116. Binka, love and prayers

to you, Ben, Peyton, and all of your family. I am truly sorry for the agony you are suffering now. When my children were your Ben's age, I couldn't sleep until I knew they were safely home. I know, they lived at home til they were in their twenties, but the mothering instinct never goes away.

[BlueIris]

118. Kick.

Continued good thoughts for Binka and Ben.

[BlueIris]

119. And one more time. nt

[Beaverhausen]

120. we got an update today

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x5039726