Binka is Traveling to Germany NOW ... She'll See Ben TONIGHT!

[Binka]

Hi Everyone,

I have Good News to share!

We got information late yesterday afternoon that Ben was on a plane heading from Balad, Iraq to Germany and was due to arrive at 7:15pm.


With that news, I was able to finally make flight arrangements for Binka, got the tickets, and as I am writing this, she is heading off to Germany and will be by Ben's side tonight, holding him so tight and close, with so much Love which is beyond what words can describe. We share with you the Love, Peace and Joy knowing that he is alive and will be alright. We want to Thank Each and Every One here on DU for you thoughtful prayers, thoughts and concerns! You have no idea what that has and does mean to us. You have helped ease the pain and burden of this very sad and difficult situation. Before Binka left this morning, I printed out the responses to Binka's original post, and the Beautiful and Thoughtful Post for the Lighting of candles and prayers for Ben... she will be sharing them with Ben later this week. I am sure that he will be so touched to know that there is so much Love, well wishes and prayers from our extended family at DU!

For the Du'ers in Germany who would like to get in touch with Binka, please PM me or send a private email to [e-mail], and we can share contact info... she'll be arriving this afternoon at 16:25 and the Marines have provided an escort to take her to Ben. They also are making housing arrangements for her, Major H has been a guardian angel for our family!


Sorry I am all over the place here, but I want you to know that as soon as Ben landed, a Sgt. dialed our Number and we spoke to Ben... I sounded the best that he sounded in 2 days, and he was so overjoyed to know that Mary would be by his side tonight! The Good Vibes and Prayers are Working, please keep Ben and Binka in your thoughts!

That is all for now, I promise to write more as I get more information about his situation.


PEACE & LOVE To You ALL!!!!
Ray, Mary, Ben, and Peyton

[NMDemDist2]

1. thanks for the update, kicked and nominated. so glad he's sounding

better and that she's on her way to his side.

[blueknight]

3. im glad to hear this!

i have been out of town the last couple days with no computer access. you all have been on my mind. so glad to hear things are looking up! peace, blueknight

[Binka]

79. *** An Update From Binka .. She has seen Ben ***

Hi Again,

Sorry I'm going to have to be brief... I just spend 20 minutes writing you wonderful friends and family at DU an update about Ben and was just about to post when my line went down and I lost the post. As Binka would say AAARRRRGGGHHhhhhhhh ... Along with a few other choice words!

Mary got to see Ben. He was getting out of recover from a 5 hour surgery to clean up his wounds. Mary said they were more sever than she initially thought or at least was visualizing. Ben's Right Leg is heavily damaged, extremely swollen, bandaged from Toe to Hip... His Left Leg was damaged as well, but not as bad. Ben's Left Arm was worse than anticipated, with an indication that his elbow has a piece of bone missing. Mary will talk to the doctors tomorrow and I will be able to provide more details.

Ben was describing the ambush, and it was horiffic... his buddy was killed on the spot, and another buddy had his leg blown off... he is upstairs in the ICU.

Mary was there to comfort Ben, and he let everyone know that she was coming today! There is more that I will share tomorrow, have to catch a few Z's now...

Thank you all again for your Comforting Thoughts, Prayers, Energies, Candles, and Vibes! We all feel the Love, Peace and Kindness!

To All our DU Family, have a Good Night!

Peace and Love,
Ray, Mary, Ben and Peyton

[me b zola]

82. I am glad that Binka made it there and is with Ben now,

It will be good for both of them in this difficult healing process to be together.

My prayer candle remains lit on the mantle. Many prayers, kind thoughts, and much healing energy are being sent to Ben and your entire family.

:grouphug:

[soup]

85. Thank you so much for letting us know.

You all remain in my thoughts, and I continue to send best wishes for Ben's recovery.

[hippywife]

87. I'm so sorry for all that Ben and your

family are having to go through. I am so glad Binka can be there with him. I'm sure that will give a huge boost to the healing process.

Prayers for continued good news and prognosis!

[IN-dem]

88. YaY!!!! Binka made it to Ben

The best news I have heard all day. :)

[Alamom]

92. Thank you. Prayers and love sent your way.

[July]

93. Keeping all of you in my thoughts.

So sorry your Ben had to live through this. It must be a comfort to him to have Mary with him.

Rest, stay strong.

[ultraist]

95. O..M...G...

I'm glad Binka was able to see Ben and she is there, with her son, but that sounds horrible. Those poor soldiers. :cry:

Wishing a speedy recovery for Ben!

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

96. In my thoughts. Thanks for the update.

[WillyT]

99. Thank You For The Update... Our Family's Thoughts Are With Yours...

Hoping for a speedy recovery, and a safe trip home.

:grouphug:

[Taxloss]

101. It's good to know that he's safe.

As for what happened to him and his unit - what a shocking waste.

[highplainsdem]

105. Thanks for the update. More prayers coming your way.

[spuddonna]

110. I'm so happy that Binka is there with Ben...

... but I'm so sad that he, these other brave soldiers, and their families are going through this. :cry:

I hope Ben's recovery is as pain free as possible. We're all praying for him and his buddies! Love and peace to you guys! :grouphug:

[Andromeda]

113. I'm so happy Ben is going to make it....

This is wonderful news. I know he's probably in a lot of pain, both emotional and physical because he's been through such trauma. Nobody is ever really prepared to deal with this kind of experience.

He is lucky he has the love of your family and all of his friends on DU and everywhere else.

Love and Peace,
Andromeda

[Tsiyu]

117. Kick and a thanks

for keeping us posted

So sad, but he is alive, and that means your family will be together hopefully for many. many years to come.

:patriot:

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

2. Morning tears of happiness for all of you! Sending continued love and

light and healing thoughts! Thank you so much for the update!

[cry baby]

24. and I thought I was being silly, crying with happiness...

glad to know I'm not the only one!!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

40. Not silly at all!!! I am sure we were not the only ones. Starting to cry

again thinking about it.
:hug:

[Sapphire Blue]

68. Tears of joy here, too!

... and :grouphug: to Ray, Mary, Ben, and Peyton!

[rateyes]

4. Great news!

Thanks for updating us. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

[bigbrother05]

5. Good news

thoughts and prayers are with your family.

[MaineDem]

6. Fantastic!

Hopes and prayers for a joyful reunion and a swift recovery.

[Tesibria]

7. thank you SO much

for the update! Will continue with good thots and prayers and all that stuff .. please keep us posted!

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. That's wonderful news! Send my best to Binka and Ben

I hope he's home soon! :hug:

[shadowknows69]

9. Excellent news

the Shadow family's prayers are with you all.

[Ioo]

10. Have a mother by your side is the best care of all.

I hope that Ben will be okay, and I will say a prayer for Binka and all those that find themselfs far away from home.

[cry baby]

11. Sweet relief, I'm sure, to talk to him! Thank goodness he is better

and Binka is on her way. Just can't imagin what it must have been like in your house this past week or so...

My prayers are with you and your family. I hope he can come home soon, away from all that misery.

[DoYouEverWonder]

12. Well at least the worst is over

One good thing I suppose, at least Ben isn't in Iraq anymore and he's alive.

Love and prayers to all of you. Hang in there.

[ClayZ]

13. Yay, this is ~ GREAT NEWS~

Thank GOODNESS! Thanks for the update. Keeping candles lit, here!

O8) O8) O8) O8) O8) :grouphug: O8) O8) O8) O8) O8)

:kick:

[Tsiyu]

14. Wonderful news

Let's keep it kicked, DU.

"Mother and child reunion" sounds sweet to me!

:hug:

[H2O Man]

15. Great news!

Thank you!

[AirmensMom]

16. Great news!

Thanks for the update. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

:grouphug:

[July]

17. Great news, happy she will see him soon!

Just a few more hours.

May I ask where in Germany Ben will be?

I'm so glad Ben knows he will see his mother tonight. We'll be keeping all of you in our thoughts, Ben especially, of course.

Stay strong. Peace and love to all of you, too.

[meganmonkey]

18. Thanks for the update and the kind words

We are all here for your family if you need anything
I'll continue to pray for Ben's recovery and for your family.

:grouphug:

[MadisonProgressive]

19. Aw, you made me verklempt again!

Such a great story. Please keep us posted. Best wishes to Binka and Ben!!

[deadparrot]

20. Yay! Awesome news!

I'm so glad to hear that Ben's sounding better. Good luck and much love to your whole family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. :)

[BlueIris]

21. I am sending good vibes; hope your good news keeps coming. nt

[Cults4Bush]

22. My first post of the day and Im sure it will be the best for a long to

time to come.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful news.

Thank Binka for coming her to share this sadness with us, it helps us as a community as well. She is one heckuva a Mom, and I am proud that she and you are here on DU with us. Damn proud....

Lots of love and compassion to your whole family from my whole family,

jason

[cmd]

23. Thank you

Information about Ben is the first thing I look for when I turn on the computer. So glad to hear that he is getting stronger. Thanks again. cmd

[democrank]

25. What wonderful news.

This visit will probably help Ben out a lot. Keep us posted.

[flygal]

26. Oh thank God!

So glad to hear Ben will have his mother soon - oh my God it's so sad what you guys have been through. I will be thinking about your family and looking for news on Ben - take care!

[Ilsa]

27. Fabulous! I am so glad she'll be there in a matter of hours.

Those hugs make all the difference inthe world in recovery, too. I hope they'll be home lickety-split.

[latebloomer]

28. So happy to hear that!

What a wonderful reunion! Love and continued healing to Ben.

[Lisa0825]

29. I'm so glad he's going to be OK, and she will be with him!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[deutsey]

30. How is Ben?

[qanda]

31. Wonderful news

I am so happy that he will be alright. I know having the love and presence of family is so important. I wish you guys all the best.

[Generic Other]

32. Keeping my fingers crossed for Ben's rapid recovery

Glad that Binka could be with him.

[malmapus]

33. Great news indeed!

Here's to Ben's recovery and the strengh for your family to get you through this time.

[Just Me]

34. (((BIG HUG)))

,...and a tear of joy,...

Thank you so much for letting us know what's happening. We have been terribly worried about all of you.

Light & Peace to you - Ray, Mary, Ben and Peyton! :hug:

[ultraist]

35. Indeed, that IS good news!!!

Thanks for letting us know.

:grouphug:

[OhioChick]

36. Great News.......

My thoughts and prayers are with Ben, Binka and the family.

:grouphug:

Thanks for posting. :)

[swimboy]

37. Awesome news! I'm so happy he is out of Iraq and with his mother!

I will be thinking of you all.

[DistressedAmerican]

38. Fantastic. Thanks For Keeping Folks Up To Date.

I have been thinking non-stop about you guys!

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

39. I had to check in this AM to see how

Ben, Binka and family were doing. Positive thoughts, white light and zen are being beamed your way.

[merh]

41. Such wonderful news. So glad to read this wonderful news

this morning. My prayers and positive energies go out to you all. I, too, know what they can do to help make a bad situation better. Thank you both for your generosity and concern for me. The support and love from DUers is a tremendous resource, such a healing tool. :hug: :loveya:

[wellstone_democrat]

42. Thank you so much---its now the first thing I do

in the morning: look for any news about Ben and your family. At this difficult time we do thank you all so much for keeping us in the circle of family and friends although we are really thousands of strangers. Ben has become, to many of us, *the* individual we "know" on the front lines and his injuries and your family's ordeal touched us deeply.

We will all continue to light candles, send prayers and good wishes and offer whatever spiritual or material aid that all of you need at this terrible time. It was a real joy to check this a.m. before leaving for my office and see that he continues to mend and that Binka is on her way. I hope soon to hear that he's coming home to you---for *good*!

all the best,
W_D and family

[Coexist]

43. I am so glad -

and I wish Ben a speedy and full recovery.

[Cha]

44. Great News!

I'm so happy for all of you!

[G_j]

45. that is good

have a safe trip and we are visualising Ben returning to home and family soon!

[knitter4democracy]

46. Good news!

Just let us all know if you need anything. We're all pretty resourceful here. ;)

[myrna minx]

47. A (((((((BIG HUG))))))))) to your whole family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. :hug:

[peekaloo]

48. Good thoughts to you and your family .

:hug:

[Blue Diadem]

49. Tears of joy, knowing Binka will be with Ben

Thank you for the good news.

My prayers and good thoughts will continue for Ben's recovery.

Hugs to your family! :grouphug:

[stanwyck]

50. Please give your Ben

our love and support. Your family is in our thoughts constantly. Keep us informed.
This is such a relief to know he's sounding well and is receiving excellent care.
We can stop holding our breath now.

[spuddonna]

51. Thanks so much for the update! :)

:) Peace and love to you all! :hug:

[Straight Shooter]

52. Great news.

Binka's arms must be all tingling, waiting for that feeling of holding her son in her arms and knowing he's alive and will soon be all right. There's nothing like being in the loving arms of your family to heal a wounded soldier.

:hug:

[sonias]

53. I am so happy for Binka and Ben

Family love is very healing especially if delivered in person. Wishing the whole family love and healing.
:hug:

Sonia

[ohtransplant]

54. More thoughts and prayers

for a full recovery and safe return.

[Career Prole]

55. Excellent!

Thanks for that good bit of news! Love and prayers to all your family.
:woohoo:

[lavendermist]

56. Great news!

You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.:hug:

[Hell Hath No Fury]

57. That is great news!!!

I was thinking about Ben and your family this morning as I was getting ready for work, and it struck me that this could be a blessing in disguise. It's my hope for you that this incident is enough to keep Ben from ever returning to Iraq or Afghanistan. Yes, there can be a time when there is a need for Americans to step up and protect the country, but, sadly, this is not one of them.

Not one more American life for this travesty of a "war". Not one.

[thinkingwoman]

58. My thoughts and prayers

remain with your family.

Thanks for updating.

[gulfcoastliberal]

59. Thank god!

What a relief to know he is out of that hellhole and starting down the road to recovery! My best wishes to Ben and family.

[flyarm]

60. wonderful!!!!!!!!!! thank god Ben is in germany ...and binka will be with

him...may he heal well and complete...and may his momma get some well deserved peace...just being with her Ben...

bless you all ( her family) ...and bless Ben and keep him safe...

i will continue to light a candle each night until he returns and is healed at home!

fly

[madrchsod]

61. great news!

no that`s fantastic news.....
i hate to pat ourselves on the back but it seems we are a pretty good bunch of people who stand behind a wounded soldier and his mom.
i can`t wait for the next update.

[Raksha]

62. Thank you for the update.

With so much bad news that it threatens to become overwhelming at times, a ray of light like this is much needed for all of us.

[babylonsister]

63. Blessings to you and yours; I'm so very glad

Binka will be by Ben's side, for him and for her! Thanks for sharing the good news with us, and your whole family will continue to be in my thoughts.

[nadinbrzezinski]

64. Thanks for shairing

He will be fine when all is said and done

[Daphne08]

65. Wonderful news!

Thank you for posting.

[Pool Hall Ace]

66. Wonderful news

Wishing Ben a speedy recovery. :grouphug:

[cally]

67. I'm so glad

that Binka gets to be with Ben soon and that he is doing better. Many hugs to all of you and thanks so much for the good news.

[Stephanie]

69. Thanks for keeping us posted!

Please let us know when you hear more - we're all rooting for Ben!

[SeattleGirl]

70. Excellent!!

I'm so glad Binka is finally able to see Ben!! :loveya:

[pacalo]

71. Thank you for the update!

I'm grateful to know that Ben will recover! I will continue to pray for Ben & his family.

[GreenPartyVoter]

72. Thanks for the update. Sending out prayers and vibes of good will now.

[MADem]

73. Ray, that is wonderful, thank you so much for letting us know

We've been worried for you guys. Hopefully she will be able to stay as long as needed. Let us know Ben's status, if you have time with all you must be going through, how long he will be in hospital and how much recovery he will have to do.

It would be great if they could move him to NAVHOSP NASSIG for part of that, if his care level permits. Nothing like being right near the family to speed healing.

Thanks again for keeping us up to speed. PEACE AND LOVE backatcha!

[Gelliebeans]

74. Big hugs

for the family and especially to Ben. They have friends around the world. :) :hug:

[npincus]

75. I'm so happy to hear your news and wish you all the best

and a speedy recovery for Ben, with a one-way ticket home.

[hiley]

76. Wonderful news

peace

:patriot:

[tblue37]

77. Does she know the nature of his wounds?

I am hoping they will keep him from ever being sent back, but that he won't end up being permanently harmed or physically incapacitated.

[sepia_steel]

78. Yay!!! Glad to hear it!

Lotsa love, Binka and Ben and Family.

[goclark]

80. Prayers Continue for You ! nt

[roguevalley]

81. I am so glad to hear this. Hugs to all of you in the face of this horror.

[donheld]

83. Best of luck to all of you

I hope it's not as bad as it sounds.

[spooked]

84. I hope everything's ok Binka

I'm sure that your son will begin healing in ernest after he sees his loving mom.

[daleo]

86. Good luck, sorry I missed this the other day.

[Olney Blue]

89. I'm so happy to hear that Ben sounds stronger.

Thank you for the post. My heart goes out to Binka and her family.


:loveya:

[FreedomAngel82]

90. I'm glad to hear!

I hope he can come home soon and be with his family again. :hug: to you all!

[Dinger]

91. Beautiful . . .

Made me cry, with joy, for the good news. Thank you!!

:hug:

[bemildred]

94. Go with God. nt

[bonito]

97. Peace to your family

:-)

[ismnotwasm]

98. awesome!

I'm so glad. This is great news

[lildreamer316]

100. So glad

to hear that she is with him!!! Please pass on our hugs and much love.
The Killian Family
Lildreamer316, hubby, and 22 month old babydreamer!

[barbtries]

102. best wishes

when i read your son had been injured in the war i burst into tears. this goddamned war. i am so happy for you that your boy will be ok.
barbara

[mcscajun]

103. Thanks so much for sharing this news.

I was just going to inquire this evening as to the latest news, and here it is!

That's just fantastic.

:hug:

[lyonn]

104. Sooo glad to hear that his wounds sound mendable!!

Darn, sounds like he was too close to serious sh*t, and knowing one of our brave didn't make it and another with very serious injuries. Damn this war. Bless them all.

[ArnoldLayne]

106. Thoughts and many prayers for you Binka

[symbolman]

107. Our family

sends all it's healing thoughts to your family, you've done so much for so many, but mostly for standing up and speaking truth to power with GUSTO..

I hope that Peyton is not too freaked out, hard to explain to little ones, but she'll get used to new situations, I remember I could hardly wait for my BIG brother to come back from the military, bet she feels the same.

Hopefully Ben is going to have someone to talk to about this, he's been through something most humans have trouble rationalizing for the rest of their lives, having been drafted myself during the Vietnam Era, having cousins (the ones that came back) who acted a whole lot different when they returned, and me not attending High School Reunions because of the attrition rate of my fellow Seniors during that war period, which made the ratio of women to men there too much of a reminder of that period and who was Gone for good..

It affects you in so many ways, once you've seen the horror you have to somehow deal with it.

If he's lucky, he'll be like some of my pals that Set that part of their life aside, another reality, sort of forget about it and have a good rest of their lives..

Let's hope he doesn't even have a limp, and is able to conquer those horrible moments in his mind, but that he's considered unfit for return duty for the duration of this madness..

ALL of our hugs and love to you all in the Binka family, we OWE YOU, you are one of us, and we are One with YOU.

[Historic NY]

108. My hope for a speedy recovery...........for Ben & his buddies.

[Bumblebee]

109. Since it's Yom Kippur, have to say it in Hebrew: Mazel Tov!

[Oversea Visitor]

111. n/t

:grouphug:

[fooj]

112. That's wonderful news!

More positive vibes coming your way........O8)

Peace.

[ngGale]

114. Thanks for the update....

Sending best wishes your way.

:grouphug:

[BamaBecky]

115. his buddy was killed on the spot

he will have emotional wounds to heal also...

this war is criminal....

it must stop....

it has to stop.....

Bama

[AnotherMother4Peace]

116. Ben & your family will be in my thoughts & prayers today

If he gets over here to Balboa Hospital in San Diego, let us know. I would love to bring him care packages. & if its cigars he likes - my hubby has some of the best - & Ben will be welcome to them. My sons are about his age, & we will do anything to make his recovery easier. Take care.