A Father's Love
I'm not sure how many of you know Ben Donnarumma, he is a dealer and a member of this site, but today is the 5th anniversary of losing his young daughter to leukemia. Many individuals have a difficult time with the holidays due to the lose of a loved one. I can't begin to imagine the pain of losing a child so young and at this time of year. Below are the words Ben shared with some friends today and they touched my heart. I thought we might all give him some words of encouragement today.
Laugh and cry
When my daughter was born and had her first view of the world and of her dad;
I laughed and I cried.
When my daughter started to crawl, started to walk and for the first time said daddy;
I laughed and I cried.
When I see pictures of her, always happy,always glowing, always knowing;
I laugh and I cry.
When I see my daughter playing in my head being silly, shouting and screaming I LOVE YOU being a beautiful little girl;
I laugh and I cry.
When I remember all the joy she brought to us and all the smiles put on faces of the people around her;
I laugh and I cry.
When I think of her every day of my life and what she means to me;
I laugh and I cry.
She makes me a better person, she makes me a better father,she makes life better and when I think of her
I laugh and I cry.
She is her with us in mind and in spirit. She is a continuous source of inspiration and when I get down and need motivationI think of her and I laugh and I cry.
She brings joy to my heart and joy to my soul.She makes me laugh every day she makes me laugh every night.
There is no greater joy than a child there is no greater heartbreak than the loss of a child but if we are wise we know there is always a tomorrow so LIVE to the fullest, LOVE to the deepest, and LAUGH the loudest;
Sophia, I love you and miss you so much.
I always think about you and I promise I will laugh the loudest......Love Daddy
From Ben to Sophia
Laugh and cry
When my daughter was born and had her first view of the world and of her dad;
I laughed and I cried.
When my daughter started to crawl, started to walk and for the first time said daddy;
I laughed and I cried.
When I see pictures of her, always happy,always glowing, always knowing;
I laugh and I cry.
When I see my daughter playing in my head being silly, shouting and screaming I LOVE YOU being a beautiful little girl;
I laugh and I cry.
When I remember all the joy she brought to us and all the smiles put on faces of the people around her;
I laugh and I cry.
When I think of her every day of my life and what she means to me;
I laugh and I cry.
She makes me a better person, she makes me a better father,she makes life better and when I think of her
I laugh and I cry.
She is her with us in mind and in spirit. She is a continuous source of inspiration and when I get down and need motivationI think of her and I laugh and I cry.
She brings joy to my heart and joy to my soul.She makes me laugh every day she makes me laugh every night.
There is no greater joy than a child there is no greater heartbreak than the loss of a child but if we are wise we know there is always a tomorrow so LIVE to the fullest, LOVE to the deepest, and LAUGH the loudest;
Sophia, I love you and miss you so much.
I always think about you and I promise I will laugh the loudest......Love Daddy
From Ben to Sophia
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Harlene Doane on -
Ben, may you be comforted and blessed many times over this holiday season.
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Permalink Reply by Brian Sheely on -
Ben, as a father of four wonderful kids, my heart goes out to you and your family. I can't begin to imagine the pain and sorrow of losing a child. I will pray that God brings peace to you. May the real spirit of Christmas be with you and your family.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Carress on
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Ben That is as beautiful as anything I have ever read. with tears in my eyes "i am so sorry for your loss" Your old freind Jeff
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Permalink Reply by Donnie Hinkle on
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Thank for sharing that. I don't know what it's like and I hope I never do. But if it does happen one day I hope I can read this again and get the same comfort that Ben gets in remembering.
Merry Christmas Everybody!
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Permalink Reply by Pat DeFilippo on
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Ben, as a father of two beautiful little girls one of whom is named Sophia my heart goes out to you and your family. I can't even imagine the pain and sadness that comes from losing a child at any age, as I read your story I had tears in my eyes thinking about my little girls, I know when I get home I am going to give them both a big hug and kiss, god bless you in this time of sorrow.
Pat D.
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Permalink Reply by Tom Seely on -
VERY NICE. As a father of a 9yr old little girl, my heart goes out to him. Merry Christmas Tom
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Permalink Reply by Rob Schwartz on -
Ben, I wish you very Merry Christmas as I am a father of two daughters and I will be holding them a lttle closer this Holiday as I remember your thoughts of Sophia. God Bless you and you family.Rob
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Permalink Reply by Eric Miltsch on -
Harlene,
Thanks for sharing - there's definitely more room in all of our hearts for the important things.
Ben - Very touching...can't say much other than "Wow."
I wish you and your family continued strength...enjoy your holidays!
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Permalink Reply by George T. Klinke on
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I just laughed and I cried. Thanks Ben
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Permalink Reply by James Bradford on
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Ben,
What a great poem, I am sure she is proud and smiling down on you. As a father of 3 daughters myself, the one thing we both know is our daughters live in our hearts no matter what. Stay strong
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Permalink Reply by Sheila York on
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I pray that the good Lord will fill the hole in your heart with Sophia memories.
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Permalink Reply by MARV ELEAZER on -
What a beautiful sonnet and tribute to your daughter. Touching words that are heartfelt for certain Ben.
I share your pain. I lost my second daughter to a faulty heart valve in 1993. She was 2 1/2. It was on Thanksgiving weekend. I never forget.
I wish you a Merry Christmas.
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