Listen, we know Ben and we wish he had waited until he was fully cave certified, and as Jill has said," He should have had a dive buddy ". Also, if he was tampering with the gate, the spring's owner should have not let him come back, knowing that he was doing this. We have thought that it would have been great if one two local divers had mentored him concerning the arrangement of his equipment. He has always been able to figure most anything out on his own but it would have been great if maybe Jeff or Edd had said " Ben, let us help you on the placement of your gear". And maybe they did and he didn't listen. I do believe too that Ben was maybe too eager and adventurous, and determined. We just wish they would have kicked him off the property if they knew he was not following the rules early on. I wish the springs would just completely make it imposible for someone to go past the gate.
Let's just say Ben's body was taken out by Kelly that Weds. or Thurs. night and he disposed of it on the property somewhere. How did he find out the body was still down there unless someone dove down and found him. With Kelly out of the picture it would be wonderful if someone would come forward that knows something. They could write an anonomus letter to me. If Ben is buried on the property this person would not have to give their name. It would be the right thing to do. If you know where he is, will you please consider doing this? We know he was not a perfect person. But he had gotten his priorities right and was enjoying life to the fullest. It is very hard to handle having at times having two sons not around to hang out with, and I certainly have my ups and downs without them. We know they are in Heaven. I want to apologize to everyone that I have offended over the last two years, including some recent comments. I should follow my own rules: if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything! Sometimes I get so emotional and then I should just stay off Scubaboard. I am in the process of still going through Ben and Paul's clothes. I have their first squirrel they killed on my desk. There are so many good memories that we can think back on. All of Ben's construction equipment and tools are still on the farm here. We use them sometimes. His construction trailers and container are pack full of tools and equipment. He had just remodled the barn to be a banquet hall for weddings, receptions and events. Last Saturday we had the annual Fall Farm Festival here to honor Paul and to support organ donation. Paul's heart recipient came up from Dallas to visit with us. He said he would be baxk next year for the anniversary of Paul's death. I have both of the boys labs. They keep us company. We are moving on, but I do let my wall down at times. Thanks for your patience.