Update -- Friday, Jan. 7, 2005
We have been receiving emails and phone calls from David and the “Thailand Team” since he arrived. They are proceeding on all possible fronts with the search for Ben.
This morning David appeared live from Phuket on CNN’s American Morning show with Soledad O’Brian. He spoke very clearly and eloquently about the situation as he sees it. These were his words (as best as we could transcribe them):
On the home front, yesterday (Thursday) Ben's aunt, Lois, went to Ben’s office to give a personal update to his associates, who have been so concerned about Ben but at the same time respectful of the family’s privacy.
Again, Hope and Bob want to thank friends and family who have continued so generously to offer help of every kind.
This morning David appeared live from Phuket on CNN’s American Morning show with Soledad O’Brian. He spoke very clearly and eloquently about the situation as he sees it. These were his words (as best as we could transcribe them):
My family would like to thank the Thai government, Thai rescue workers, and Thai people for all their caring and giving. From day one they’ve been working around the clock. However, we are concerned (pause)…. We are trying to find out why recovery efforts have slowed so dramatically over the last 48 hours on Koh Phi Phi when there are so many still missing.As he spoke, CNN showed photos of Ben (the same ones that appear on this website) and a photo of the tattoo on Ben’s left ankle.
We’re asking the U.S. government to offer assistance to the Thai government so everyone can have the greatest chance of recovering their loved ones and bringing them home—in our case, in my family, to bring Ben home.
On the home front, yesterday (Thursday) Ben's aunt, Lois, went to Ben’s office to give a personal update to his associates, who have been so concerned about Ben but at the same time respectful of the family’s privacy.
Again, Hope and Bob want to thank friends and family who have continued so generously to offer help of every kind.
7 Comments:
Thank you for the updates on Ben. My family just adores him, especially my 4 year old daughter who affectionately refers to him as "Ben, the house guy." He found us a beautiful home in Evanston just two months ago, and we think about him daily as we continue to set up house. She drew him some pictures that we dropped off at his office 2 weeks ago and we are fervently praying that he will come home. He is a wonderful person and we miss him. Thank you for keeping all of us "Ben Fans" in the loop.
I have known the Abels family for as long as I can remember (Ben and Dave know me as a Traub) I think I even shared a crib with Ben for naps as a toddler. my family and I have been thinking about Ben, and praying for his return daily. We have also been thinking about Hope Bob and Dave as well as the rest of the family. Even my 7 year old step son is concerned, knowing he would be very scared if he would not find his parents for as long as Ben has been "lost". We will continue to keep you all in our thoughts. Thank you for spening the time to keep us all updated. Your graciousness and thoughtfulness for others in this unreal and most difficult time amazes me.
Love,
Erica Chaplin
Thank you for the update. I know I speak for the vast majority asking for ANY updates that are encountered throughout the day. I hit the site multiple times/day looking for any news about the progress. With information on rescue/recovery becoming less frequent on the news, I am relying on this website to keep me (and other friends) informed. As always, Ben and the Abels family continue to be in my prayers -Phil Hall
Hello-I don't know the Abels but I just read the NY Times article and I'm sending you my hopes that Ben turns up. I really feel for you. You are in my prayers. Heather
Dear Hope, Bob, and David,
I, too, was most dismayed when I saw my son, Mike, come home from college break with the "Pride" tatoo. It has taken on even more significance now than when our boys got it. I'm very proud to know Ben, and to know his infectious, quick smile, and gentle manner. God bless Ben and his safe return.
Sheila Nelson
Dear Hope, Bob, Lois, Jenny, Martha, and Family,
Have been checking this link often and my love and prayers are with you and Ben.Now I am following David as he aids in the search. Although I have never met Ben, I have known the Brown family all of my life and I feel like family. My heart aches for you and yours. I wish there was something to say to comfort you. Please know you are never out of my thoughts.
LOVE,DIANE
I have known Ben since elementary school, but was never necessarily a close friend. He was always just a nice boy in my class who I still have fond memories of to this day. I saw Hope,who sold my parent's house, on TV the first time they were on NBC News, then saw Benji's picture the next day on CNN.com and have been looking for information ever since. I now check this site regularly. Although I live in New Jersey, Evanston and my memories still remain close to my heart. I mentioned Benji (that's how I remmebr him) to a friend here and they told me they new his story from the NY Times today. I just read the article and it mentioned you were looking for fingerprints. I remember as a child, I think the Evanston Police Department took our fingerprints once on a Saturday for free in case we were ever lost or kidnapped as children. Your family may have used this service and the fingerprints may be on file with the police. It may be ashot in the dark, but thought you might want to know. My prayers are with all of you.
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