…Ben.

It has been about a year since my cousin Ben passed away. Obviously he has been in my thoughts and dreams a lot lately. This is the only photo I have of Ben. It was taken just before I left for Canada and I feel so lucky to have seen him on this happy night over a year ago. I have the photo blown up on my wall in my cabin and I often find Ben sitting there smiling at me. Although he was a big boy, Ben’s smile was probably his most powerful feature. It reminds me that every thing is actually alright, even if at the time I feel happy I still feel a further comfort from his smile. If I am sad or lonely then it lifts me and if I am feeling lazy it lifts me out of bed!

People have always talked about people not being gone even though they are dead. Whether it is because they believe they are in heaven, or still present as a spirit or just as a lifetime of memories. Lately I have become aware of how much Ben is still with me simply because I have taken on so much of who he was. He lives on in everybody because he had so much to offer people while he was alive and they still have what he gave them.

He was truly an inspiring person, and a fun friend. I will definitely miss him again this coming Christmas. My heart goes out to all of the family at home at the moment. My thoughts are with you also.

Simon.