MEMORY

--Mom
You were the happiest little kid. Always happy.







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--Clive

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--Chelsea

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--Julie Lively
memory...


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Dear Ben,

Gosh, it’s neat to think how far back you, me and my family go. My earliest memories of you are when David came home from his first days at LTMS talking about his new friend “Ben.” Then “Ben” was his best friend and I think he has felt that way ever since. I know this because when David comes home from Colorado; one of his top priorities is to connect with you.

Thinking about our long relationship I know you have added interesting dimension as well a bit of fascination to my life. I enjoy remembering our mutual life experiences including several climbing trips, Rube Goldberg weekends, and your creative intelligence and, finally, dancing.

My memories that include you are precious to me. The California/Nevada trip was ever so much fun. Watching you, Jack and Dave climb “Dark Shadows” was fascinating as well as terrifying for me, the one who stayed (smartly) on the ground! Then when I look at the photos from that climb and your images are little colored dots on a grand, rock wall; I sometimes think “did it really happen?” (ha). Our trip to Italy and Switzerland is also fondly remembered. Except of course for the morning I questioned if you would end up in the hospital (ha). I think, for all of us, it was our first time to visit those two countries and the awe it inspired exists to this day.

Now the Rube Goldberg weekends, they are truly unforgettable. You guys were up all night, in Dave’s room and Jack’s shop making loud, obnoxious noises, the biggest mess possible (and not cleaned up!) and, each year, a winning entry! You guys were, and still are, incredibly creative as well as industrious. .

Your creativity and willingness to take risks also amazes me. Starting your own business totally from an idea, pulling together the right mix of partners and taking the plunge . . . Your future holds such amazing possibilities and you are very young. From here, your life can go in whatever direction you want, and, knowing you, it will always be interesting and multi-dimensional.

It has been lots of fun dancing with you too. It’s quite a coincidence don’t you think that we ended up in the same dance troupe. You have become a self-assured dance partner and instructor. It has been fun to watch your growth.

Anyway, all of this is to say “Happy Birthday!” When I heard “30” it made me pause to think and I wanted to share a bit of my thinking with you. I also want to say “thank you” for being part of my family’s life and its memories. In so many ways, you have been a blessing to us. Keep up your good work in all your endeavors!!

Warmly and with Affection,

Ellen
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--Laura-Alex