Yesterday was Benjamin’s memorial gathering with family. It was very peaceful and comforting. Everyone looked at his picture (the one from last post) and talked about how handsome he is, and of course I agree.
At our last meeting, the psychiatrist asked what I thought after meeting him, and I told her I couldn’t believe that I’d had a hand in making someone quite so beautiful. I knew I’d find him beautiful, but how could he be that beautiful? And that all the things that were medically imperfect inside of him didn’t matter; he was absolutely perfect in my eyes.
Today the rain is pouring down, and it’s not supposed to stop until tomorrow morning. My brother said it’s just like the day after Pop Pop’s funeral: all the angels are crying. I’d like to think that it’s because they’ve gotten to know him over the past week, and now know why we miss him so much.
Our friends in Arizona were having a fundraising carwash this weekend, but have had trouble finding a location – so it has been bumped to next week. In lieu, they’ve asked that Sunday be Pay It Forward for Benjamin Day. Pay for the cup of coffee for the person in line behind you. Pull your neighbor’s weeds just because. Offer to babysit for free so that a couple can go out on a date. And if they ask why, tell them about Benjamin – and that if he can do what he did for 15 minutes, then we can do anything for 15 minutes.
This picture is from the memorial – a tree that Eddie and my mom made. The leaves are fingerprints of the people who were there, with room saved for Arizona friends and family.
Anonykat said:
The tree was a lovely idea. It sounds like you have an amazing amount of support from family and friends. I will try to find something to do on Sunday to pay it forward in honor of Benjamin.
LuLu said:
I love the idea of making Sunday “Pay it Forward for Benjamin Day”. Such an amazing idea. Keeping you and Eddie in my thoughts and prayers because I don’t know what else I can do for you. ❤
brandi said:
❤ Super love you all. The tree is beautiful and BEN is amazingly beautiful.
Sharon said:
I love the idea of paying it forward in honor of Benjamin.. we will be with Heather so the people of Lakeside shall know of him!!!
Kelli (Babekins SC) said:
I shall pay it forward Sunday here in Canada however I can for Benjamin 🙂
The tree is a beautiful momento.
alley (sc) said:
You are so amazingly strong and grounded. I am so sorry you have been through this & I pray you will find peace. Paying it forward is a beautiful idea, I’ve no doubt we all can find a way to help.
JoAnn (okiedokie SC) said:
What a beautiful idea to pay it forward. Planning on paying forward for Benjamin….
laura said:
I know it was supposed to be on Sunday but I couldn’t wait so I paid for the car behind me at chick fil-A this morning. The worker said do you want us to tell them any thing? And I said tell them it’s in honor of baby Ben who gave his parents the best 15 minutes of their life. I wish I could of told them more, I know they wanted to hear more & the smiles on their faces were priceless, to be apart of passing on something so special.
Joanna said:
Eva, still thinking of all of you lots. Count me in on paying it forward for Benjamin!
Heather Polanco said:
I am going to print off your blog about the 15 minutes Benjamin made such a huge impression on this ENTIRE world- so I can pay-it-forward- and the person has the information on his amazing story- What another great idea to leave a footprint on the world. He was definitely an amazing little boy to touch so many peoples lives- in so many ways.
brandybrow (@brandybrow) said:
Continuing to pray for you.
Brandy
Hannah said:
I saw the link to your blog when a friend sent me a Facebook invitation to the car wash this weekend in AZ. I know you don’t know me but please know I will pray for you everyday. I cannot imagine your pain, but reading your story and about your beautiful Benjamin I am grieving along with you. I know little Benjamin is deeply loved and treasured in Heaven now as you continue to love and treasure him from Earth.