Ode to Ben

I cannot let another blog post go by without giving a hurrah to the fact that I know Ben.

Ben is one of the highlights of my life right now.  He is one of the highlights of all of our lives, whether we now know it or not.  Ben came into existence October 7, 1988, four short days before women were allowed to study at Magdalene College, Cambridge, for the first time.  Ben's existence has since continued to influence considerable strides in all areas of mankind:  education, public policy, the arts.

I met Ben two months ago, when he made the life decision to live in Apartment 85 at Glenwood.  We had a vacancy, and Justin had requested a roommate that spoke Spanish.  I will ever be grateful that this one wish of Justin's was not granted.  I am confident that Justin would concur.

Ben left his mark on our hearts from the warm nature of his first "hello," and continues to leave a lasting impression through his tireless cleaning of our apartment, his passionately graceful piano-playing on the Casio keyboard in our living room that he got for his birthday, and his saying "yes" every time I invite him to do something.

Ben is a champion of goodness, an emblem of virtue, a master of gentility, a sower of cheer, and a friend.  Life has not yet been lived until one has experienced for himself the gentle firmness of his handshake and felt the warmth of his smile.

I thank the heavens that I ever knew him.  I cringe at the unworthiness I feel of living beside him.  Yet I need him.  We all need him.  I promise you, with the depth of sincerity found in the deepest crevice of a weary heart, that when your life feels the prick of incompleteness, Ben is the solution you seek.  Go to him, and let your life be swallowed in the serenity.