Celebrating Ben’s Life

My friend Ben died last month. We hadn’t been in touch since his wedding, however his influence has touched my life every day since I met him in middle school. Being friends with Ben shaped who I am. He was an example of pure joy, optimism, dedication and goofiness. He was the best of us. I traveled to Las Vegas with some other high school buds to attend his celebration of life. 

I went to this breakfast spot twice in the Arts District because it was yum.

I went to the Museum of Punk Rock and FaceTimed Josh the whole time so he could experience it too. They had a space where you could play instruments, pedals and amps that belonged to bands. Here I am doing my best to serenade Josh on Joan Jett’s guitar.

The museum has the Triple Rock sign and recreated the bar. It was a trip to have a Bloody Mary at the Triple Rock again.

Tikis with Eli. Need I say more?

Jenny Kelly ensured we had the best Korean meal to sop up our sadnesses. What a treat to have this experience with my pals.

And a few from the memory books:

We celebrated what would have been Ben’s 40th birthday on Saturday with close family and friends. The celebration of his life took place Sunday at the school his wife teaches at. It was a beautiful/sad/funny ceremony and I think he would have loved it. The music was gorgeous and people from all periods of his musical life came together as a band. Megan’s vocal students and alumni choir also performed. 

More about Ben and his ceremony can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/benfrankememorial/home

Black Rock Hot Springs

 I’m still waiting on film back from this adventure but it was too beautiful not to post a few from. Caitlin and Thomas joined us in Taos to hike to the Black Rock Hot Springs off the Rio Grande. The hike was a bit difficult but worth it. There are three hot pools of varying temperature and right next to the river. We wrapped up our soak just as it started to rain and nobody enjoyed the hike back out in the hail. Luckily we found hot soup in Taos on the way out to keep our spirits up.

The Fossi Wedding

 There has never been a more beautiful wedding. It stormed all day and then cleared up just in time for us all to gather at Derek’s father’s home. In the distance there continues to be lightning and the sound of distant thunder. Everybody was dressed to impressed, including Churro the Burro. I cried so many happy tears and danced to the coolest band in town and ate more incredible food under the New Mexico stars. I feel so fortunate to have been included in Torin’s most special day.