It is the 3rd anniversary of Ben's leaving this life and this is what I know.....

There are very few things I am certain of;

however, this is what I know

beyond a shadow of a doubt.

People enter our lives for a reason,

they enter to teach us something

and/or for us to teach them.

Benjamin Mark Comparone

entered this life on October 9th, 1988

He changed the world.

I can say this with certainty because we all do,

each and every one of us has a purpose.

Big or small doesn't matter.

Ben gave the world his full attention

even if it wasn't for as long as we wanted,

he was present; that was a gift and still is.

Ben loved deeply and was loved just as deeply.

I only knew Ben for a short time

however in that time here's what I know.

In this life Ben was a person full of passion.

Passion for love,

passion for family,

passion for music,

passion for humor.

passion for the GIANTS

Ben did nothing half way,

When he set his mind on something

he gave it his all.

Ben's presence in my life changed me

for the better.

Ben fought his disease every day,

do not be fooled by his no longer living

on this plain.

He was a fighter and he fought with the same passion 

with which he lived.

Here is more of what I know.

He loved my daughter unconditionally; so much so that

he blessed her with two young men 

who will live on in his image 

with his legacy of love;

reminding us everyday that love truly never dies.

He taught Hillary how to be a fighter,

how to stand up and keep standing.

He believed in her, and still does.

Ben was, is and always will be 

one of my greatest miracles

and I will rejoice on the day that we meet again.

If you are able,

call, text, email, show up on the doorstep

of someone you know who is suffering and is in the 

throes of addiction or someone who is working their recovery

and hug them, tell them you love them,

tell them their life is a gift to you,

and that they are an important

part of the universal plan.

That their life: indeed, has a purpose.

Tell them that your love is unconditional

and that even though you may not always 

agree with their choices you will always

pray for their peace and joy.

Every year this day comes with great sadness 

over the loss of Ben's physical presence

with all of us here.

And every year this day is a reminder that Ben lived,

and that brings me joy. He has given me so many gifts

and I chose to share his gift of love, knowledge

of addiction and fighting spirit with all of you.

Our community has grown exponentially 

over the past two years

which brings me joy. 

I am grateful for all of you 

who choose to stand with me and rise above

the stigmas that have been associated with this disease.

Love is Love

Light is all around us

Be love and be light

and may the peace of the Divine

be with you today and always

HUGE HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

k

PS tomorrow and I will share a  very special gift Ben gave us all 

(a reason to celebrate on this day)