"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
(Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803-1882, Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist)
This quote and philosophy easily apply to Ben.
My little old man in child's clothing.
Dry sense of humor. Friendly. Happy. Outgoing.
Sensitive. Wise in the truest sense of the word.
(Seriously, his wisdom and wit are scary at times.)
Works his hardest for everything he has learned and every task he completes.
Always making the best of every situation.
And always having the highest of morals
and expecting the same of everyone around him.
He cracks us up. He has an enormouse vocabulary.
He tests us. He protects his siblings fiercely.
And he loves his family and friends with serious energy and defends them at any cost.
Dubbed Sir Winston Churchhill at birth (by me) for his little round face and serious expressions,
he has truly lived up to Churchhill's character.
At only 9 3/4 years old, I already believe that he has succeeded in life
in a fashion and manner that all of us should strive for.
(Even if he refuses to sing during Sunday School.
Or tells anyone around him in the car to stop singing.
That's okay because I hear him singing when he thinks no one's listening.)
Oh, and don't let him fool you...
he still loves animals...especially wild ones...
though he claims he's too old for that stuff!
(Crocodile head in photo above courtesy of Pop Pop because he knew Ben would love it.
And yes, it's the real thing. Alive at one time.
Now proudly displayed with the other mounts in Ben's room.)
