August 24 2017 ... Happy 32nd birthday

Looking through photos (again) in order to compile a photo wall at home, I was reminded of Ben’s affinity with animals of all sizes—from sitting on bulls at his grandparents’ farm, staring quietly at a kangaroo at a zoo, persuading a parrot to sit on his arm, talking to a horse or taking time out of his busy 3-year old schedule to ponder the meanderings of a snail, he was always quietly curious and respectful.
     If you read back through the blog you will see that he was somewhat of a cat whisperer, was fond of big dogs and managed to tolerate small dogs, and was kind and proactive about various dying street animals in Tucuman. His care and concern for animals never changed and our last two cats were part of his dying months.
     I don’t think Ben swam with whales but I can imagine him doing it, and he would surely have been curious, respectful and fearless.
     Lindy

Nearly 32

From Jill ...

Nearly 32 Ben. I so wish that I could have the conversations that are going around in my head with you face-to-face. I am just going to have to wait.

But I particularly want to say how deeply I felt you while I was in the South Pacific last week. I thought of your willingness to take on a challenge and to be fearless as I slid into the ocean to swim with a humpback whale and her young calf.

And again just after the calf swam past within 30 metres of my outstretched hand, the calf's eyes wide open watching me (her mother in hot pursuit) I thought about your fearlessness but your care of those around you.

Thanks Ben you continue to be in our lives and we miss you desperately.