Benjamin D. Ziegelbaum

Missing Benjamin...April is the worst month. Look at this picture - Ben looks robust and healthy. It still doesn't make sense and grief is forever when you love someone so deeply. :(

I think of Ben all the time. I don´t know what made me find the guest book this morning. When we were in eighth grade, we went to a magic store and got matching pentagrams. That was such a big thing with that whole group in middle school. Mine has needed some repairs over the years and the chain has been replaced many times. Currently I´m in between chains but I have very rarely taken it off over the years. I like to think of it as he´s been around with me. Great Neck was a really hard place...

I am currently sat in RCSI in Dublin Ireland and have just seen a beautiful plaque in memory of Benjamin. He seemed like a wonderful person. I think it´s true to say his spirit has reached far and wide as I think of him and your family today.

This was Ben's final Passover Seder in 2006, sitting with his best friend and brother Matt and cousin Eric, whom he adored. We miss him still...my heart is heavy with love and grief. Ben, we still think of you, and, as Ben himself said, "Ben lives in all of us."

On the 12th anniversary since our sweet Ben died, I am filled deep gratitude to all of the friends and family who have kept Ben alive in their hearts minds and thoughts and know that each of our lives has been made more meaningful having know Been and, contradictory as it may feel, for having lost him too. The impact that grief has had on my life has imbued me with a deeper love and sense of appreciation for all of the blessings in my life. Don't sweat the small things, life is short. Rest...

my beautiful nephew, I am thinking of you every day and cannot believe another anniversary has passed. I think you are watching over us.

I miss you as much today as I have every minute of every day of every year. My love for you shines on. I see your face around me, I hear your raspy voice calling my name, I think WWBD and WWBT (What Would Ben Think)! You would be so proud of Alice, your beautiful and courageous sister. In true "Ben" tradition, she thinks outside of the box and defies societal expectations to be true to herself. We all miss you. Having chicken & rice tonight from the Halal Guys in your honor. I think of you...

Happy birthday my wonderful nephew Ben in Heaven. You are in my dreams.

I still miss Ben every single day of the year, every minute of every day. Today is Ben's birthday. He would have turned 28.