Ben Buckland

Papa Ben,

Hello. Well it has almost been a week now and even though I hadnt seen you that much over the past few months, I miss you! It's hard. It really is. I think about all the time that I spent with you and grandma growing up.. At your funeral I lost it. I kept thinking there is no way this could be. That the papa that I had grown to love was no longer with us. Matt explained it that your spirit was taking over a body, and that body is no longer with us, but your spirit still lives. I just want you to know that I love you and that I miss you and so does everyone else. Make sure that you look out for all of us. My mom and aunt Lynn are of course having a hard time with all of this also as we all are, but if at all possible, in a dream, let them know everything is alright now, and that you are with grandma and that you are happy and at peace. I worry about my mom, but shes making it, shes a soldier just like you. Well, I love you again.

Jen

Papa Ben,

Where to start. I remember when I was in highschool I had to right a paper on a role model in my life. That role model was you. I wrote about how I thought you were so strong, and intelligent and how I thought you had overcome so much. I will never forget that. I have so many memories of you, sadly; most of them were when I was younger. I want to appoligze for not being around so much as I was growing up. I tried my best to come and visit you, but I hope you understand it was not easy for me to see you as you were, I didnt want those to be the memories I had with you. Although when I would come to visit you, you still always did something or said something to make us chuckle. Do you remember when me and Matt were younger, and you and grandma would come visit us and you'd stay in the Marsol. I remember one time specifically. Matt and I were sitting on your lap and you had told us a funny story. We both had mints in our mouth and we were laughing so hard that we drooled all over your pants. You got up and shook your pants off, as if we'd soaked you, with a huge smile on your face, and I remember hearing the change rattling. That's how we always knew you were near, we would hear to change rattling in your pocket when you walked. I also remember you and grandma taking me and Matt to feed the ducks in the pond in Mayfield, and all the oranges and grapefruits we'd help you pick. To this day, everytime I see a grapefruit or an orange I think of you, always! I have so many fond memories of you. I miss you so much and I always will. I want you to know that I love you very much, and I am glad that you are comfortable now and with grandma. Keep an eye out for us and make sure all is well with everyone, that is all I ask, and also to say hello to grandma and let her know I miss her dearly. I'll never forget anything about you, not one thing, the smell of your house in Florida, how you'd always get up in the middle of the night and sleep on your chair in the room with me and Matt, how you always had a wonderful breakfast ready for us when we woke up,and Stacy's restuarant. I cherish all these memories and I can just see you know, will that huge smile on your face smiling down on us. I wish I could have spent more time with you after you moved back to Cleveland, and regret not, but I am glad I have all the memories of you that I do. I love and always will, you will forever be in my heart. Much love, xoxoxoxoxo

Uncle Ben,

You are together again with Ruth! No more pain, hospitals or nursing homes...I'm sorry I hadn't seen you for so long, but I did keep up with you through Jill & Lynne, and you have always been in my thoughts.

Say "hi" to Bucky and Lillian for me! I love you all....

Dad-you're in a better place now with mom. I'll miss you and all your great advice about life that I hardly ever took. Put in a good word for me and tell mom we love her. Love, Lynne & Chuck

I miss you so much Dad. I miss talking to you and asking your advise. I could always count on your intelligence, humor and stability. Your were my rock. Give Mom my love. You're together now, that's a blessing to me.



I love you with all my heart,

Jill