Ben, you got to carry the title of 'baby' of the family for fifteen years until Evey was born. And we all probably spoiled you as such. But you've also amazed me for a while with your maturity on a lot of issues. You handled at least 3 major life changes (Dad's death, Mom getting remarried, and moving) with a lot of grace, patience, and maturity. By the age of 13 you had gone through more than many 18 or 19 year-olds have. But throughout you've kept a great sense of humor.
It's been a lot of fun to watch you come into your own the last few years. You've grown spiritually and have tried to share your passion for Catholicism with others. You've matured intellectually, joining debate and getting involved politically. Lord knows you've grown physically! And this past year has been a big time of developing emotionally, dating Tayler and learning what it means to be in a relationship with someone else.
It's been sad for me to be apart from you for all these years. I remember the first time I came home from college: I spent so much of my time with Dave, Tyson, Rebecca and others that you cried the last night I was in town, saying, "You didn't spend any time at home!" These days when I visit I feel like I never want to leave the house; I enjoy being around you and the rest of the family so much. I feel lucky that you've been able to come down to California to see Jaime and I a few times. I always look forward to those weeks.
I think you're starting Track & Field now. I want to encourage you to take it seriously and do your best. I know you don't really have the competitive gene that makes you want to be bigger, faster, etc. than the other athletes, but I hope you can have that little mechanism where you compete against yourself. I know that if you work at it you can throw farther this year than you did last year, and you can have a sense of accomplishment in that. Or, try to enjoy being active just for it's own sake. And, if all else fails, just enjoy being around Tayler some more.
Ben, you're one of the healthiest 17 year-olds I've ever known, in all respects of being healthy. I've loved watching you grow up over these past 17 years and I look forward to watching you grow for many, many more.
5 comments:
In my humble opinion, which is always right I think that Ben Webster is simply the best. I am so proud to say he is my brother and even more so to say he is my friend. I can't believe how well adjusted, smart, kind, respectful, respected, funny, handsome, and great Ben is. I am constantly amazed by how well-spoken he is and his attitude. I think Mom really lucked out with him because he is the best young man she could have ever hoped to have. I am sad that Dad doesn't get to see Ben now because I know he would be so proud of him. I see a lot of Dad in Ben and feel honored to watch him grow up.
I think Benjamin Michael Webster is amazing.
I like to think of Ben as my little brother, even though he is not so little anymore. Over the last 4 years, I have seen Ben grow into a young man with so much thoughtfulness and maturity for someone his age.
I am so proud of Ben and how he has excelled in HS. Ben has continued to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically at Central.
Ben, you are simply amazing. I only hope that as you continue to grow into yourself you will continue to live a life filled with much health and happiness. Love you!
I admire Ben's quiet confidence and physical strength. I am also very proud of his musical talent, and take credit for 99% of that ability. I also admire Ben's kindness to all. Some of my favorite memories of Ben are when he blocked a few shots as the center for Men in Black, his many disguises (James Bond, Batman), his love of the hose and water in our back yard, playing drums with my music group, playing guitar with his band and at Central, all dressed up for various weddings, ready for the Winter Formal, and sitting beside me at church. Ben, thank you for being an outstanding young man and for your trust in me.
Love you, Mom
ben webster is awesome. i get choked up when i think of how great he is. he is loving and kind and smart and talented. he is funny and sweet. he puts up with my husband. he loves his niece so much. i remember how he was always dad's little buddy. and i love how as a kid he had things he would be obsessed with - capes, mrs. doubtfire, the addams family, forrest gump, james bond. i also love that i will always call him 'kiddo.'
i can't imagine having handled life in such a graceful manner at his age with all he's gone through. he impresses me so much.
i remember always being so excited to talk to him when i was away at college. and i remember how he made me laugh so hard with queenie quail 'qua qua qua'.
i love you so much, kiddo. thanks for being so radical. i can only imagine how proud dad is of you when i think how proud we are.
The Ozzman Hath Cometh.
Having Ben W. in my life has been one of the greatest privileges ever imaginable. He and I have gone through a lot togehter and I can only hope that I have been a positive influence in his life.
I feel that he and I are cut of the same cloth in many ways. Some of the best times in my life have involved the Ozzman. His willingness to help, the way he cares for others, and his genuine love of rock and roll are inspirational to me.
Someday, he and I will spend a week at Disney, listening to Metallica, and enjoying the good life.
Keep doing the good things, my friend. We are all very proud of you.
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