Good morning, I hope these words find you well today. As I draw nearer to the day of my fiftieth birthday. I’m reminded of all the stuff and thing that have brought me to where I am today. Most of them in hindsight weren’t good. In fact most were the hardest moments of my life. That bring said I’m so very thankful to be here right now with all of you. I’ve tried all my life to be the best person I could be for those around me . Always giving , never taking more than I needed and always putting others before myself. Now as the sun kisses my face on this Wednesday in May I’m again reminded of the fragility of our human existence. After presenting with Parkinson’s in 2009, retired by 2012 and divorced by 2014 cancer in 2016 and to come on the other side to a set of abusive caregivers that nearly ended my life in 2018. I’m here as I have done nearly every morning for the last year looking out across this private valley I’m blessed to live in. Even though my heart aches for family, my son’s love and for the safety of a partner I’m thankful to know that this human form will be done soon. Parkinson’s will arrest movements, steal my memories, cease my lungs and stop my heart. For now I find comfort in the knowing I have nothing left to take. I’ve given all I have. My furniture, my art and writings, my history stolen from me. It’s all just about done. Thank God. This all being said from a place of calm reflection on a life I’ve lived, from my perception and my soul. I hope as you read you can find the message to be present in your life. Be thankful for everything you have because I’ve learned the hardest ways one can learn a lesson. Everything can be taken from you accept your happiness within your soul. Please try and remember to always be brave, be bold and thrive in the life you have, you never know when it’ll change. Sincerely Benjamin 05/2020