Remembering Ben As A Part Of My Family

Mr. & Mrs. Garcia:    My name is Dana Estabrook, (I’m Jenn’s mom) and I would like to hare with you a few things about your son. Ben lit up a room when he walked in. He made everyone comfortable, and at ease to be whoever they were. He made us all laugh uncontrollably and wait on the edge of our seat for whatever he was going to do or say next. The first time I talked to Ben was on Christmas Day a few years ago. Jenny as on the phone with Ben (laughing), and somehow I got pulled into the conversation. The next thing I know, I’m on the phone with Ben and hearing your great family in the background. It sounded like my house, and of course, he had me cracking up (talking about the Italian relatives). I said, “it sounds like everyone in the next room could be in my family (I’m Italian Too!) at my house,” because I had all my relatives over as well.    The next time I saw him was when my husband and I had dinner with Jenny and Ben at the Roadhouse Grill. Ben was like family, we always looked at him as our second son. Then, last May, Ben, Auggie, Ollie and Jenny met my husband and I at the river in Laughlin. I told Ben to hop on the back of my SeeDoo, and we proceeded to have a great time playing on the river. We had so much fun on that trip and made some amazing memories. But, the following story is my official “Ben Story,” and I’ll never forget it! After playing at the river all day we all went back to our hotels and got ready for dinner. After dinner, Ben, Jenny, Auggie, Ollie and I went to listen to the band in the lounge. They were taking requests so Ben asked if they could play, Earth, Wind & Fire’s, “Do You Remember.” They said they would play it after their break in the next set. While the band was on break, Ben ran out to the casino to play a bit but he told the dealer, “if my song comes up I’m gonna take my chips and run.“ Well the band came back and Jenny and I were freaking out. What if Ben’s song comes on, where is he? All of the sudden, the first few notes are being played, and Jenny and I look at one another, “Call Ben!” So, Jenny pulls out her cell phone and starts dialing Ben…she never even dialed the whole number when all of the sudden, Ben came sliding across the floor like Fred Astaire (looking like he had planned the whole thing with the band and the music) and Jenny and I couldn’t stop laughing. Then, we both got up and danced with Ben, it was hilarious! Later that day Ben told us he just grabbed his chips and flew across the casino. For he knew from the very first beat, that that was his song. He told us that “Do You Remember” and “Earth, Wind & Fire” brought him memories of Saturday mornings when his mom would play it while vacuuming. Jenny, Ben, my husband and I also had a great time when we all went to the James Taylor concert. Young or old, Ben got along with everyone and he touched kus with his humor and an amazing love of life. I pray for you and your son to help with your loss, but please know Ben brought joy to so many people. EVERYONE LOVES BEN! His light will shine in our hearts FOREVER. May God Bless You All. Sincerely, Dana Estabrook