As one of my favorite Disney characters once said, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” -Lilo & Stitch
No one ever prepares for tragedy; that’s why it is what it is – tragic. But one thing this family of ours knows how to do well is respond when faced with tragedy. This past weekend, we lost one of the most loyal, kind-hearted, enthusiastic, caring, loving, genuine, happy tribe members to ever just show up. Ben O’Meara came into the lives of so many members of this movement for a reason. To make his mark. To make sure nobody was left behind or forgotten.
I personally never met Ben, but I feel like I know him after seeing the outpouring of love coming from across the world for him. Two of the biggest things people remember Ben for were his loyalty and happiness. I cannot think of two greater ways to be remembered. Today, we showed up in honor of Ben. We sweat it out and did exactly what I think Ben would want us to do – stay loyal to our tribe and leave happy.
For anyone reading this, I challenge you to go about your day, your week, or your life aspiring to be remembered like Ben – loyal and happy. I hope one day I, too, will leave a mark like he did on our tribes. And to Jenn, we want you to know that here in NOLA, we’ve got your back (literally – see the back of the shirt). We’ll be sending you a little piece of our tribe so that you know that we are always with you through the highs and the lows. NP NOLA is sending you every ounce of love we have. Ben was everything we aspire to be, and we hope to continue his legacy each and every day.
Here at NP, we are a family. Nobody gets left behind or forgotten. Rest in Peace, Ben.
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