Today was bittersweet as we celebrated the life of a dear member of our November Project community, Ben O’Meara. All 36 tribes across the global NP community rocked hockey gear and green shirts in remembrance of Ben and in support of all of those he held dear. You didn’t have to know Ben personally to know what an impact he had made in our community. It was palpable today.
I was lucky enough to have meet Ben and his wife at Summit last year in Toronto. It was really early on race day morning and I knew the day was going to be intense. There was no way I was going to make it through the day without some caffeine. So I trotted off to the village Starbucks. I was standing there in the line all grouchy and pre-coffee like when this dude tapped me on the shoulder from behind me in line. You guessed it. BEN. I turned around ready to be annoyed, but just one look at this guy with his huge grin and awesomely awesome red Mohawk and all of sudden I was grinning ear to ear. I recognized his face because he had long be supporting NP Phoenix on social media. In a matter of seconds he was giving me this huge hug and that was it. I didn’t need my coffee anymore, my mood was immediately lifted. I don’t know what it is about some people, but they just have that “It Factor”. You know that thing where just by being in their presence you mood is instantly boosted and everything just feels right. Ben was one of those people. I’m sure I must have meet hundreds of people that weekend, but none of the meetings do I remember as distinctly as I do Ben’s. And so it comes as no surprise to me at all to see how big of an impact he has had on the community at large and within his immediate NP tribes – Boston and Worchester.
As we celebrated Ben’s life this morning, I was happily reminded of our dear friend Steve, a member of our tribe, whom we lost this past year to Cancer. I couldn’t help but smile of the similarities between them. Steve like Ben was just one of those guys who had that “It Factor”. Like Ben, everyone loved Steve the moment they met him. His energy was contagious, his hugs were powerful, and that silly smile and crazy hair just made everything better. I feel good knowing that Steve lives on in the very heart and essences of our tribe here in Phoenix as I am sure that Ben’s will throughout the NP Community.
Wisconsin Notes
YEARBOOK PHOTOS ARE NEXT WEEK. Theme is Fiesta. Please bring props and whatnot. You rock. Bring EVERYONE.
Peace, love and cacti,
Jackie
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