I hope you’re having a beautiful day. ♡
Here’s another light-filled ¤ Gem ¤
On January 8, 2016, we featured the photo above, “Gems 2.4.” It was taken by my son Ben in Taos, NM the summer before. We featured several of Ben’s photos that week. That day, January 8th, Ben wrote a a comment:
1000 Days
Today is Day 1000 since my beloved son disappeared. I didn’t think I would survive even a year of having no answers. Sometimes it feels like 1000 years have gone by since that day. Sometimes, when fear is too strong, it feels as raw and new as yesterday.
To save my health, my marriage, and my future, I eventually learned how to calm my mind and body and to focus on hope. My “why” became stronger than my “how” when I remembered to focus on those I love, here and now, and on everything I want to leave behind in the world when I’m gone. That is my true north now.
I have learned so much in the past two years, mostly about how show up every day when my heart feels like it is breaking every time I think of him. I have learned to find joy in every day. I have learned to accept the emotion as it comes like a storm and ride it out, knowing that the storm will pass.
Two Years (March 2, 2018)
Giving Tuesday
I hope you are having a beautiful day. I hope our Gems have brought joy or laughter or inspiration to your days. I know today “Giving Tuesday” is a big push for charity donations, and I’m going to ask too — not for money but for a little time. It would mean so much to me and everyone who loves Ben if you could share this link to his National Missing Person’s Case on any social media you might visit today or even with a few friends via email. Or you can simply Retweet the pinned tweet on our under1000skies Twitter page. The more people who see his face, the better chance we have of finding him. Even if you can only send good thoughts or prayers, this will be enough. I will continue to keep any updates on our page, Missing Benjamin.
Thank you so much.
♡. under1000skies
☼ A “Giftivism” Initiative ☼
We are photographers,
writers, artists & advocates
serving and connecting
homeless creatives.
under1000skies 
My thoughts are with you and Ben.
I admire your courage and strength. My prayer remains for you, your partner and Ben “may you be well, may you be free from suffering and the causes of suffering, may you be happy and have the means for happiness, may you live with ease.”
Thank you so much. I love your prayer. ♥.
Oh my god, Niki I had no idea. I am sorry. You are even more amazing to me now . What a strong soul you have. Shedding tears for you, which I know don’t help but I am sending so much love and support your way. I hope you feel it.
Cuddling you very warmly.
With love ❤️❤️❤️
Fiery, thank you for beautiful comment. I gratefully accept (and definitely do feel) your love and support, hope and warm cuddles, with thanks and love. ♥.
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
∞♥∞
Oh Micky, words aren’t much good here. Please know how very much my love and thoughts are with Ben, you and your whole family. Take care, suzanne ❤️🌷
{{{{{Suzanne}}}} Words are all good, because your heart is behind them and that is always healing. Thank you Suzanne. Every single word, post, hug, good thought or prayer I believe brings my son closer to home, helps keep him safe wherever he may be. Thank you so much for your kindness. Happy New Year! ♥.