Note from Charlie Sellers

Ben and I went back and forth to school together every day from third to eighth grade. We did our 7th and 8th grade science projects together. He never gossiped or had a mean word to say to anyone (even when I would try to cheat in monopoly). He gave me one of my first cassette tapes: Fine Young Cannibals, the Raw and the Cooked. He could pick up the guitar and play a song that he wrote, and it would sound professional. His parents could not have loved him more, and this love (and patience) was extended to all of his friends. He'd be content to go for a bike ride, coffee, a concert, anything. I cannot recall ever being unhappy in his presence. We went to different Catholic high schools in Buffalo, but when I would introduce him to my friends, they would become his friends as well. Counting myself among his vast group of friends makes me feel proud and honored. I will never forget you, your birthday on January 29, and the important role that you played in making me who I am. My life is better because you and your family formed a big part of it.

Love, Charlie