Sweet Ben

My dear neighbor, Ben Bowling, passed away on Monday, May 12, 2008. Even though Ben was 88 years old, he would still get on the roof to blow leaves off and he kept a beautiful yard. Ben and I had many a conversation in the street between our houses. Ben always had kind words to say about his wife of 64 years, Ms. Ann Bowling. He also liked to walk his dog, E.C. Ben loved that little dog - no matter how much he fussed about him. In the summertime, Ben and I liked to compare our tomato plants and we usually swapped tomatoes. When neither of us were having any luck, we'd go to the Farmer's Market (unbeknownst to the other) and leave each other tomatoes in our carports. If I ever was gone on a business trip, Ben would take my trash cans and recycling down to the curb and bring them back up. If you've seen or had the misfortune of driving up my driveway, you know this is no small feat! He was a sweet man and a wonderful neighbor. He was always kind-hearted to me. I know he sometimes didn't know what to think of how hard I would work in the yard, but I always felt like he respected that I'd get out there and tackle any vine, weed, or stump.

Ben was a modest man, but he was still mayor of my street. I surely will miss him. He was like a grandfather to me.