I'm sorry that I couldn't really say anything until tonight. I broke into tears several times yesterday and couldn't find the means to say anything until now. It is still difficult, but I can now tell you a few things that I wasn't able to say when it happened.
Ben meant a lot to me and we communicated frequently. I not only treasure all the correspondence that was meant for the Internet, but the personal notes he sent me were and are worth a million. Now more then ever.
I was talking with his granddaughter today and told her that I couldn't believe that we had only known each other for a mere six months. In fact when I looked back at our correspondence, I had to look twice because I thought the dates had to be all wrong. I literally shook my head and said, no, I've had to known him longer than that.
It's funny because I've known many for several years and they remain acquaintances, yet others I've known for mere months and felt that I've known them for a life time. That's how I feel and felt about Ben. Ah, there I go again. I'm getting all teary-eyed. Sigh! I guess I just want to say that I loved him in the short time that I knew him and that he touched my life more than I can say. I miss you buddy and wish we had more time together. Thank you for all you wonderful letters and for sharing so much with me on the net and in private. It was a pleasure to know you and you made a difference in my life.
God bless you and keep you and I know you are with great company including my dad.
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"