Ben, it's been a privilege and an honor to work 'seeds with you in the past, and I fully understand your reasons for taking a hiatus. I'm dealing with much the same reason, just at the other end of the time line (three daughters 5 and under) and much as I have wanted to get back involved with the program (and I do still encourage people to come to events every time I am able to) right now my family and their needs must be attended. It is my hope that as my girls get old enough, we are able to do much like what you and your daughters have done. As others have said, your shoes will be hard to fill, and that bucket has seen a lot of bailing over the years. You have done the Northwest Region and Appleseed as a whole proud as an instructor, shoot boss, and Regional Coordinator. Enjoy that time with your family, you have certainly earned it. Maybe we'll get an opportunity to be on the line again together, maybe not. But I still look at that photo of you presenting me my known distance rocker, both of us looking like drowned rats, me grinning like an idiot, and I can't help but smile. There is a joy that comes from being on that line, and being able to point to that and say, yeah, I learned how to do that from Appleseed.
Appleseed folks really are some of the best in the world. And you are certainly a fine example of the best of Appleseed. Thank you for your time, your energy, your sweat, your devotion, and your dedication to Appleseed and what it represents.
