“Self Improvement: As human beings our greatest lies not so much in being able to remake the world… as in being able to remake ourselves.” Mahatma Gandhi

Overcoming the power of addiction can be a long and challenging journey. Every day can be a real struggle and threat of relapse can be overwhelming. Seeking medical and emotional support and having a truthful understanding and accepting personal responsibility can be emotionally and physically healing through that journey.

Benjamin, affectionately known as Benny and sometimes lovingly referred to as Ben, battled heroin addiction for over 10 years. He tried to quit on his own many times only to experience failure each time. During this time Ben’s son Grant was born and it was at that time that Benny was serious about getting help for his addiction. He went into a drug treatment program in St. Charles Missouri. After that he received assistance from the Archway Institute. Ben continued his recovery at the Humphrey House and then he moved into the Virginia Recovery House program, where he thrived.

Benny had the courage, self-discipline and sheer will power to fully devote himself to his recovery. He became a house leader at the Virginia House, a proud accomplishment, and wanted to be a positive role model for other members living there going through recovery. Benny was strong willed, and he put his heart, mind, and soul into his recovery. While living at Virginia house Benny walked to the Bridgeway program on Dunnica Avenue every day for two weeks until he was finally accepted into their program.

Despite these difficulties and obstacles his persistence paid off. Benjamins recovery journey was very challenging and demanding at times but his dedication, determination and strong commitment to his recovery program helped him overcome his addiction. Benny was always grateful that he has a loving and supportive family. Benny met a lot of caring people along the way to guide him and support him emotionally during his recovery. Benny’s rehabilitation was life-changing, and his accomplishments have been amazing. He met Samantha and found a faithful and loving partner in her. Benny and Samantha had Piper and Ben shared custody with Grant’s mom. Benny and Samantha would get Grant every weekend.

Benny started his own lawn care business “Merritt landscape and lawn care”. He had a deep love for his family and a passion for life. But Benny‘s greatest achievement have been his children. Grant, who was six and Piper was 3 at the time. Benny and Samantha worked hard and were dedicated to providing a loving and nurturing home for Grant and Piper. Benjamin made the choice to empower himself with new goals and making his recovery be a new path in his life. Benjamin celebrated six years of sobriety in August 2023.

As Benjamin‘s Mom and stepdad Mark, we cannot express enough how truly proud we are of him. We were so blessed and grateful that we witnessed his recovery and was a part of it. We will always cherish the memories of watching Benny be a proud Daddy and to see him love his family. After Benny was born my Mom and Dad affectionally became Nana and Papa. They had nothing but unconditional love for Benny and was there for him with unwavering loyalty, even through the most difficult times. Nana and Papa have faithful love and compassion for Benny and his memory will forever be in our hearts.

Tragically on November 10, 2023, Benjamin was murdered in a road rage incident. There was less than a 30 second exchange of words and when Benny turned around to walk back to his truck the other man involved made the choice to shoot Benny in the back killing him instantly. The devastation my family has experienced is overwhelming and the grief has been unbearable. We remain a strong, loving, and supportive family and deeply committed to keeping Benny’s memory alive. We will continue to celebrate his recovery, his many accomplishments, and his passion for life. We are devoted to loving and emotionally support the children and Samantha. We will always talk about Benny to his children so they will always remember their daddy and how much he truly loved them.

“To those in the throes of addiction, remember that your steps toward healing however small they may seem are monumental strides toward a brighter, healthier future. Each day you choose recovery you redefine your story with courage and resilience”. Unknown.