I got to go back east....

So Ive been thinking about moving back for a while now, and now I feel I must... My Mom has Alzheimer's and my Dad needs help with her, he cant leave her alone and even tho he's 84, he gets around, loves to visit his Bro, and sings in a few different groups, he even teaches english now and then but lately he cant leave. She's very happy, quick to laugh, but cant remember simple words and gets pissed off by that, but I can get her to laugh in a heartbeat and I feel a huge pull to help out...
What can I say about NCKA? The biggest and best group of friends and family one could ever hope for in this screwed up world. You guys replaced my stolen prized kayak and as Andy/Fishmaster says, thats Gangster love....By the end of October Ill be on the road so that leaves 2 months, my final blow-out will be the Red Barn Classic...
Anybody want any fishing crap? I have lots of poles, boxes, storage bins, nets, fly stuff...
Im going to try to have an art sale if there is interest too....

I have alot of respect for your decision Ben. I wish you and your family the best. I'm sure it means so much to your family, and also will bring deep peace to your soul to be there. Always enjoy spending time with you, hope we can get OTW again before you leave, and look forward to RBC.
Take care - John   

Your folks need you , and that's that!! They will definately be getting the better end of the bargain as we will be losing a fixture in our community You're doin the right thing and I respect you for that, AND A LOT OF OTHER THINGS TOO!  I would love to snatch some art from you, you should do an RBC ART SALE! Peace out Dood, cant wait for the BARN! 

I understand all to well Ben. You gotta do what you gotta do! We will hook up before your new adventure begins.

Ben, it was a tremendous pleasure to have this friendship with you! As Bird said, we all have great respect for your decision and wish nothing but the very best for you and your entire family. 

I've enjoyed every single moment we fished/hung out, and I look forward to having more with ya brother before ya move back east. Lemme know when ya got some time 

Dude, you will be sorely missed by the west coast kayakfishing community. If you ever get a chance to come back out and visit; I have a spare bedroom and kayak with your name on it. You are a kind soul and a lot of fun to be around.

Ben, while I didn't get to know you as well as I'd have liked, you're a class act and just plain good dude - which is evident in the reason you're leaving!  You'll definitely be missed.  Hope to see you again in the future.

And if you have a sale on fishing goods, I'd love to have the chance to compensate appropriately.

Ben,
It's been a pleasure knowing you and jammin the guitar a little bit with you.  Your gentle presence surely will be missed by all of us.  Hope everything works out for you there. 

Rey

You're a good man Ben.  It's my pleasure knowing you and you surely will be missed!

Ben you are doing the right thing. I left NYC 2 years ago to come back and help my Dad. I left 2 job offers and now I can't get anything out here. I wouldn't change a thing, just knowing that my dad is happier with me here makes things worth it.

Let me know about any fishing items you may have. I am new to fishing but not to kayaking so anything always helps. Have a safe trip and I hope to fish with you at the barn.

Family first is always the priority! Your presence in NCKA will definately be missed. But, I'm sure you will have a computer and can still be part of this group from the east. Hope your able to get back and visit us every once in awhile. I'm sure there will be enough equipment for you to use without bringing your own. I only wish the best for you and your family. Good luck my friend.

Ben

dam ben , your one of the coolest dudes ive met on NCKA , like with everything family comes first and you gotta do what u gotta do!

REDBARN ! lets do it NCKA style and send you off right!

We've had some great times Ben.  Looks like i'm going to have to check into the Red Barn to get a hug before you ride. Love you Brother........

family first, always, glad that you will be able to help your dad, and bring laughter to your mom, good life, good journey my friend, hopefully will see you on the sonoma coast before RBC, but will definately see you there, cameron

You're a good man Ben. Helping to care for my own grandfather who suffered from Alz & Parkinsons was tough, to see him like that, but I'm glad I did what I could and I know you will be too. jim