An Ode To Benji: Reflections on Art, Life, and Friendship

Remembering Benji's Impact as an Artist and Friend

I don't always know why God does the things that he does. I just know that sometimes I really fucking disagree. Benji should still be here.

I met Benji through my Buzzfeed connections. Like many, I knew him as a brilliant artist and was stunned when he revealed he was a software engineer for the company. I always imagined him making fun illustrations for listicles. This revelation came during what became my favorite memory with him—a perfect August day on the beach in the Pines.

The weather was ideal, the water warm, and the beach blissfully quiet. Away from our usual social settings, we had a rare, peaceful moment to actually learn about each other. I remember us venturing into the ocean, yards apart, hopping over waves and eventually ducking under them. We surrendered to the sea in near silence, occasionally catching each other's eye and giggling at the seaweed resting on our heads and in his beard. It was one of those quintessential Pines days.

When Benji fell ill a year ago, he bravely shared his journey on Instagram. I remember the shock of seeing his survival statistics, desperately hoping the doctors were wrong. Glioblastoma—a diagnosis that leaves 75% of patients with only 12-18 months. As Benji approached that mark, I clung to hope, believing he'd beat the odds.

At the top of the year, I resolved to show up more for my artist friends—attending exhibitions, being physically present, sharing their work. Throughout his illness, Benji continued creating art. I kept brainstorming ways to support him, to show up as I'd promised myself I would. My last message to him was a simple request for his email address—I had an idea to share. Naively, I thought we had more time. I was wrong.

Benji, I'm still going to show up for you. Your art, your spirit, your friendship—they live on. I'm sorry for what you had to endure in the end. Your impact remains. Through our memories, through your creations, you're still here, still an inspiration.