Hey Everyone,

We wanted to share some beautiful details about our little miracle, Benji, who brought so much light and love into our lives in such a short time. As the saying goes, "Though he be but little, he is fierce." Benji embodied this sentiment perfectly.

Benjamin "Benji" Jack Reisman, our tiny warrior, carried the names of our beloved ancestors with him. Named after his great-grandfather on Daddy's side and his Mommy's dad and great-grandfather, Benji's name was a testament to the strong lineage of love and resilience he carried.

From the moment he surprised us with his early arrival on Wednesday, March 6, like a ray of sunshine after a storm, Benji filled our hearts with hope and joy. Every second we had with him was a precious blessing, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life.

Even before she knew him, Benji held a special place in the heart of his sister, Evie, who lovingly picked his name. Her adoration for him was palpable from the start, a bond that transcended time and space. Recently, her drawings are filled with family portraits, and Benji is always included next to her, hand in hand, reflecting the inseparable connection they shared. It's remarkable how someone so small could ignite such profound love and companionship within his sister's heart.

Among the countless cherished memories we hold dear are the simple yet profound moments we shared with our beloved Benji. From the tender act of changing his diaper to the overwhelming joy of feeding him for the first time, every interaction was a testament to the love and bond we shared. Holding his tiny hands, we felt an unbreakable connection that transcended words. Witnessing the sheer delight as he met his grandparents, aunts, and uncles filled our hearts with immeasurable happiness. We'll never forget the admiration and pride gleaming in the eyes of his nurses and doctors, who tirelessly cared for him with unwavering dedication. The unexpected gestures of kindness, like receiving a gift from a fellow NICU parent, reminded us that we were not alone in our journey. The support and compassion from the parent care team lifted our spirits during the most challenging moments, and hearing from his doctors that we were the best parents to Benji validated the immense love and devotion with which we cherished him.

"Though his time with us was short, the love he brought into our lives will last a lifetime."

In moments like these, we find solace in the lyrics of John Lennon's heartfelt song, "Beautiful Boy." Just as Lennon sang of the anticipation of seeing his child grow up we, too, held dreams and hopes for Benji's future. We envisioned him growing, learning, completing our family, and becoming the remarkable individual we knew he was destined to be. Yet, we're reminded that life often takes unexpected turns, and we must embrace patience as we navigate the journey ahead. Though Benji's time with us was far too brief, his impact was profound and everlasting. He was our beautiful boy, filling our lives with love, and while we yearn for more time together, we find comfort in the precious moments we shared. As we bid farewell to our little warrior, we hold onto the promise of his enduring legacy, echoing Lennon's words: "Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful boy."

We'll always cherish the way he filled our hearts with love and inspired us to be stronger, braver, and kinder.

As we navigate through this difficult time, we find comfort in the love and support of our friends and family. Your kindness means the world to us.

We'll be sure to keep you updated on any plans to celebrate Benji's beautiful life. Until then, let's hold onto these precious memories and continue to spread the love and hope that Benji brought into our lives. We plan on donating a large portion of money raised to the Northside Hospital Miracle to support NICU families and babies. 

With love, 

Ilan, Carly, Evie, Kat and Leo