Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

For RMALARZ And all my friends at UHH:
I had this bench erected in honor of my son.

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rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Beautiful in both presentation and thought.
--Bob

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

Beautiful!
I am sorry for your loss.

George

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dear Bob: Thank you for your compliments regarding my bench. Here is the back story.
Years ago, the location was known for dumping abandoned cars. It was not uncommon for us kids to be climbing on rocks and playing in the rusted out automobiles. Sure we got a few scrapes and cuts. There were a few unlucky ones who broke an arm or leg. That was bad enough. Our parents would get “p*$ed” that the City Of New York didn’t do anything about it. Eventually the Community Board mobilized a task force to rid the area of
boulders and cars. The stones were moved out by front loaders. The cars were towed away. The space was bestowed back to the Parks Department. Construction began on the Marine Park Salt Marsh Nature Preserve. It took on a new personality bringing various species of birds into the area.
I have gone there to find herons and even scarlet tanagers occasionally.
My sons were Junior Park Rangers when they were in Boy Scouting.

Years later, my son Brian would enjoy the Salt Marsh. However when he passed away we petitioned the Parks Department for the bench. Every now and then I go there enjoying and photographing the sights of the area.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Scruples, my condolences for your loss.

Your narrative inspires me to think that you would find that bench a place for a short rest and recollection of wonderful memories.
--Bob

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

An inspiring image and story.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I wish to thank all of my friends here at the HOG for your condolences. My son Brian was an amazing young man who had several disabilities. But he would not let them stand in his way. In fact he was very clever to hide them. To start off, he was an Eagle Scout and received a letter of commendation from then President Obama. He was an avid swimmer and loved canoeing. He was learning to play piano. I was teaching him to photograph. He loved SCUBA diving. For his 20th birthday he was going to learn to pilot a plane. In spite of his disabilities he would not let them stand in his way. He chose not to be afraid or doubt himself.
We have established a foundation not to mourn the loss. It was created to celebrate his life and teach others that there is no such thing as a disability.
We have several projects going on including donating canoes and kayaks to various Boy Scout camps, giving children an opportunity to enjoy summer camp (campership), we give children scholarships for books, we have donated several pianos to various schools and we continue to do more as I think of it. We will be planning a photo trek to teach children and adults. We are planning a fund raiser.
I would like you to head over to our website for a look see.

Steven Gewirtz
www.BGMFoundation.org

JayRay Loc: Missouri

Very inspiring. Very sorry for your loss.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Thank you for your condolences. Please visit our website to learn more about my son’s foundation. Don’t be sorry because he is gone. Celebrate his life and know that he would not allow his disabilities to interfere with what he wanted in life.

Thank you.
Steven Gewirtz
www.BGMFoundation.org

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

Great way to keep memories alive. Very thoughtful.

Jack

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

A very nice tribute!! I am very sorry for your loss.

Dodie

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Thank you for your condolences. Head over to the website for more information about my son.

Steven Gewirtz