By Kathy Craigo-Harteis
Some 20 years ago, my friend Ben Felt came to Colusa County where I lived. 
He arrived as part of a not-so-popular development venture.
The project failed, but Ben stayed. He had found his forever home and his forever people.
He built a successful financial planning business. He volunteered for most everything. He served on boards, shared his knowledge, and, most of all, his genuine friendship with all of us.
Ben became one of my dearest friends.
A cow man at heart, his greatest pleasure became his herd. Ben’s Grass Fed Beef soon became a staple and a treat on most of our dining tables.
He was happiest when he walked among his cows. Our friendship became a bond for life. We shared sad times and happy times. We would be there for each other when needed.
I have a lot of friends and among them, Ben topped the list.
I could count on him, and he could count on me.
That is how it should be.
If you proclaim yourself as a friend, make sure you follow through.
Last week when the call came, I was crushed.
My darling Ben was gone. “That can’t be,” I thought. I just talked with him a few days prior.
He always checked to make sure ‘Lola’ was behaving herself. Lola is the alter ego Ben gave to me. Lola lost her temper from time to time. Ben always said he knew to back away from Lola.
I have a lot of good memories and gratitudes to lean on as I mourn.
Mourn I am.
I know it’s not just me. Ben was a man who left a hole in a lot of hearts.
Take heed of the people you love. Don’t take for granted that they will always there.
Sometimes they aren’t.
Because I knew Ben Felt; life is good today.
