Comments for Pelladium

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Mike McGuire

Mike McGuire — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:10:53 +0000

As editor of the 1987 Pelladium, I would have been proud to have run a story like this. Benji, that was raw, written from a wounded place and in a style I appreciate…you write until you are simply out of words.What I’ve seen in this paper, on facebook and at tonight’s visitation staggers me that a 16-year old could impact a community this much and that is an absolute tribute to this family who will need this kind of support long after this weekend.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Lori Lourens

Lori Lourens — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:31:45 +0000

Benji, thanks for a well written, heart felt piece. You put in words what many couldn’t. It is a wake up call for all of us. What will we leave in our wake? Praying for Blake’s family and PHS.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Holly

Holly — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:31:47 +0000

Very well written. Kids dying while still in high school is hard. I had three friends die while in high school between the years of 95 and 99 and this hits home knowing that now my brother is going through the heartache of losing a classmate. The one death that sticks with me is Kari DeVries’s because it was sudden and unexpected like Blake’s. My prayers are with his family and friends.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Jennifer

Jennifer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:45:46 +0000

Wow! Such a powerful, well written article! Brought me to tears and made me realize how very much I take for granted each and everyday! My thoughts are not only with the families involved, but also the many friends and students who are now left dealing with the pain. Lean on each other, be there for each other and never forget the impact Blake had on everyone’s lives!

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Randa

Randa — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:36:28 +0000

Wow! What a wonderfully written article. Thanks for sharing – I think no matter who had passed, popular or not, everyone would have felt the same: a young person was gone from this earth far too soon. I know I’m going to think twice before complaining of such trivial things.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Gerae

Gerae — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:12:37 +0000

Very moving… Experiences like these are timeless…regardless of the generation, Benji’s observations and expressions reminded me of being a student at PHS when PCHS beloved student Doug Kanis was killed in a motorcycle accident. We all hurt–in varying degrees of course–but the pain hit all of us. So even way out here in San Diego, we hurt and pray for all of you in the loss of Blake.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Nichol

Nichol — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:17:40 +0000

Great Job!! I am a Pella Grad from 1997 and wrote for the Pelladium myself and I have to say that this is an amazing way to paint the picture of Pella High School students on Tues. You have a gift Benji and I hope you follow it somewhere. I hope that you and the other students at PHS find a new strength within yourselves and become stronger people in the wake of this tragedy!! Well done!!

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Shawnae Lambert

Shawnae Lambert — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:14:07 +0000

Beautiful piece Benji!! The evidence of humanity and vulnerability is something to be treasured.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Seth VanderHorst

Seth VanderHorst — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:04:55 +0000

Well written hard story Benji.

Comment on In the wake of Blake by Kathy McElroy

Kathy McElroy — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:44:43 +0000

Benji, what a beatiful expression of such a painful life passage that it required of all of us.