jax benjamin

2014 - 2026

Yesterday, 5,22,2026, we said goodbye to a cherished member of our family and my absolute best friend, Jax. Even now, I struggle through tears to find the words to express what he meant to us. I know we are supposed to focus on celebrating his life rather than mourning his death, but the truth is, our family now has a massive hole where Jax used to be. He was a huge part of our world.
Anyone that knew Jax, knew of his love of soccer. He could play for hours and was damn good. His ball control was insane. He had between 5-10 balls, but one of these was special. It was his first soccer ball from when he came to our family in June 2014. Now its flat, grey, and more of a piece of fabric. But he carried it around like it was his teddy. He is being cremated with his soccer ball and had it in his paws during his final moments. I have to believe it made it over that rainbow bridge with him and he is playing with it with Ellie.
Jax was there through it all. He welcomed Kayden home from the hospital, watched over his first steps, comforted his first boo-boos, Greeted the kids after school every day, sat with us through heartbreaks, and shared every moment in between. When we needed someone to just listen, there was no one better. He would lay there with his huge, expressive bug eyes and simply offer his quiet, steady presence. If you needed comfort, he would happily cuddle with you for hours.
Waking up this morning, my first instinct was to look for him, to let him out and feed him. When the reality of yesterday hit me, the sadness was heavy. I went outside anyway and just stood there, thinking of him. While we will absolutely celebrate his life and forever cherish the endless joy he brought to our family, we will always feel like a piece of us is missing until we are reunited with him again one day.
Rest easy, buddy. You are so loved.