People You Should Meet - Ben McKee

I wish Ben and I had a better story of how we met, but that doesn't seem to matter anymore.

I first met Ben last July when I was feeling lonely and about to walk into a particularly trying time at work.  I signed up for an online dating site and noticed Ben within a week.  It didn't take long for us to start talking via e-mail.

Ben and I hit it off right away.  One of those connections where I felt like we had known each other for years.  It was only a few days later before we met at one of our favorite coffee shops downtown.  Six hours later we decided to see a movie the next day.

As I got to know Ben I didn't know if he would turn into "something more,"  but I was convinced if anything he would become an amazing friend.

For the rest of the year our friendship developed very slowly.  A coffee here, a phone conversation a couple months later.  Every time we spoke I was deeply encouraged and challenged to become a better person or work on my relationship with God.  Ben was definitely in my life for a reason.

For my birthday Ben, along with our mutual friend, Eric, took me out for the evening.  They were very intent on making me feel special and loved on my birthday.  Success!  Beer sampling, Avatar and dinner.  What a awesome night.

He always made time to hear my heart and talk me through my discouragement with Poland.  My heart always felt more calm after a conversation with Ben.  One of these conversations led to him filming a video for me to use in sharing my heart for Poland.  All his idea, I just had to show up with my dance skills and a few friends.  Done and done.  Ben was a rockstar.

Making the video and all the time we spent together planning and executing it just deepened our friendship.  He has become this key part of my life that I am so grateful for.  I have never had someone be so skilled in de-stressing me when I am freaking out.  Always bringing me back to earth and gently reminding me that I am a child of God and everything will be ok.

Right now we are in the thrust of summer concert season and since we share a deep passion for many of the same bands this has been so much fun.  Free tickets to see Daughtry last month, the final Denver show for Meese and tomorrow, floor tickets to see OneRepublic.

I am having a lot of fun.  Ben simply knows how to make me laugh and feel safe and cared for all at the same time.  Who knows if it will ever turn into anything more, but for now.  I am ok with where we are at.  I would never want to compromise our friendship by trying to force a relationship.

If you ever have the chance to meet Ben, take it up.    Take a chance to pick his brain about the best beer (one of his passions) or where to find the best cold-pressed coffee in Denver.  You will learn more than you ever wanted to know!  Just stay away from the subject of recycling...just kidding.  He is from Oregon and his earth consciousness resembles that of a Boulder-ite.  Ben is great really, you should know him.