I couldn't have said it any better Stevin and yes, I also feel that I knew him better than some of my own relatives. I knew that you could certainly appreciate this because you have had the honor of reading his book and corresponding with him.
His granddaughter and I have been writing to each other all week and I am grateful for that, but man has it ever been hard to do. I can't make it through a letter (or this) without crying again. She and I are going to keep in touch and I told her I would help her contact people that Ben and I had in common.
She told me that she was so happy that I wanted to continue corresponding with the family. I told her that I was grateful for the same.
Well you and I can have a toast to Ben. I am glad that we got to know him. 
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"