Benjamin and Cliff

Benj and "Cwiff" 2009

We have a little visitor who arrives at my parent's home every year when the Christmas decorations are brought out. His name is Cliff (affectionately named by father Van Wagenen) and he is one of Santa's forgotten reindeers. Cliff has become a part of the family over the course of about 20 years and most of the time, he sits quietly in the corner observing the Christmas activities, just happy to be one of us. This year however, Cliff became more than an observer. He also became a very special friend to my son Benjamin. I don't know what it was about Cliff that intrigued him but every day, Cliff and Benjamin could be found hanging out together. I would often hear Benjamin talking to Cliff like a long lost buddy.

"Oh Cwiff, " he would say. "Yer not too heavy, Cwiff". As he carried him around. "Yer my best friend, Cwiff!"

Needless to say, I think Benj is really gonna miss his buddy "Cwiff". But at least I captured some pictures to remember the moments they shared.