Forever in our Heart

Nathaniel Rene Benavides

August 19, 1998 - December 30, 2019

Community Prayer

Thursday

DecEmber 28, 2023

7 PM

Outdoor Event

Sacred Heart Church Parking Lot

We are all brought into this world with a set of rules. Don't fight with your siblings. Go to school every day. Don't stay out past 10. From an early age, it was safe to say that Nathaniel was setting out to re-write those rules. He carved his own path through life, and with his smile, radiated an energy that was undeniable to family and friends.

It goes without saying, Nathaniel left this world too soon. He left behind hundreds of us in mourning - including coworkers, family and friends. All of us have been touched by his life in one way or another. If you saw him at a wedding, Quinenera, or Cowboys dance hall then you probably saw some of his famous dance moves. He was not afraid to share the light in his life through his dancing and smiling - and we still carry that light now. All of us who were inspired by Nathaniel carry the torch of his spirit.

Nathaniel played many roles in this life - brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, boyfriend, colleague, friend - and of course, a son. Since he could walk, he would seldom leave his mother's side. If you saw Diane driving around town, guided by the crackling coming from her police scanner, you would see Nathaniel right by her side. All throughout his youth, they were inseparable. He knew their time together was precious, and he treated it that way - to the point where he would make his mom take her shoes off in the house. To him, the only reason you needed to have shoes on is if you were going somewhere. And he let Diane know, often in his own passionate way, that she didn't need to be anywhere but right here with him. Once during a visit, Diane came out to the car with no shoes on, my mom upset telling her to go inside and put shoes on the ground is hot. And Diane tiptoeing “Oh I can’t wear my shoes Nathaniel thinks I’m going somewhere he won’t let me.” She would do anything to make her baby happy.

Like any of us, he was not without faults. Mistakes are a dime a dozen in this life and for him it was no exception. He might call Devin or BJ every name in the book but at the end of the day, you knew their bond would overcome any and all petty bickering - and there was no battle too great for Nathaniel's love. He was a man who could see past an argument and admit his faults. Nathaniel had nothing to prove, being the youngest in a house with three kids (plus visiting cousins) he became tough, and never the type to back down from a challenge - If he saw it worthwhile. He started his career in the oil & gas industry, a challenge he was more than up for. He was a hard worker, eager to learn and improve. In the industry your coworkers become your family. When he changed jobs last year it was because he gave serious consideration to his future, and understood that he could not let himself get comfortable in one job if he was going to improve.

As we look around at the family & friends here it is obvious that we cannot go through this life alone. We must lean on each other and remember that no day is guaranteed. If there is any silver lining in this ocean of sorrow it is the lessons Nathaniel's life has taught us. Surround yourself by people who love you. Don't let the possibility of someone judging you, keep you from being who you are. Laugh until your stomach hurts. And of course - take your shoes off, stay a while, and let the people in your life know how much they mean to you.

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