Hundreds gathered at Renaissance Park in Meridian Wednesday, May 31, to celebrate the life of a little boy gone too soon.
10-year-old Ben Dorman passed away unexpectedly just days ago due to a brain aneurysm. Now, his family is honoring his life by encouraging folks to take selfies and post them to social media using the hashtag -- #2ThumbsUp4Ben.
"He had a zest for life like no kid I've ever met," said Jennifer Dorman, Ben's mother.
Last Saturday, May 27, started out like any other weekend for Ben, a fourth-grader at Siena Elementary School. He was planning a trip to the pool; but after giving his sister, dad, and a couple of his friends a double thumbs-up before heading out -- he collapsed.
"We had no idea that Ben had a brain aneurysm and that he was going to pass away that morning," said James Dorman, Ben's father.
Ben's heartbreaking and unexpected passing touched many in the Meridian community, and dozens honored him at his memorial. But instead of sorrow and candles -- laughter and ice cream were on hand instead. Just the way Ben would've wanted it.
"He was happy, he knew he was loved by everyone," James said.
"He was as happy as he could've been when he went," said Jennifer. "But it doesn't take the pain away."
As for the Dormans, #2ThumbsUp4Ben is a way to keep his memory alive. After all, he wasn't just a happy boy...he was two thumbs-up happy.
Take a photo of you and/your family and be sure to use #2ThumbsUp4Ben on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The Dormans say they're looking forward to seeing your posts.
