On October 3rd, 2013 at 8:44pm in Swedish Hospital John Freyman’s life was changed forever.

Nerves were high throughout this monumental day, but the beauty from the newborn and the excitement to spend the rest of their lives together took over Freyman’s shaking muscles.

Finally, twelve days late, Benjamin Francis Freyman (BFF) was born into the Freyman family on October 3rd, 2013 at 8:44pm in Swedish Hospital.

“He couldn’t possibly arrive early to his own party,” said Freyman.

Benjamin was so tiny and innocent, Freyman described him as the size of a single poppy seed.

“We called him Poppy and that nickname has stayed with him ever since,” said Freyman.

Freyman and his wife are incredibly thankful for the gift of their son.

“Poppy is our greatest blessing,” said Freyman, “I have to admit that I cried more than Poppy did when he was first born. I seriously couldn’t believe that this little gift was ours to love and hug and kiss and squeeze…forever.”

When choosing Poppy’s name, Freyman’s wife wasn’t too fond of the idea of naming him Euclid, after the father of Geometry, (Euclid of Alexandria). So Freyman and his wife agreed on a name they would be able to say in the halls of the Vatican, Benjamin.

They then came up with the middle name, Francis. The idea of Francis came from Pope Francis being introduced to the world on the same day as Poppy was born, October 4th

It turned out that October 4th happened to be the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and by the time BFF was born ( 8:44 pm, Oct. 3rd) it was already October 4th in Italy.

“St. Francis was throwing Benjamin a welcome party!” said Freyman.

Benjamin is the center of Freyman’s life, he often tells stories of his son with a huge smile and giddiness from the joy Benjamin brings him.

Benjamin enjoys a variety of different things he notices in the world, including: basketball hoops, garbage trucks, music, singing, and butterflies

“He also knows pi to five decimals and shoots hoops like Mr. Hecko,” said Freyman.

The idea of Freyman and his child turns the creases in your cheeks immediately upwards. You can see the sparkle of happiness and love for his child and family, that I have no doubt Benjamin will grow up with the same kindness and joy towards others.

“I look forward to all of the great things that Benjamin will do in his life,” said Freyman.