State of the Archive Address (1/2025)

Another update on the soap opera that is Benny-boy’s life.

Social Media:
Twitter/X: @oddityarchive

[marktubeie]

Thanks for sharing the update Ben, it's important to talk it out. Yep, being 'sickly' is due to stress, I've experienced this as well. Try and stay positive Benny Boy, we all care about you very much 🤗

[TobiasCruelty]

You're a great son Ben, I hope you and your Mom have a better 2025.

[Lcd]

Happy new year, Ben! Wishing the best for you and your family throughout all of this. We’ll all be here for you.

[PaintandPaint]

Happy new year Ben!

I realise the video wasn't the easiest to make so respect to you for doing so. Hoping that your father has more better days for you and your family. We're not going anywhere and still be here for you.

[JB-whwe]

Hey Ben, that's rough stuff w/ your dad. I'm very sorry to hear that. I love your content. Sending good vibes yalls way & have a happy new year Sir.

[AllisonDancerChick]

Happy New Year, Ben! As someone who watched their father battle health issues for years before going into a nursing home due to needing more involved care, please take care of yourself. Caregiver burnout is a real thing, and it is bad. both my mom and myself have gone through it. My dad passed away from Afib in August 2024, it was sudden, but after the last two years of watching him decline (I feel like he was in some state of early dementia due to so many UTIs), it was actually a blessing. He was bed ridden and having more off days than good in the last two months prior to his passing. I found the good moments to be the best times. When your dad has these moments, treasure them. But again, above all, please take care of yourself and your health, you are no good to those you care for if you’re not ok.

[DanaRArwen]

Hi, Ben. Wishing you & your family peace and comfort throughout this hard time.
I was a caregiver for my adoptive mother who likely had the beginnings of Alzheimer's in her last year or so and I lost my cousin Sandy, the person closest to me in the World to it. She was living in another state when she became stricken over 4 years ago so I didn't personally see or hear the worst of it, but I miss her terribly every single day.
I say all this to let you know you not only that you have my deepest sympathy & understanding, but also to let you know that Oddity Archive was one of the things that helped me a great deal through losing Sandy. I have always appreciated your subject matter and your humor, presentation, presence and music are always a true joy. Although I'm saddned that we share some trauma and tragedy in common, I hope hearing that your work is an ongoing bright spot for so many of us on YouTube helps you get through some of the rougher moments.
You are a genuinely good Soul & that truly shones through.
God Bless you & your family, Ben, and everyone reading this. May 2025 find us all blessed with the ongoing gift of understanding, kindness & compassion for each other and may light, Love & laughter be there in abundance.
Thank you for being you & generous enough to share the gift of yourself with all of us, 143 ❤️♾️

[mightyfilm]

My father's been in and out of the hospital all year because he keeps falling. It's incredibly demoralizing to see you father in any weakened state, so I completely understand.

[VernSherris]

My father, his brother, and my cousin all had Dementia, so i understand what you're going through with your dad, Ben. Do what you need to do to get better. If you feel you need to take a break from recording and uploading episodes of the Archive, or Ben's Junk, then do so. You owe nothing to us.
I'm sending you and your family best wishes from Manitoba, Canada.
Get well soon, Ben. Take care.

[nazznomad]

My Mom died of dementia. I feel your pain and struggles. Take care of yourself first, apart from your father. My thoughts are with you.

[tchock]

Happy new year, Ben, as others have mentioned in the comments you are (sadly) not alone. My grandfather also dealt with this awful disease and watching his slow decline was heartbreaking. We're all rooting for you and your family, and wishing you better health this year

[redracer]

I understand what you're going through Ben, My Nana (my Mom's Mom) had Alzheimers through 2020 and 2021, before sadly passing in December 2021, so I'm sorry that you guys are going through this going into this new year. Just wishing y'all all the best.

[JL-smcg]

Benny-boy, I loves me some new Archive episodes, but they can wait. This is far more important. I know I've told you about my uncle who had dementia for 15 years until he died when he tripped going downstairs and hit his head on the wall. It's a struggle, and I know you'll make it through. Prayers!

[luisreyes]

You have my condolences for your father, Benny. May God be with you. 🙏

[PresYB]

Ben, I am so thankful for all the time and effort you put into Archive! You've certainly helped me get through some rough times, and know that now we are here for you to support you in this situation. I echo what many others have said in that we completely understand if you need to take time away; there are so many great videos that we can re-watch to fill the gap if need be! I'll be praying for you and your mom as you two take care of your father, as well as for his comfort. Continue to cherish the good days with him, and of course make sure to take care of yourself as well.

[dennisb]

Hey bro, and by no means a doctor, but I will be in a few years what you’re going through with this bronchitis situation kind of seems like onset COPD due to stress and anxiety, believe it or not that can actually happen. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Ashwaghanda root, but look into it it can work wonders on helping you stay calm and relaxed. You’re a good man, Benny boy, by being a selfless family member and not to mention providing all of us many many hours of entertainment. for that, you should definitely be proud of yourself.

[AmyLSacks]

Thanks for the update. There's a big back catalogue for us to enjoy, so you shouldn't stress out trying to stick to a "normal" schedule just for us. Best to you and yours.

[HappySnoutHour]

We all love you Ben. If you need any help I have a friend in IA who is a nurse that works at a nursing home where she helps with people with dementia/Alzheimer's (almost exclusively) who might be able to help you with any questions or advice if you need them.

[judithmohr]

Very sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my aunt to dementia in 2021. It was hell on my uncle and cousin. Whatever respite care you can get, take it.

[CBRVA]

I went through the same thing with my grandmother (my dad’s mom), who was in the latter stages of dementia or AD herself. My dad took her in to our house to live with us for six and a half years before she passed away five and half years ago.