pass the love

today was a sad day on this alaskan island, as the community lost another well-loved pilot, father, and husband. the sad reality is that while alaska is extremely beautiful, it can also be extremely dangerous. travel requires extra thought and preparation around here, and accidents are relatively few and far between, but occasionally we experience the heartache associated with losing loved ones in crashes. today was one of those days, when a father of four crashed in his floatplane full of cargo on a hill...details of how the crash happened or why haven't been determined yet, but the stormy, october-like rain and wind we experienced this morning likely (in my mind) had something to do with the the plane clipping trees on a hill and losing a wing.

while i didn't know the victim or his family personally, it is a horrific tragedy like the one today that shocks you back to the stark reality that life isn't infinite--anything could happen at any second to any person, and their life could be over. it makes me realize that i, and everyone, should probably take more time each day to tell the people around me how much i love and appreciate them and how important they are to my life. i hate that it takes such bad news for me to re-adjust my priorities, but unfortunately it takes a reality check like this every once in a while to keep us on track. my list of "peeps" is extensive in terms of those who have had a positive effect on my life, but there are some i choose to recognize individually...

mi familia: you have provided me with the foundation to become a great and successful person, and there is no way i could ever repay your love. i don't tell you often enough how appreciative i am, but i hope you have atleast somewhat of an idea...

tl & jm: you girls were my saving graces during the college years! i am so glad i met such wonderful people and found lifelong friendships with you both. i have no doubt that no matter how much time or distance separates us, we will always be able to come together as "bffs." t: i apologize for commenting so much about you seeming to change in the 9 months since i moved back home, but it's only because i miss having an awesome roommate who i see often enough to not feel under-informed about things going on in your life. a lot of that feeling is my fault, since i'm horrible at keeping in touch...you're the best & i hope you find your passion in life soon & follow your own path! j: my gaga partner-in-crime :) thanks for always being a source of laughter and goofiness and amazing food! i loved being able to spend time on your island paradise this summer & have no doubt you will do amazing things in the culinary world!

ag: you are my crazy pseudo-sister, i love you to pieces even though you can be frustrating sometimes! all i want for you is to be happy & successful in life, which is why we try to help you to the point of being overbearing...rather than push you away, i only intend to provide you with the experience(s) i already have so you don't have to make the mistakes i've already made.

nb: if you had told me 5 yrs ago, or even 1 yr ago, that we would reconnect on the level that we have, i would've thought you were insane. but as ironic as life is, i wouldn't have it any other way--you have been a bright light in an often grey town, even if we've spent more time apart than together in this little town. i love that you make me laugh, can make me question presumptions and think about new concepts, encourage me to try new things, incited my newly(ish) found love of nature treks, and are a warm body to curl up with on movie nights...hopefully there's lots more to come!

and to all those who have had an impact on my life (for which there are too many to name individually), good or bad, thank you. you've made me into the person i am today, and through thick and thin, i wouldn't have it any other way. pass the love!