Regional Dialect

Watching the sun shine through the cracks in the cloud cover that encompassed the sky-high peaks surrounding our sleepy valley hideaway was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen.

Early this morning I climbed those same sky-high peaks to revel in their frozen beauty. For the briefest of moments I contemplated shedding my climbing gear and losing myself in the snow-capped pine trees, slipping into unconsciousness like a newborn baby among the snow drifts, allowing the chill of the winter air to work its way into my bones and wear down the edges of the unforgiving wilderness around me.

We find bodies of hikers and mountain climbers up here all the time. Honestly, what's one more?

Christie (The Saddest Landscape)

You are the only woman I have ever loved.
I am sorry it took me so long to figure this out.

Dream Nostalgia

Last night I dreamed nostalgic dreams - of childhood homes, family members who have long since passed, friends and neighbors whom I will never see again - and I awoke with tears in my eyes.

I curse the idea of outliving my friends and family, the men and women who came before me, who helped shape me into the successful young man I have become . . . but I guess that's life.

Teaching someone to live while you yourself are dying is a maddening paradox from which no one is immune, but I will never forfeit or disrespect the sacrifices you have made on my behalf. Your efforts will not go unnoticed, not while I still breathe, and I still breathe at all costs.

I love you. Through the worst we prevail. We will be remembered.