Remembering Travis

In 2008, I lost one of my childhood best friends. He was an amazing human being.I can't recall a single time that he didn't pick up the phone to answer one of my calls. Travis was a forever friend. Late one night, Travis was returning home from a firefighter's funeral when he was involved in a car accident. At 8am the following morning my phone rang. They had just found Travis's truck and he was no longer with us. I remember thinking this couldn't possibly be right. I had just talked to him. We made plans for lunch the following week, they had the wrong person. Not MY Travis, couldn't be. I called his cell and got his voice mail, so I called his mom where she confirmed he was no longer with us. We cried with one another on the phone. She told me to always remember Trav loved me.

This week his mom asked me to write a few of our adventures together for a book she was writing. At first, I was hesitant. How could I put into words what our friendship meant to me? How could I talk about him as if he was no longer here? How could I clean up some of the things we did? (heehee)

I haven't picked which story to tell, but so many memories have been floating in my mind. Travis and I loved the outdoors. We had gone hiking, rock climbing, skiing, camping, and white water rafting with one another. Thinking of these times has brought so much joy to my heart. I have so upset with his passing that I never thought about how he could live on in my stories. His mannerisms, his tone of voice, or his laugh may never be heard again, but I could tell of them. I could share those things with others. I could bring him back to life in sorts.

So on this Thursday, I am thankful for Travis. For his strength, compassion, and love. I am thankful for the time he was in my life. We may not see one another all the time, but he is still here with me. I am thankful also for the chance to share him with others. I am thankful for memories like Travis singing "Fancy" by Reba McEntire at the top of his lungs. Most of all, I am thankful Travis was in my life. I am a blessed woman for knowing him.