11-16

Reid would have been 35 today. Well, he's still 35 today and he's probably still celebrating. I hope he is anyway, he's just not doing it with any of us down here. I think about Reid all throughout the year...Whenever I see a Marmot or Mountain Gear Jacket. A Land Rover stirs my memory. Photo's of snow covered mountains, a snowboarder blowing by me on the slope, interactions in sign language. When I think about doing something and then think, "No, I shouldn't", or No, that's crazy", Reid comes to mind. But on November 16th and January 28th, it gives me more pause. The initial response to a memory is often a crooked smile, followed by a, "mmm" and a twinge of sadness he's not still around. But I think he would be happy to know I rarely let the sadness linger. My thoughts often turn to, "Wonder what he's doing now." or "Dang that was funny when..." Today I am grateful for Reid.

I'm grateful for:

1. His enthusiasm. Reid seemed always to be scheming or planning something and one knew it was often times going to be great fun.

2. His courage to do things outside the box. Reid didn't let popular opinion influence his decision.

3. His great sense of outdoor recreational fashion sense. I think it influenced Wade's.

4. That he always made me feel like I was doing a great job communicating with him.

5. His influence on Wade. I think his example and the way he conducted his life has helped Wade develop self-confidence and the opinion that there is little in this life he isn't capable of accomplishing if he chooses to apply himself.

Happy Birthday. Did you order this great fall day? Thank you. It's lovely.