I know I am a few days late, but that is because I was out in West Texas on Wyatt's birthday. I was actually camping out at Big Bend National Park. I have NEVER been camping before and Wyatt said he was going to take me on for my first trip someday. I decided we're going to make good on that promise! What better way to spend his birthday than outdoors in nature, which he loved?
I was with two other Texas buddies, one of whom had met Wyatt when she came to DC to visit me. We told Wyatt stories through out his birthday. While it is sad to think he is not physically here anymore - I honestly felt his presence there. He would have loved it!
While I understand what Will means when he says you "feel like someone punched you in the gut" because you realize no "new" Wyatt stories will happen; I also feel so blessed and lucky to have ANY Wyatt stories at all. =) And, honestly, I feel that every time we keep his name and his legacy on our lips and in our hearts, we create "new" stores through him.
What he would have said, what he would have done, how he would have reacted - all of it. If we just live the way he did or, at the very least, incorporate some of his best characteristics into our lives - he will continue to live on through our deeds and actions that were/are inspired from having known him and from having the privledge of calling him "friend."
It was great to remember him in this way. I think I'll have to start a tradition going places that he would have loved to remember him on his birthday. Maybe one time we can all meet up somewhere and swap fond memories?
To the Ammon Family - please know that we haven't, for one second, forgotten him. Please know that I and countless other friends are here for you if you should ever need an ear or a shoulder or anything at all. I know this day has to be hard on ya'll - but know that you are loved, thought about, and in my prayers on a daily basis. I truly do hope I have the opportunity to see ya'll again soon.
Thank you Nancy. That made me feel really good. It does sometimes feel like people have forgotten. It is good to hear that they haven't. I'm sure Wyatt was nearby. We all miss him so much.