Wanderings: January 2011

The year 2000 was a transition year for me as I graduated from college and I was set to save the world. I remember the excitement I felt in February as I shoveled snow for the last time, knowing I was moving to California temporarily in June as I venture on to my Peace Corps adventure in the South Pacific later that year.

My whimsical move to California (to help drive a friend cross country in a U-haul) was meant as a fun filled transition stop. I am still here. The Peace Corps fell through as they felt my lungs were not up to the adventure, and I had massive debt from school…that is, I needed to find real work.

As I toiled over my next move (I was still trying to save the world), my mate crossed my path late 2000. Recoiling from the thought of being strapped down by a relationship, I told him not to get attached. We will be married 10 years in September. I guess he got me with the comment, “You can do whatever you want…just don’t leave me”.

Our story is interesting because we almost didn’t meet. His friend Mike stepped in front of my mate’s car to make sure he attended an art show (to help add culture to my mate’s life). I was working for the art show trying to make some commission (while pouring wine), and in walks the man who becomes my best friend and family. Along with Mike, Susy and Steve, I made a little family niche here in California as my siblings are spread out along the east coast.

For the past ten years, I did what I wanted: I earned a graduate degree, found a profession I love, traveled to a few countries, developed a photography business, and met some amazing people.

Now it’s 2011. I am in transition again as I learn to be a mother; but it seems so surreal. Everything seems to be going so fast, and I don’t feel like I am savoring the moments. I cling to my photographs for those memories. I walked by the place I met my mate but it was torn down last year.

And our dear friend Mike, carefree and joyful, passed away January 3rd, 2011, after his long battle with cancer. We are all in disbelief, and my heart breaks for his wife and two young children. He didn’t make his 50th birthday, and his kids are under the age of 10…how is this fair? He will be a bright angel, though, watching us from heaven, helping us cherish the tiny moments that really make life wonderful.

PHOTOS OF MIKE THROUGH THESE YEARS