“It gathers and feeds at the table of our memory, stepping uncautiously among the thorns. We grieve the loss of the one we had. We grieve the loss of the one we didn’t have. Of him who was and him who might have been. The one we may now rediscover at the digging of the great root, just below the soft and hallowed surfaces of the child’s forgotten earth.” David Teems

 I echo my sister’s effort yesterday. I remember a year ago today, traveling out to the state where I grew up, to say goodbye to a friend who was like a brother. Lauren asked for stories about Nate, and I have a small one: Nate was the youngest among all 5 of us Mezger/Taylor boys, and one day we decided to climb Mt. Hogsback in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Nate couldn’t have been older than 5. All I remember was thinking that he was too little to go, and that he should stay behind. Long story short, he pretty much led the way all the way up and all the way down. We were gloating about him to the adults when we got back and I just remember his calm, peaceful grin that we all seem to remember so well.

I tried to call people yesterday, but leave it to me to neglect my internet bill–I had been cut off. I’m glad to have spent the time with you all in Oregon last year and love you dearly. We’re one year closer to glory…