for Dave.

5 months ago I moved in with some friends, in a little town called Crofton. Together we would go downtown to Duncan each week, to meet with people who are hurting.  People who are beautiful. With them we laughed, cried, at times were frustrated, listened, sang, hoped.
Among these people was our friend, Dave. He was kind. He shared deep story and deep questions. He let us be a part of his life, and he is a part of ours. I only got to meet him a few times, and I wish I'd gotten many more.

It's been over a month since Dave disappeared.
We don't know where he has gone, or if he is still...we don't know if he is still alive. (And it is a feeling like suddenly having your chair disappear from under you to speculate this;) it is most likely that he is not.

Today is Dave's birthday.
We will celebrate. We will celebrate because of the privilege of knowing his story. Because of his good nature in spite of terrible circumstances. Because of his smile. Because we have not forgotten him, and he will continue to be remembered.
We will celebrate Dave today, because he matters to us.

I wish he were here, and we could celebrate with him.