A Home

I have formed a theory this summer about taking pictures.
Before this summer I felt bad that I am so horrible and negligent at taking pictures. I degraded myself when I would come home from a great trip and only have about five pictures. I felt horrible that I could count with my fingers the number of pictures that record my year and a half long relationship. But here's the thing. I have come to realize that I don't take pictures because I'm too busy experiencing it. I don't take out my camera and take a picture of my friends, that glacier, his fish, etc. because I'd rather look at them with my own two eyes. Now, I know that there is a way to experience an experience fully while also taking pictures, but I am not good at that. I either take fifty million pictures (because, heck, if my camera's out might as well make up for lost time) or I take maybe three. And I've become aware of the fact that only having three pictures is okay. Those three pictures can jog my memory of that time that I was really taking in what was happening. The smells, the feel of the air, the sounds. That's what I did this summer. I experienced things. Fully. Yes, I took some pictures, but those pictures will never be able to show anyone what it actually felt like to be there.
As I took my last Alaskan bike ride yesterday I reflected on the things that made this summer what it was. And I would like to list them:

1) The Trips/New Adventures
We went on so many great little mini trips this summer. I'd list my favorites, but I would just end up listing them all. We got to travel all around Alaska: Seward, Denali National Park, Seldovia, Homer, Girdwood, etc. Whether by car, bike, boat, train, plane, ATV or foot, Alaska never ceased to amaze me. Many of these mini trips would not have been possible had it not been for....

2) My Job
Here at ARAMARK.....
My job this summer was unbelievable. Megs and Dillon (my immediate bosses) are crazy cool. They were so chill and made the work environment totally relaxed. Weston and Philly (my coworkers) made me laugh. They made me really laugh. I'm going to miss that. Carol (my big boss) is generous like mad. She was the one that set us up on several trips and I will forever be grateful for all she did for me this summer. But this job would not have been possible if not for.....

3) Aunt Lyn/Summer Family
I got my job at ARAMARK because Aunt Lyn is very good friend with Carol. This was a handy connection. Aunt Lyn is also connected to my summer family which consisted of she, Uncle Stuart, Mk and I. Uncle Stuart and Auntly Lyn opened their home to us this summer without question. They were outstandingly generous in this way and I marvel at how easily they provided food and shelter for me all summer. I am blessed to call them my family and I am thankful beyond words. And this family would not have been as full if it had not been for.....

4) Mk
Mk came to Alaska with me this summer. I don't think I'll ever be done thanking God for that. Mk made every experience that I had here at least ten times better. Having her here made me realize the importance of a companion. Many days we went hours without directly talking to one another. Not because we didn't want to speak to one another, but because the silence wasn't stifling as silence sometimes is. It wasn't awkward. It just was. When there was something to say, we said it. But sometimes it was the beauty of the landscape, the end of a good, long work day, or the sun streaming through the window that did all the talking. But somehow, since she left last Thursday, those same silences aren't bubbling with conversation as much as when my friend was here. I think half the magic of being in Alaska has sprung from having someone to cherish it with.

I will never, ever forget this summer. I saw things, went places and felt things that I had never seen, gone or felt before. There were times when I laughed so hard my ribs hurt and there were times that I thought this summer would never end. But here we are. My bags are packed. And I get on a plane tomorrow that will take me to the next chapter.

Even so, Alaska will always have a piece of my heart. I don't think anyone could stay here for longer than a month and not feel the same way. There is something in the air here that makes you feel stronger. It makes you feel like you could discover something new or blaze a fresh trail. It makes you feel like if you must leave, you know that coming back is not an if but a when. Leaving this place for good is not an option because when you leave it you will feel like, even if it's just in a small way, you just left behind a home.