The Lonely Forest

Flying 8,000 feet above the Flathead and Tobacco Valleys, few lights broke the horizon and the ground below was an empty space... a vast forest below us which a few hours prior was sprinkled with turquoise colored lakes and golden trees. As my eyes attempted to make out the shape of mountains to the east and west - the Salish Range to the west and the Whitefish Range to the east - I did not feel alone, as I expected to feel on this day. The brightness of the moon dimmed the stars and made fields look like fog clouds in the valley - the ones I see each morning, reminding me of the last weeks in Italy... changing colors on the rolling hills with pillows floating around in the crevices and valleys. At times, I am drawn to investigate this fog as it has a gray tint to it and gives the illusion that it is starting at one point in the forest and is in fact a forest fire.... which it is not.

Enough about clouds and fog... today is my birthday. Leading up to it I didn't think much of it (which is surprising for me because I usually celebrate for the whole week). Yesterday, however, as I sat around a room full of unfamiliar faces - though kind and warm - I realized the only two people in the room who knew my birthday was coming were my bosses. Then it hit me... I am alone... on my birthday... a day that I have spent dining on the Champs Elysees, salsa dancing, house partying, surprise partying, hostessing, pinata busting - all with the amazing people in my life. Strangely though, on the way home from Whitefish, where my bosses flew me in their personal plane to treat me to dinner, I looked below at the lonely forest and knew I was not alone. I could feel the warmth and love sent to me by friends and family.

Earlier in the day I came home to check on Sophie and discovered a box with boxes inside.... a few of my sneaky little friends and family gathered up cold weather gear, homemade crafts, and self-made video messages... in one package people in 2 different states and 4 different cities coordinated the ultimate care package. Countless friends sent me love by mail, text, and facebook, and each time I received such a gift I felt surrounded by love. The thoughtfulness behind each message and token brought with it the realization that no matter where I am in life I always have friends by my side and their spirits within me.

I offer my most sincere gratitude to you all. I am glad I was born in order to witness true friendships in each of you.