“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” ~ Iain S. Thomas
I don’t remember dates very well, at least not consciously. For the last several days I’ve been thinking a lot about Lance Hughes. That in itself is not unusual, but yesterday I was singing his praises a little more than usual to co-workers, recounting his efforts to shut down the nuclear facility in Gore, Oklahoma. What he did was nothing short of heroic. He was successful. He was extraordinarily humble about it. Three years ago today the world lost one of her best sons when Lance Ray Hughes walked on. He is, without a doubt, one of the finest people I will ever know. I never understood why he loved me so deeply. Still don’t, though I try not to question it. He made me feel like a queen, and did so without expectation, save for friendship and a kind word. His death in 2011 was the cap on a year of monumental loss for me. The antidote lead to the outhouse three months later. I’m certain he loves it. I’m certain he reads it everyday, in whatever way spirits do. I’m certain he still loves me to the smallest star (inside joke) and back. It’s mutual. What a great gift he was to me, and to so many others.
Robin
Ko, you always bring a smile to my face with a tear attached. I love you dear friend and your words are very comforting. 🙂 Hugs from afar.
Kopana
Bless you, friend. Big KY hugs right back. I love you, too, to the smallest star 😉 (I’ll tell you the story someday)
Erin Chandler
I know why he loved you so… because you are so lovable!! What a beautiful friendship and a beautiful tribute that he inspired you to inspire us with the Outhouse~Love you…
Kopana
Love you, too, Erin. Oh how you two would have adored each other. Truly, you would have. You’ll meet someday 🙂