Stringtown: Dear Jason,

Today I went on my first walk since early June. I wanted to give the cicadas their space (I'm sure you'd laugh at that) and then after that it got too hot.

This morning was a bit humid, but not too hot and there was a slight breeze. I hadn't planned on taking a walk at all this week, but I could feel your presence and I knew you wanted me to get out there. I remember how we sometimes talked on the phone while I walked. I miss those days so much it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. I'm sure you know.

On this date that you departed from this world, three years later, I really just want to say thank you. Thank you for being the friend that you were and continue to be. Thank you for reaching out to me during a very dark time in my life and being the light to guide me through healing not long after Stephanie passed away. I'm so glad that you were a part of my healing journey. You were there for me even as you endured your own pain. You cheered me up with your quirky sense of humor and you made me laugh at the dumbest things. You were also the friend who simply listened when I needed to vent. You never judged; you only loved. You channeled your own inner strength and helped me find mine. We lost touch more than once in the past, but the third time surely was a charm. Our friendship grew through the pain that we were both going through for different reasons. How grateful I am to have known someone who made saying goodbye so difficult.

You were most definitely with me on my walk today, but just in case you missed some things, please enjoy these pictures I took. I think you'll especially like the one with the bee's back end sticking out from the flower. You thought it was hilarious how terrified of bees I am and you'd be proud of me for taking that picture.

Take care, and may you forever rest in peace. And thank you.

Your friend always,

Meezan