In memory of my dear, beloved friend Erin...

Trip Start Aug 21, 2011

Trip End Aug 21, 2012

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Where I stayed

Rhino Lodge

Flag of Nepal Sauraha, Western Region, Nepal
Thursday, December 15, 2011

At 9:45pm California time on December 14^th, which is 11:30:00 a.m. Thursday December 15, 2011, my dear high school friend, Erin Buell, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. I love and miss her and I cherish the time I got to spend with her in this lifetime. She was someone who had a contagious laugh and who fought bravely with a sense of humor until the end. She was around my age, so it is difficult to comprehend someone dying who is so young. With her spirit in mind, I have learned to always cherish each moment as life is truly precious.

I am trying to figure out where I was when this happened, as I believe that spirits are connected through time and space. I just discovered that I was getting an elephant bath at Chitwan National Park at that exact time. A lovely elephant was being led by his trainer through our hotel around 11;15am, and we quickly followed him. While watching him bathe her and her really enjoying the experience, the trainer noticed me and said how about a photo.

So, I climbed on the elephant and the next thing I knew, he led me to the river. I spent the next fifteen minutes on the elephant or in the river being bathed by the elephant. I would like to think of this moment as being a time that in Erin’s passing her spirit was somehow celebrated as Erin was someone with an amazing sense of humor and, I think, someone who would have enjoyed this elephant bath as much as I did.

I love her and I will cherish her memory. She is someone who was loved by so many and she was surrounded by loved ones when she passed. I love you Erin!