Trav is into calling everyone Bacon R. now. And I mean everyone. To him it's the funniest joke ever, and he laughs and laughs. He was at Trader Joe's with Molly the other day and called two ladies Bacon R., cracking himself up. Obviously, the ladies had no idea what he was talking about, and Mols had to say, "Excuse him," and hustle Trav along.

Today I was working with my student at the reading program, and I asked her if she would be coming back during the school year. She said yes, and I told her I was really glad because I plan to return during the academic year, too. She was so sweet, jumping in to say that she hopes I'll continue to be her tutor. It was a great moment because, although I've really enjoyed working with her, I couldn't tell how much we'd actually bonded. Those words made me so incredibly happy.

I'm going to have some significant Twin time with my lovely friend, Shannon, who will be visiting at the end of this week. I can't wait!

On a much sadder note, a student I've worked with at my job passed away unexpectedly Saturday night after suffering an allergic reaction to medicine he received during a surgery last week. When I found out the next morning, I felt a deep sense of loss and sadness. It's just so hard to believe. I didn't know him very well, but in my interactions with him he was always a funny, smart, quirky, and friendly guy, and I know he will be missed by many. My heart breaks for his family, and the whole thing just seems so unfair and tragic. It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that someone so young, with a whole pile of experiences ahead of him, is gone. I plan to attend the funeral later this week to acknowledge and respect the life he lived, but right now I find myself picturing him in my head and thinking he has to be here still. Times like this hit home just how fleeting and fragile life can be, and it's a bit terrifying to dwell in the understanding that our worlds could all be gone in an instant. Yes, on one hand this serves as an important reminder to live each moment in gratitude, grab on to life, and to take every opportunity we have to truly love ourselves and others fully. I believe that is the whole point of being here. What other acceptable choice do we have really? But, it's impossible not to question how something so terrible could happen and to not feel rotten about it. It so totally stinks.