there are a lot of things i could say right now. i could tell you about hawaii, i could tell you about my new in-laws, i could tell you about hanging out with my brother or finally coming home to welcoming arms. but i can't because the only thing i can really wrap my mind around is that boudreaux is gone.

boudreaux, dankaye, daniel kivel, however you knew him, died as he was dragged out to sea by a riptide in mississippi on a day off from working with americorps. it's in the news, you can search for it if you like.

he didn't intersect in many of my circles of friends as i met him through josh and got to know him over the phone, the internet and livejournal - so i wanted to tell you about him.

dan was intelligent and funny, caring and sweet, sarcastic and quick, creative and prolific. i got to know him when i was having some terrible times of my own - he spent time talking me through the night, opening up and sharing parts of himself and generally making me feel like a human being again. he convinced me just by telling his stories and by nattering on all night long that there is always something good to look forward to and that love really can change the world.

i never got to meet dan in person. i will regret that to my very last day.

so, wherever you are dan - know that i love you and that i miss you.