I've been reading through the comments and have yet to post because I haven't know quite what to say. I know how my heart feels right now. I met Steve in the 4th grade. Like all the other girls I had a crush on him too. He was my first crush. He was always very nice to me. I remember a few church dances where he asked me to dance and was just kind and friendly. He was genuine and didn't put on any pretenses. While he and I were never close, he would always say hello or give a nod or a wave when we passed each other in the high school halls.

As I've read about his life these many years later I'm amazed at how full his was. He lived a lifetime in the time that many of us, ok me, have been figuring it out. He has loved and served so many and we are all so blessed to have had him protecting us. Reflecting on his life causes me to reflect on my own: my fragility, my dreams, and my goals. I hope that I can live my life so that it honors those who give so much for our freedoms. Not just the service men and women, but their families who share them with us and sacrifice so much for us.

Steve, I know you will be missed here and I pray that your family will be comforted and be at peace. I'm blessed to have shared some small part of life with you.

August 12, 2011

I'm presently working as a substitute teacher in the Antelope Valley Union High School District, while I search for full time employment as a secondary math teacher. Today I had my first sub job of the school year and it happened to be at Antelope Valley High School. The school originally opened in 1912, so this graduating class marks its 100th. Also, I graduated from this school in 1992, making this the 20th graduating class since my own. Steven and I were classmates at this school.

We traveled in different circles, but I knew him from church. Today, as I walked through the administration building and navigated the halls I was brought back to my time at this school nearly 20+ years ago. I couldn't help but be reminded of the areas I'd wait for my friends in the morning, the classrooms I sat in, the friends I spent time with in those very halls.

The school has changed, the students are different. But it will always be a reminder of those formative years. I felt in a way that I was walking on holy ground. I know that probably sounds strange since it's just a high school, and not very dynamic anymore. But, it's whatever our memories say it is. A hero in the making walked those halls. I'm glad I got to be there and think of him while I was there.

I had a chance to share his legacy with some of the seniors. We talked about the school and it's upcoming anniversary. I shared with a few that a fallen hero from this very school was recently laid to rest. I think it helped them feel proud to be a Lope today. I know I was! Say what you want about the AV, but today Steven walked those halls in my memories, which made this Valley a pretty great place in my eyes.

August 23, 2011