A couple of weeks ago Dan Bowman and I were walking from Camp Edwards to Camp Nawakwa after a lovely night of playing music with some fellow High Trails musicians. He commented that this school year, he’s noticed that we, in this little community of outdoor educators, hug each other more than we have in the past. We also say “I love you” more often.

Dan pinpointed the reason: Heather.

We lost Heather Plazak the second to last day of program in 2012. Still surrounded by students, the High Trails community came together as a group of individuals broken by tragedy. Somehow we made it through those last two days of program, and I’ll call it a feat of love.

We were broken people supporting and comforting broken people. Only love can do that.

I’ve never met anyone who loved more sincerely or freely than Heather. She gave her love so generously, and so many of us were and still are deeply influenced and blessed by the openness of her heart.

I remember lying on the carpet of her room, just talking and laughing and getting to know one another. I remember her hugging people left and right, never fearing to let them know that she cared about them. I remember it dawning upon me that she loved me as unconditionally as any friend ever would.

I cannot be loved like that and remain unchanged.

She loved this community that way, with fierceness and a strength that has left its mark upon us whether we are aware of it or not. An increase of hugs and the expression “I love you” are only two ways that we are living out her impact upon us. As we laugh, dance, cry, and run Heather moves in and out of our consciousness, making the present moment stand out as a gift to be embraced and shared with passion and love.

We live in a transient community with people arriving and leaving every season, yet there are people here who will catch you by the heart and hold you by their friendship. We came here to do a job, to teach children science among trees and mountains, and this is a good and life-giving occupation.

However, if you’re willing to risk it, this place can also be an odd-family, full of people who will love so much more than you dared ever hope. If you find the courage, you can love them in return. Even as we come and go, the love we give to one another remains.

I know this is true, because I still feel Heather’s love.

Heather was doing what she loved when she passed away on May 24th, 2012. While  jogging on Highway 38, she was struck by a car and died instantly. We miss and love you Heather.