Preface: this is more of a personal journal entry written in response to recent events, but I’ll try to leave it open-ended so it applies to everybody.
Some things in life are more important than ancient cities, awe inspiring cathedrals and late night discotecas. Last night I heard that my high school biology teacher and advisor, Mr. Dalke, had just passed away after a six-year fight with cancer. With this news coming less than a month after my loyal friend and companion, Bear, was put to sleep, I really had to sit back and put things in perspective before I boarded my RyanAir flight to Rome.
Mr. Dalke truly changed the way I looked at the world; from his lessons on sex-ed (which were cut short by his diagnosis) to the ones on the environment and from his counsel to me as an insecure freshman to our deep conversations after I graduated, he showed that he was indescribably wise for someone as young as he was. Whereas Mr. Dalke was always a dependable mentor and friend, Bear was the most loyal companion anyone could ask for. Despite the fact that I impatiently barked orders when I was his new owner and that I restlessly gave up throwing the ball with him after no more than 10 tosses, he always returned my apparent aloofness with love.
As I touched down in Rome today, I began my three-week, post-Sevilla Eurotrip on a somber tone. It is hard to complain with traveling through some of the world’s most magnificent cities; however, there is no other place that I would rather be than by Bear’s side as he took his final pants and in a church pew remembering Mr. Dalke’s shortened, albeit fulfilling life.
If there is one thing Mr. Dalke and Bear had in common, it was their insatiable desire to explore the world around them. Once Bear had exhausted what his small world – confined by the fence that surrounded our house – had to offer, he tirelessly dug under the fence so he could escape into the wilderness of Rivermeade; at the farm he loved nothing more than to run rampant through the foreign woods and cool off in whichever body of water presented itself. For Mr. Dalke, his world was the water. From the Galapagos to the Caribbean to God only knows how many reefs around the world, Mr. Dalke saw most all of the oceans wonders in his scuba expeditions. Even as he courageously fought his cancer, he went from lake to lake just so he could escape onto the open water to go fishing.
Today, and for the next three weeks, my world is Europe. As much as I want to be with my two lost friends, the painful truth remains the same. Their presence among us will truly be missed, but their spirits will remain within us forever. While Atlanta will be filled with their memories, I will also be taking them with me to Rome, Prague, Amsterdam, Munich and wherever else I may go. I cannot let the news of loss ruin an opportunity of a lifetime, rather I will rededicate my trip and it will take on a whole new meaning. Like Mr. Dalke found comfort in the water and Bear found joy in the open world, I look forward to seeing what each city has to offer. I strive to reach outside my comfort level if it means I will better experience the city and hope to leave no opportunity unexplored.
Through it all, it is important to remember that which is most important. (Cue a soapbox for me to stand on for a paragraph). Life is a fragile, miraculous gift we are given, and the relationships that we build throughout its course are the most precious treasures in the world. To those that you love, let them never forget it; to your friends, never take them for granted; to your enemies, try to offer forgiveness because life is far too short to hold senseless grudges. I have been blessed with the greatest parents, friends, peers and mentors in the world. It’s a shame that it takes a tragedy for me to remember this, but without you, life would be meaningless. Thank you to everybody who has helped make me the person I am today – especially Bear and Mr. Dalke; I am forever indebted to you all.
And with that, I am off to see the world. I will tell you all about Rome when I write my summary sometime in the next few days. I am excited for what is to come and will be sure to keep everyone posted throughout my journey. As I sign off, I ask that you please keep Mr. Dalke and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Cheers,
Harrison
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