Life & Death
I went back and forth whether I wanted to share this. How do I make this about someone else and not me? Why are some of the nicest people punished, while some of the evilest get to continue on?
I recently found out that an acquaintance of mine had perished in a tragic accident. I call her an acquaintance, because I really didn't know her all that well. We crossed paths multiple times at various local art markets. On occasion, we’d also share somewhat close proximities at the Big Sky Farmers market during the summer. Both adults, yet both creating from the younger versions of ourselves. I had just been introduced to her parents this past summer as well, and unbeknownst to me, I’ve been snow plowing their driveway for the last 5 winters here in Big Sky.
Spring of 2023 was the first time I met her. The first thing I noticed was her big smile, and that 80’s style fanny pack she had on. We were both set up at a late spring art market. We exchanged names and I thought to myself, that’s a name you really don’t hear much of these days. Her daughter had accompanied her to the show and was enamored with my dog. They spent much of the day together, basking in the sun.
Fast forward to December of 2025. We’d meet again at the Winter Market in Big Sky. She was setup closer to the hotel bar, I was inside the ballroom. We quickly exchanged pleasantries, and she had asked me if I had grown up in Montana. “No, I’m from New Jersey” I had replied. The market ended and as I passed her on my way out, I said goodbye. Little did I know that would be the last physical exchange we’d ever have together.
It’s been a long time since I bought flowers for a girl. I wasn’t expecting it to be under these circumstances. I had heard the name released the day after the accident occurred, and I said to myself, “no it can’t be.” A week later I saw a photo of her, and it was. I didn’t know this girl all that well, but it still stung. To know she was here one minute, and gone the next brought everything back into perspective. How very fragile this life we live is!
I thumbed through my phone the other night and found a photo marked June 11th, 2023, 1:02 PM. It was a photo of her daughter hugging my dog. Maybe that’s why I felt such a sting. Even a little intimate moment like that, connected us in a way that was never meant to be. I really can’t make sense of it, and I still shake my head thinking about it, but writing all of this down eases it. Even if it is, just for a little bit. Rest easy sweet girl!
