She was a beautiful secretary working at the local emergency room. Her hair was red and she always had this look in her eyes like she could see right to your soul. I asked her out on a date in October to go see a few haunted houses, after a brief shouting match with local pro choice protesters, I knew she was full of life and vigor. She always was there helping people, her interest and love for life was intoxicating. She could light up any room.

We dated for a few months until she left for Nashville. We continued to date long distance because of her plans to return to Colorado after school was out. Many large phone bills later and my airline trip out there, she returned back home. The brief six months away from home took a hugh toll on her. Depression, Anger, Alcohol. She was a different woman than the one I fell in love with. Despite the drastic change, I still wanted to help her.