(photo © kiwidutch)
I’m looking around Morse Farm Sugar works and I come across a large boulder with a plaque on it… Then I look up and see a small sign with the story behind the plaque…
Alex
Alex was a Russian exchange student we had in the school year 1994-1995. He lived with Betsy, me, our two sons and attended our local high school. Alex was full of love, life and fun. We loved him as a son. When school ended in June, we sent him home to Kirov with a promise to see him again in one country or the other. In October we received a call from his Russian teacher that he had witnessed a drug transaction and been killed. Alex loved this sugar house so we erected this memorial to him.
Burr Morse.
I’m posting this in my blog not only because it’s a touching story of remembrance, but also because it’s proof that relationships forged between people who travel, live together and share experiences together are become wonderful bonds of love that stay firm forever.
Hubby and I know from personal experience that people we have met years or decades ago can still be wonderful and enduring friends years later. Sometimes our meetings were short, sometimes longer, sometimes we have had the possibility to meet them again and again… with some the friendship continues in the once a year Christmas card with a long newsy newletter enclosed, or via “Skipe” or email.
But in all cases the contact changed us as people, broadened our horizons, sharpened our thinking, relieved us of our fears, prejudices and assumptions. We laughed together, travels dusty travels and funny experiences, shared the weather both good and foul, ate together and found the no matter the differences in our race, language, culture or upbringing, that if you are open to making friends with anyone different to yourself that you are often rewarded by a friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Alex, I didn’t know you, but you represent the many beautiful friendships that people who travel make, and indeed these friendships are special indeed.
When that lifetime is cut short, it hurts.. so Bravo to the Morse family for making this memorial,.. R.I.P Alex.
