"Pen Pals" By Erin Killeen

I am Travis' third cousin. I still laugh when I think about the first two times I was at family parties and I was too shy to actually have a conversation with Travis. Finally, at Great-Grandma Rose's funeral we were both a little older and I finally got over being too shy. I am so happy that we bonded in our own special way. Travis and I were close in age so we had many things to talk about. We talked about music, college and friends. Travis always reminded me of how lucky I was to be in college and to enjoy myself. We became pen pals and sent many letters to each other. I was always exited to receive a letter from Travis, telling of new adventures at sea. I can only imagine how hard it must have been to be so far away from family and friends while at sea. I always envied the will power he had. I guess what I will remember most about Travis is how much I enjoyed talking to him & his glowing smile that warmed my heart. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Travis. Because of him I have come to appreciate my own time on this earth even more.