Every July 25th is a memorial day for Andy Palmer.

He was a crewmember of mine on Engine 701. Andy was taken from us 7/25/2008 by a tree felling accident on the Dutch creek fire in Northern California.

Every July 25th I try to find a way to reflect on how life has changed; I find solace in nature.

I find comfort in the crunch of rock and gravel underfoot, the wind passing through the trees, and the sound of birds.

I need to smell the fragrance of the high-country wildflowers and fresh mountain air.

Oh, how I wish Andy was huffing and puffing with me up mountain. How I wish I could hear about what he thought of the world today, pandemic and all.

Miss you big dude. R.I.P Andrew Jackson Palmer