Dear Editor,

It has been a great journey that led me to your spirit. You embraced me with your wild and wonderful wisdom, beautiful art and awakened my adventurous soul. You showed me trails, you shared your fireworks and you ignited my fire while showing a higher authenticity then I have ever experienced in a community. You have opened your doors and nourished my adventurous side while shaking up my senses and widening my eyes to what life can offer. I have found friendships that will last a lifetime and I have shed tears for those that our community has lost at the price of living loud. Ward community has given me an opportunity to see a softer side of living hard and learning the trail as I go. Thank you for the smiles that will forever live in my heart.

I continue my travel to the Older Mountains of the Blue Ridge but my time with you all has broadened my perspective of joy and appreciation.

With Gratitude, I bid you well and will forever feel your spirit as I carry on…

Rene Costa-Bevis