Death

I didn't know what else to call this post. I'm just so shocked. I found out today that Nic, the dancer from my Holy Grail post, died this weekend in a fatal car crash. I simultaneously have thoughts I need to express and yet feel at a loss for words at the same time.

The most shocking thing is that Nic was so young - he was around my age (late 20s, early 30s) - and rising to the top in ballroom. This year he and his partner were #7 in amateur USA dance championship standard. He was active in his dance community and it sounded like (from our conversation in Phoenix) he was advancing in his programming career as well. He was thriving in life and it was suddenly cut short. It happens all the time...but I just couldn't believe it happened to someone like him. I felt so horrible. And then I imagined Neli, his partner. I can't imagine what she's going through right now, and I don't want to...I get to a point and then stop myself because the idea is so painful. If anything like this happened to Ibrahim, my life would be over. Everything would be impacted: of course my life partnership, my dance career, my home, getting around....But in the beginning I probably wouldn't be able to leave my house anyway, except for food. I'd be so devastated. I would call in to work and take family medical leave for the full 12 weeks allowed. I would need to check myself in to see a therapist so I wouldn't hurt myself. God. I don't want to think about it.

I barely knew Nic, but I'm glad I did. He was charismatic, genuine, and sincerely interested in having a conversation and getting to know you. He seemed like just a really good guy. He was also a hugger. I looked forward to seeing where his life would go and how far he and Neli would make it on the international dance scene. I feel I don't know him like those in Minnesota do, but I need to pay tribute to a young man who impacted my life and inspired me nonetheless. To you, Nic. I hope to follow your path and be as good of a dancer and as good of a person as you.