The Passing of Travis Alexander

I never met Travis Alexander of Mesa, Arizona. In fact, until last night, I never even heard of him. Turns out he was a successful motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and a dear brother, nephew, and friend of many. I guess they were lucky people from what I hear. But he's gone now, the victim of a terrible murder. There's someone who has been arrested and will go to trial. Although, initially after watching the "48 Hours" episode last night, I had an opinion as to whether or not the accused was or was not guilty, I think now I would rather leave that up to the court and instead focus on the message of Travis Alexander.

As a nurse, it's my job to try to save people, to reach them and somehow make a connection to in some way touch their lives in a positive manner. I am a nurse so I care. But this Travis Alexander, at the age of 30, well, he wasn't a nurse yet he chose to care enough about others to post up an insightful web site and a blog in which to reach out to others. In writing, he was able to learn more about himself and who he wanted to be and chose to share it with others. He chose to share his thoughts and his faith with others. I'm not a Mormon like Travis Alexander was, but I have to admit his statements did make me wonder a bit about a religion I've heard about but not enough with which to fill a thimble. And I think maybe that was part of his message. To share, garner curiosity, and cause action in others' lives.

I know as for me, writing my blog is to enlighten other new nurses and nursing students what it's really like to be a nurse. Cathartic for me, too. I wonder if it was for him. I spent time I should have been reading the text for my BSN class instead reading about Travis Alexander, his friends' thoughts, and the small bits he himself posted. It is sad that he has passed. Not a surprise to God but it makes me wonder why so soon before Travis Alexander was able to reach more people. But maybe he reached enough. Sparked some of us to enjoy each day more than we tell ourselves to now. I am sure when I get to heaven I'll hear about this guy whose goal it is to praise God full tilt no holds barred. It'll be him, I am sure.

Travis Alexander did touch lives. Some before he passed. Some after. But he did complete his mission to share the joy of life with others. For me, my early life was difficult, filled with poverty, moving, and uncertainty. But I wouldn't change it because it made me who I am. It drove me to complete a nursing program despite long, long odds. It gave me a closeness with my brothers and sister that I cherish. It made me strong enough to keep ticking off the "Life's To Do List" that I wrote in high school and still carry with me today. Be a hard charger. Tackle challenges like you know you will win. Be your own hero. And remember Travis Alexander. He sounds like he was a good friend but a better admirer of the fullness of life's journey.

I use his name in full, Travis Alexander, because he deserves to be remembered. As we all do.