When Dave came back from the Marshall Islands, we planned a family trip to Aruba for the upcoming fall. On our way to the airport for his fateful time at the Survival School, I mentioned how I’d like to ride horseback along the beach in Aruba, but I didn’t want to do it alone. Dave said, “I’ll do it with you, Ma.” No-one else was really interested.
After Dave died and the trip was cancelled, I couldn’t see myself planning another trip to Aruba. But when I wanted to do something special for Rob and his girlfriend, Jessica, for all of their help with my move to NY, I decided now was the time to plan the trip. We decided to complete my long-ago wish and go horseback riding in Aruba.
Aruba is a spectacular place to visit, but riding through this desert island reminded me so much of our ride in the canyons of Utah. The landscape in Aruba is mostly scrub brush, rocks, sand, and cactus; just like Utah. As we trotted along, I couldn’t help but think of Dave; both in Utah and in Aruba.
We stopped to rest at the Alto Vista Chapel, which overlooks the sea and provides a panoramic view of the entire island. The serenity and beauty of the grounds of this lovely little chapel was another perfect place for Dave.
So I guess Dave and I did go horseback riding in Aruba.
Hello Pat, I’m writing you this Christmas to tell you I’ve got in contact with one of Daves and my best friends at Offutt Brandon Griffith. I had told him of Daves passing and he told me he has Daves dogtags and we’d like to get those to you. We were hoping for christmas but we weren’t able to make it happen. I’ve sent you an email and I wfote it in the address section above this field. Also facebook of course. Hopefully this will make your Christmas this year. Ill be looking forward to your response. Talk to you soon! Steve Buffinton