Bjorn the Great
Bjorn and I had a brief talk about religion last night, one of the few we've had in a long time (a great switch from college). And given that he's now not here, I figure it's a good time to let him know just how I feel.
Bjorn is, without a doubt, a great human being. Last night I tracked him down in a computer lab, burning CDs for everyone who wanted copies of all the photos we took, and told him that I was leaving in the afternoon to do some more diving. I was trying to convince him to stay as well, but someone had to go pick up Elliot Wild from the airport. And it was naturally going to be him.
I'm not sure why, actually, but it was obvious from the beginning that if anyone was going to stay behind, it was going to be me. Bjorn had taken responsibility for anyone who came down, myself included, and he decided to leave early on the chance that Elliot's plane came in the morning.
It didn't occur to me until a few minutes after I'd worked out rendezvous plans with him that he'd put a great deal of thought into what we would do when I arrived in Guatemala. It was almost as if I were a guest. Naturally, as a tourist, I was busily thinking about how I could squeeze out the most benefit from the trip, whereas Bjorn was thinking just that for the both of us.
That's how he thinks most of the time, actually. I've rarely, if ever, seen him be selfish. He's consistently and unfailingly thinking of others (though he's made it clear that our friendship is over if I end up winning the heart of Miss Gorgeous Chilean, about a bat's chance in hell). The contrast between us was quite stark to my eyes last night, when, after feeling a bit proud about getting two more dives in, I was utterly unable to convince him to stay, simply because he wanted to be absolutely sure he could be at the airport to pick up Elliot. If it weren't for him, neither I nor Elliot would be anywhere near South America. I wouldn't have gone diving, or to see magnificent Mayan ruins, or eaten dinners that cost a dollar, or a host of other things, without him.
I don't know when or if he'll read this, and I'm hoping he doesn't mention anything so to avoid the embarassment...but he's one of the least selfish people I know, and one of my greatest friends, and I thank God that I've been allowed to know him.
(Bjorn rocks.)
Bjorn is, without a doubt, a great human being. Last night I tracked him down in a computer lab, burning CDs for everyone who wanted copies of all the photos we took, and told him that I was leaving in the afternoon to do some more diving. I was trying to convince him to stay as well, but someone had to go pick up Elliot Wild from the airport. And it was naturally going to be him.
I'm not sure why, actually, but it was obvious from the beginning that if anyone was going to stay behind, it was going to be me. Bjorn had taken responsibility for anyone who came down, myself included, and he decided to leave early on the chance that Elliot's plane came in the morning.
It didn't occur to me until a few minutes after I'd worked out rendezvous plans with him that he'd put a great deal of thought into what we would do when I arrived in Guatemala. It was almost as if I were a guest. Naturally, as a tourist, I was busily thinking about how I could squeeze out the most benefit from the trip, whereas Bjorn was thinking just that for the both of us.
That's how he thinks most of the time, actually. I've rarely, if ever, seen him be selfish. He's consistently and unfailingly thinking of others (though he's made it clear that our friendship is over if I end up winning the heart of Miss Gorgeous Chilean, about a bat's chance in hell). The contrast between us was quite stark to my eyes last night, when, after feeling a bit proud about getting two more dives in, I was utterly unable to convince him to stay, simply because he wanted to be absolutely sure he could be at the airport to pick up Elliot. If it weren't for him, neither I nor Elliot would be anywhere near South America. I wouldn't have gone diving, or to see magnificent Mayan ruins, or eaten dinners that cost a dollar, or a host of other things, without him.
I don't know when or if he'll read this, and I'm hoping he doesn't mention anything so to avoid the embarassment...but he's one of the least selfish people I know, and one of my greatest friends, and I thank God that I've been allowed to know him.
(Bjorn rocks.)
posted by NateWazoo at 11:15 AM
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