as a journalist, you see parts of people's lives that you'd rather not see, and that they'd probably rather you didn't as well. sometimes its uplifting, sometimes its just plain depressing.
this lady was part of our series on cancer survivors leading up to the recent relay for life event. uplifting.

this guy was the nicest man i met all week. shot him roasting hatch chilies outside ace hardware. he and his wife roast a mean chili. the next morning at work i found out that he died in a rollover car accident on his way home that evening. depressing.

this lady's teenage son died (along with his friend) in a tragic/freak accident involving giant gas tanks exploding. long story. her at the funeral. depressing.

this lady came to steamboat as part of a make-a-wish foundation type thing for adults. she wanted to ride in a hot air balloon (which she did, and loved). she has been diagnosed with a terminal cancer but you'd never know it by interacting with her. awesome lady. uplifting.