Ryan
A few hours ago I got the news that Ryan Knight, one of my students, died. He died last night of an apparent drug overdose.
I am experiencing shock and great sadness. I truly can't believe it.
I just spoke to his father and expressed my deepest condolences. Ryan had been a regular at Black Dog Yoga. He had been coming for many years. He would come to my noon class back when I taught it years ago. He disappeared for a while and came back a few months ago. He would come to my evening classes every week. He had a strong practice and he was often surprised at all the poses he could do.
Ryan was a stocky, brunette, tough guy. He was always, always late to my class. For some reason it didn't bother me. I was just so glad to see him. Plus he had a dashing smile. Often we would talk after class. In fact, his very last class at Black Dog was my Wednesday evening class last week. Afterwards we walked down to the parking lot and talked for a while. He told me about his upcoming travels. About how he loves to converse because he learns so much about himself. He told me about how much he enjoyed yoga and how soothing he found my voice. I laughed when he said this. We hugged and said goodbye.
I am in a place of sadness. I truly cannot believe he is gone.
I just spoke to him last week?!
Just now speaking to his father I told his father that I was Ryan's yoga teacher and introduced myself. His father told me that he knew who I was, because Ryan spoke often about me.
I will miss you Dear Ryan.
I will miss you walking late to my class with your smile.
I will miss your arm balances.
I will miss our talks, your intensity. How your face reminded both my brother and I of our cousin Arturo, and we told you and you laughed.
Rest my friend,
my student,
my fellow yogi.
Namaste.
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