I could go on. Had I not built Bonfire, I would have learned these things because that's part of growing up. But I'd be without that experience. To me it's simple. Bonfire is fellowship with others of character on unique terms.
Many people go through life without such a thing.
I feel lucky. That's what Bonfire means to me. I can't help those families whose sons and daughters have no life after Bonfire. I wish I could because today I've felt a sick, heavy feeling in my stomach, as though I've lost parts of my extended family. My tears and prayers go out to them because unlike the relief I felt climbing out of that hole 12 years ago, their love for their lost ones won't ever fade.