John Denver and his music became a part of my life when I was about thirteen . I found my way through adolescence with John as a guide. He fostered my love of nature and made me believe that I could make a difference in the world. “Looking for Space” was so important to my friends and me that it was included in our high school year book and my dog’s name was Aspen, even though I’ve never been. The music came with me to college but I didn’t find too many other many fans. I lost touch in the late 80’s and 90’s, but I continued to see John in concert when I could; even bringing some of my students along. On October 12, 1997 I was driving to work when I heard the terrible news. Time froze. To this day I do not remember the remainder of the ride or how I managed to teach my classes. For many years after his death, I couldn’t listen any more. It was too painful. Eventually his music returned to my life as the accompaniment to long car rides with my children. Some truly terrible things have happened to me on my journey .…I lost my parents, my home, my job and my health in rapid succession; all while experiencing extreme emotional abuse. The sustained trauma has led to PTSD. Trauma takes its toll. It robs you of you. It robbed me of me. To heal I need to remember who I was in the beginning. John Denver’s music is my connection to who I was before. Listening allows me to remember the past and to begin to hope for a future where I can do some of those things he once inspired me to do but that got lost on the way. I have reconnected with the outdoors, am a voice for recycling and sustainable at the school where I work and am making plans for a future in the mountains.