One year ago I lost the greatest friend I have ever known, a man who was not only  my training partner, coach, and friend... but a man who welcomed me into his home and let me travel at his side like a brother. A man who's friendship inspired me to be an honest, thoughtful, and adventure seeking individual. A man who showed me that true wisdom lies beyond those who have been encumbered by the expectations of a sick society. A man who forced me to look past the accumulation of wealth without effort, truth without debate, and education without experience. A man who made me believe that anything was possible, a man who made me believe that I was capable of becoming a champion in fighting and in life, a man who made me believe in the power of one.

Throughout our friendship I was consistently reminded of the power that one person can have at the tip of their tongue. However, the sheer magnitude of this realization only materialized after Evan's passing. At least once a week I am told of an incident or positive experience in someone's life that was inspired by Evan's words, actions, or blogs... a reality that has reinforced Evan's belief in our ability to not only inspire change within ourselves, but to invoke positive changes in those around us as well.

The power to create a better and brighter world lies within us all...

Although it will always be difficult for me to keep a dry eye while looking at the emails, pictures, and videos that Evan and I had exchanged throughout our friendship, it is equally challenging for me to keep the smile off my face as I remember the hardcore training sessions, adventures, movies, and the well deserved cheat days we had experienced together. I have also been fortunate enough to have found comfort and belonging with those who have been brought into my life through this tragedy as well.

The way that Evan lived his life and the inspiration that stemmed from his never-ending search for wisdom and adventure will forever accompany my thirst for the same things. His words will stay with with me until the day I die.

Evan really pushed me to learn how to ride a motorcycle and encouraged me to hit the road with no plans, no schedule, and no set destination.... just me, my bike, and the road. Unfortunately the License Bureau of Ontario is on strike, so... in true Evan fashion I just jumped on the bike and hit the road with no license, no insurance, and no worries... just freedom.

After experiencing a little bit luck at the casino last night Brad and I decided to stop by the Quinte conservation area just outside of Belleville this morning... we quickly became bored of the designated trails and veered off into a deeply forested area.  After a few minutes of roughing it I found a place I imagined my friend would enjoy and stopped to take it all in.

I'l post a few pictures of my day later on.

Believe.

The extent people will go to to dispose of their trash never ceases to amaze me.

The view from the edge.

Stand by me.

Wisdom Tree.

Maybe a little too far off the trail...

Evan introduced me to hot caffeine, more specifically... he introduced me to White Chocolate Mochas from Starbucks. We had one every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning while I was in Vegas. I'll never forget thinking that my heart was going to explode after downing the entire cup in two minutes before a work-out and being too embarassed to tell Evan that I thought our light jog was going to be the end of me haha. I miss you brother.

Team Tanner forever.

BELIEVE.