A Tribute to Laurie Hovis, MACP ’17

A tribute by Maddy Miller, MACP ’17

I wish you were here. 

I woke up early to paddle. The birds calling, come out on the water. Down to the edge I launch, making my way around the point. Knees and bum balancing the frame, I find my rhythm. Through the lily pads I go. Hello hello, they seem to say, welcome. Another month, there will be blooms. 

You loved blooms.

Around the lake and into the marsh, the water turns murky. The busy lives of beavers, waterfowl, amphibians, and bugs. Evidencing years of degradation while somewhere, we were mothers with young children. 

Why did I not bring you here? 

My paddle slips easily into and up, out of the murk. The path through the water leads away from the bridge and into a stillness. It’s magical here. Silence, welcoming bird song and dripping water off my stroke. Turtles sun on the logs. Reaching their necks up, saying yes to the day. 

You would have loved the turtles. 

Snags rise up, not always visible on the surface. Much care is needed here to prevent getting caught. Or capsizing. Paying careful attention, I make my way. You paid attention. To me. To others. Noticing the snags. Growing your awareness of what may be fashioned underneath. 

You were good and you did such good work.

The way narrows. Over-arching trees and brush dim the liquid path. Ancient sulphurs swirl at the bow. I’m in another world. Me and my paddle carefully making our way through the cool dark water. I duck my head to get under the footbridge. The marsh opens up. Sunlight returns. 

We moved through years together. 

School. Internship. Licensure. The dark and narrow times of depression. Loss. Grief. Tears. Stories. Finding voice. Your beautiful voice. Growing up. Again and again. Learning to love our Selves.

More tears. 

A heron stands amongst the iris, unphased by my arrival. A sanctuary of blues, greens, and yellow unfolds before me. Without notice she takes flight towards the sun. 

Laurie Hovis, MACP 2017, bravely fought a short and brutal battle with cancer. On May 9, 2024, she took flight. You can read more about her life here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/laurie-hovis-11809436

Maddy Miller MACP 2017 is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington. She works in private practice in Seattle. She loves people, particularly her grown children and grandchildren. She values friendship and the privilege of being with her Self and others in the everyday challenges of life. She also really loves gardening, kayaking, and creating things.