#97: Life...How Fragile…How Brief

So sad right now.

I’m not sure how to start this edition of my newsletter to you so I’ll just start typing and see if I can. Deep breath. Here I go.

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This past weekend, an experienced respected climber (and very close friend of my son Duncan and his partner Olivia) went out on a solo backpacking and climbing trip in the Olympic Mountains. He had a wilderness permit with an intended route from Royal Basin to Home Lake and potential climbing attempts at Mount Mystery, Hal Foss Peak, and Little Mystery. When he didn’t return home at the expected time on Monday, his partner Nina placed the call to report him missing. Search crews were sent out, helicopters joined, and two days later on Wednesday afternoon his body was recovered.¹

I had just unfolded a lawn chair at a summertime concert on the pier in my hometown when I received a text from Duncan. I had to read it over twice and then once more to process the words.

Sean, Nina's partner, was out hiking deep in the Buckhorn climbing Mt Mystery. He slipped, fell, and was killed. Found out about an hour ago.

Sean and Nina

Sean and Nina are two people I know and care about. They are part of the beautiful community of friends Duncan and Olivia have and that I am so fortunate to be included in. Sometimes I feel that I am an honorary den mother to a clan of wonderful thirty-something year olds. I enjoy their company at potlucks, back yard cider pressings, and just hanging out. At this year’s summer solstice potluck, I sat next to Sean and shared memories of my own somewhat laughable climbing attempts back in the early 80s when I dated a big wall climber. Sean was genuinely interested to know if I recalled what routes I had done at Index, a popular climbing spot in Washington State. I didn’t but he smiled when I told him how well I remembered the sewing machine legs I had when roped up and climbing something I probably had no business being on. Later that evening we all walked down to the bluff to watch the colors of the setting sun highlight Hurricane Ridge just to the south of us. I felt so lucky to live where I do and to have such a caring community. No words were needed.

Now, with Sean’s death, there is an emptiness for all of us who knew and cared for him. The loss is especially hard for Nina. She is grieving for her beloved and the life they were creating together.

I worry about her financially because as with most young couples it takes two to cover rent and living expenses. Nina works at the local Boys and Girls Club helping others. This doesn’t pay a lot and she needs help to cover Sean's portion of what they normally would have shared. One of their good friends has started a Go Fund Me for this purpose. If you feel so inclined to give a bit to help this beautiful and caring young woman, please do. No amount is too small.

And please, hug your children, your partner, your friends. Tell them you love them. Life is so precious and, when snuffed out at thirty-eight, way too short.

Here’s the link to the Go Fund Me to help Nina.

1. https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/search-underway-for-missing-climber/