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Hood River News Editorial
December 20, 2006
In a way, the mountain has spoken.
We now must try to discern what it has said; we now know that another
climbing expedition on Mount Hood turned deadly.
While family members and friends of Kelly James are mourning the
climber’s death, community members and people from throughout the
region are expressing feelings including grief for the climbers’ loss
and gratitude to the rescuers.
Meanwhile, we all grasp a remaining thread of hope for the fate of
Brian Hall and Jerry “Nikko” Cooke, James’ climbing partners still
lost on the mountain. At press time, the search was officially still
on.
Private prayers for the climbers have been said throughout the land. A
public prayer service has been scheduled Friday.
It’s another way for people to express their sadness and gratitude.
The community truly does share some of the grief felt by the families
and friends of the climbers. The climbing community is a worldwide
one, and it includes the Crag Rats of Hood River and the many people
who have spent so many hours on or around Mount Hood doing their best
to find the lost trio.
While we grieve, we give thanks to their bravery and talents so
willingly given over the past 12 days.
Kelly James, Nikko Cooke and Brian Hall were lost, but never alone. |
