August 22, 2004

My Dear Brother Eric,

This morning I awoke, because I was woken up, by the sensation of tears gently streaming down my face. And then I heard the sounds of whimpering and realized they were coming from within, my being. It was so beautiful to be woken in this way ...to feel you so close.

It is the day after I learned of what had occurred while you were climbing at Castle Rock...and it is still early in this shifting energy to fully embrace that we will no longer be able to talk and laugh and cry together in the same way as we had often done. And although it is still early….in my heart, it feels peace. For I know, from the deepest place of my being, the deepest place of compassion, that that which needs to be, is, always. And even when it may not taste as I would prefer.

In my heart I feel the possibility exists, for the so very many of those whose lives you have touched, to see that 'what you were and what you are and what you will continue to be forever, is a beacon. A beacon of what it means to be authentic to your spirit, to be the courage to walk your truth. What it means to truly be your passion. Deciding to move to the mountains of Colorado has always been your dream. Eric, I admire you so deeply -for you manifested your dream. Everyone dreams, and yet so few grow them into being. You did.

And you had the courage to embrace what it means to live your life fully, in the truest sense. Even if that meant living your entire life In but one day, or in but one hour of climbing at the end of one day, or in but one moment of that hour, when you reached even deeper from within that place of fullness to touch that place you knew so well while being at one with your climb. And even if that meant having the courage to embrace the unfolding mystery in a way that some would see as "risking" it all.

Eric, you are such a gift. And although I will miss you deeply and have always felt close with you, I feel you even closer, now.

I love you.

Your dear brother,

Mitch