Learning From Death
The loss of a loved one emphasizes the need to love who we still have.
A little over a month ago I saw my son-in-law fall to his death in a horrific hiking accident. This tragic event is causing me to reflect deeply on life and the many abrupt changes we all experience.
On the 27th of July 2023, we gathered for a father and son adventure to a remote desert mountain in Western Utah. The location was a place called Topaz Mountain. The mountain got its name from the rich deposits of topaz gemstones. The mountain is made of rhyolite, a light gray volcanic rock. There is little vegetation. Most of the slopes are barren rock formations. Here and there are scrubby Utah Juniper clinging to the slopes.
The trip was months in the planning, with fathers and sons excited to go hunting for the rare gems. Along for the trip were two of my sons, my son-in-law, and five of my grandsons.
We had a great evening setting up camp and exploring the mountain. After dinner, we had an hour before dark, so we went looking for Topaz gems. It was wonderful seeing the family together. It was especially rewarding that my son-in-law Ryan could be there with his youngest son Jason. Their family has a unique situation with Jason’s older brother Nathan. Nathan has critically severe brittle bone disease. The demands…
