Memories
I keep wanting to write something sentimental and all these memories are getting in the way.
Like the time Andy got his rock climbing shoes.
They were still in the box when we arrived at our camping spot in the Saline Valley. He asked me to go climbing with him and I couldn't think of anything I wanted to climb. We rock-hopped around for a while, but Andy was patently unsatisfied until we came upon a towering, upright, smooth-faced rock. Think of a Stonehenge pillar only much more impressive. Think of China's Great Wall or Gibraltar.
Andy said, "Let's climb it." My answer was timely. "No, thank you." But he had rock climbing shoes which he evidently thought would get him up this face that had no visible hand or foot holds. He told me about his three point climbing technique (which I've since incorporated into everything dangerous I do), and that climbing is much safer with a partner. I assumed that leaving for camp would prompt him to give up on the idea and follow me back, but he didn't come. For a long time he didn't follow. For a long time there was nothing to worry about until Uncle Bob said, "Where's Andy?"
That's when I turned toward the Impossible Face and saw Andy straighten up as he finally made it onto the flat top. I wanted to cheer. I definitely laughed. Then I wished I would have at least tried. I didn't even wonder how he was going to get down. Anybody who could make it to the top of that massive monolith could make it down.
He had a lot of climbing experience but he never had the proper gear or any professional training (unless you count tree climbing). Besides his shoes, there wasn't anything rock climber about his appearence. He wore desert camo fatigues and a flannel shirt.
I think Andy was a master rock climber because he believed he was.
I also think about other times in his life when he needed a partner and I wasn't there.
It's amazing how memories like this become monuments after a loss. I'd love nothing more than to go back to Andy's rock someday to see if I could make it to the top. Maybe then I could feel what he felt up there.
posted by The Mad Fishicist @ 9:36 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
If you need a partner, I'm there.
Perfectly expressed...you've given us another window into Andy's soul, and to my own, and into yours. Thank you, Lord, for an Andy moment today...
I love that pictures, that is how I remember Andy most of the time...Laughing.
I even remember the time he and UB took me to Stony Point to watch Andy climb while Bob held on to the ropes. There was lots of talking and laughing between Bob and I and I was nervous watching; but Andy was resolute and focused--he was going to be a climber. And he was. Andy took pictures of Bob and I there too that day--I remember him getting such a kick out of it. Just think of the heights he's reaching right now...imcomprehensible. "With my many chariots I have ascended the heights of the mountains, the utmost heights of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the choicest of its pines. I have reached its remotest parts, the finest of its forests." II Kg 19
Life was always an adventure with Andy around. How I miss him every day.
Wow, does this story sound just like Andy! I remember that he had a determined and fearless spirit when it came to obstacles! I can just see him climbing that seemingly unattainable height! It seems that nothing could stop Andy when he made his mind up about doing something. That helps me understand even more what a frustration it must have been for him not to be able to overcome the problems in his life that he wanted so desparately to overcome! Praise God there is no more frustrations for him to deal with! He has reached the pinnacle of perfection he desired for an eternity!
Aunt Diane GA
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