New and Experienced Climbers over 50 #5

Again, strength, love, healing-light,
 the stoicism, sign of a true climber
reach out if you need a belay,
& No chunk is ever too short to use a rope
 (belay from the opposite side)

So sorry to hear about your loss Helen.

Oh Helen my heart goes out to you.  Honor the greatness that comes from a long lasting relationship and forget the struggles.  Be kind to yourself, take the time to take of yourself.

Helen, what a rough road you've had. You've handled it with such grace. My deepest sympathy and best wishes for all that lies ahead.

You can never fully prepare for a loss like that, even when you know it's coming.  i hope you find some relief that your, and his struggle, has ended.

I'm sorry about your loss, Helen.

So very sorry to hear of your loss, Helen.  I’m glad that you have climbing to continue to fill the void and bring excitement and joy to your life. Take the time to grieve, remember and honor the good that brought you two together.  Use this as a reminder to make the most of each and every day. 

My Condolences, Helen.

Mark O

Helen, Best Wishes

H, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers from OK.

Carl Schneider wrote:

Three weeks? I'll be there from about the 8th of April, also Mount Arapiles.  You'll see lots of wallabies, maybe some kangaroos, emus, lots of bird life; especially crows and a lot of lizards. Oh, also scorpions!!  I'll be at the Northern Grampians around Hollow Mountain; I know that area like the back of my hand.  I can give you some good info about where to camp, where to climb (bouldering, sports and trad) and also info about mundane things like where to go to get a hot shower for five bucks for as long as you like!!

Carl, I am there from 27th march to about the 12th/13th april, so it would be great to meet up. I am hoping to climb with some expats I know there, but they will be working a good bit of the time. Planning on a few days in Arapiles, then the Grampians

Helen, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Climbing has been a great community to be part of over the years, and the older I get the more I appreciate being able to travel anywhere and quickly be accepted into the local climbing scene. Best wishes for the future.

Helen, so sorry for your loss. Sending my condolences along with a virtual hug. "NOW is now" - such a good motto to live by.

The Sun also rises...

No other words to offer other than wishing you strength and peace at this time.

Thanks so much, all, you people are wonderful!

I still have responsibilities, a job, a house, three cats....but my life is no longer constrained the way it was. Giant understatement.

My ​man, my sweet, gentle, talented,wickedly funny man, was shackled severely by this also. We are both set free. I am well aware we who post here are only a tiny part of those who read. This, is why I share my stories....not just everyone you meet, but those you don't even know about. It took years and years for my life to become what it was close to Friday. It took minutes to become an entirely different thing going forward.

So. Thanks, so much. All of you, but some particular MP people mean the world to me. They, are who coached me in kindness, empathy, and, argh....patience.

And? I intend to meet a fair number of you. I can think of no finer "to do/tick list" going forward into this new thing, than to meet the people I so care for yet have never met...and people I don't know yet at all.

I'm not prepared to abandon ship entirely and dirt bag. I do still want to have a home. And, retirement is close... but not quite yet. But, with a cat sitter, and my vacation time, I should be able to manage some trips, not have to see one camp and skip the other because it would be too much time away.

Who knew?

Best, Helen

@ Dallas, at our age? If you are reasonably comfortable with it? Go for it! 

Helen

I am so sorry for your loss.

John

Found this with his passport. This is the 19 year old that became a climber decades later! 

He took this picture, and I remember when it happened....before I ever moved in!

Thanks, all, on here, and off too.  I'll be meeting many of you, and I can't wait!!!

Keep me posted on your various plans, if you are within striking range, eh? :-)

Best, Helen

Helen, thank you for the poignant, honest and touching post about your loss. Your spirit is obviously strong and good, despite life's trials; something to which we all can aspire. Best wishes in your future journeys.

Dallas, gotta agree with Jeff, just get on it. If you can get to Red Rocks there's a litany of easy and moderate multipitch climbing to be had.

Helen, my condolences as well.

Taking time off from the gym with a strained muscle, bored, and just wondering who else here (besides rgold) is over 70. Anyone?

wendy, I have to ask the question! What's sprained, and did it happen at the gym? I hope you recover soon!

dragons wrote: wendy, I have to ask the question! What's sprained, and did it happen at the gym? I hope you recover soon!

I mistyped -- I meant strained. (Just corrected it.) I think it's my trapezius. And I probably did it at the gym, but not from any one move that I could pinpoint. Just another (sigh) use injury.