He Died Doing What He Loved

It seems to be how we comfort ourselves in the climbing world. When news comes of a fallen climber (and that news has been all too frequent this year) there are many who say that because the person died following their passion, this was a much better way to die, as if it’s somehow nobler.  And maybe for them it was better than growing old or wasting away from cancer in a hospital bed, but they still died and their time on this earth with their family and friends was cut short, regardless of the way they went out. Instead I would argue that dieing climbing is akin to losing your life at the hands of a drunk driver or some other freak accident. A tragedy that takes life far too early.

Risk is a difficult thing to balance, without it our lives would be pretty sterile. And everyone has to make their own decisions on how much is enough, and how much is too much. Ultimately being important in the lives of others far outweighs the personal satisfaction that comes from climbing, which is why most of us pursue our passion as safely as possible, because we want it all. I want to go out climbing all day and then come home and be the best husband (and some day father) I can be. I’m not saying people shouldn’t keep climbing, or stop going to the mountains, because there is immense beauty there and many things to be learned. But one thing I do know is that I hope and pray with all my heart that when I die, it’s not from climbing, or skiing, or any other mostly selfish pursuit. I hope I die with my friends and family by my side after a life full of love and friendship and making the world a better place.

Sorry for the morbid post, but in a year where death has been so prevalent in the community, I think its important to reflect on what is really matters. Majka Burhardt has an excellent post regarding the past years deaths, which inspired me to share these thoughts. Some may agree, others strongly disagree. But that’s the beauty of being human, we all make our own choices.

Be safe out there.