The power of tradition and the strength of love
This weekend represents forty years of history. But while some things change, some things remain the same. The power of friendship, the remarkable gift of tradition, the ability to adapt as the years pile up.
Now that I’m back in New Hampshire, I can’t help but reflect on these last 48 years of gathering to climb Mount Washington in October. It’s truly been a microcosm of life itself.
Some people come and go, some people stay. Some people come back.
We’ve done it as just the guys, with girlfriends, with wives, with our children. The kids who were once too young to climb have now taken ownership of this annual event, and continue to make the summit every year while some of us (ahem) wish them good luck and retire to the hot tub.
This year, for me, is bitter and sweet.
I write this while sitting on the sofa that I shared with Jody last year, for many years actually. In the home of our friends that we’ve been coming to since 1988.
It’s a new chapter. Change is hard. A lone tear runs down my face.
But while some things change, some things remain the same. The power of friendship, the remarkable gift of tradition, the ability to adapt as the years pile up.
But most importantly, the enduring power of love. Our annual gathering is a testament to the power of love.
So, we will gather again this year, we will mourn our losses while celebrating each other. And I will be lifted up, inspired and ready to move forward with the support, encouragement and love of dear friends and family.
How blessed am I?
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.