Tallest Peaks Still Lie Ahead

I saw Mary cry uncontrollably. I tried to calm her down by giving her a hug, but she snapped back, "Don't Touch Me or I'll Fall." She froze on the cornice of Mount Borah, the tallest mountain of Idaho. It just happened to be the worst part of our climb. She froze next to the mountains edge which fell a couple thousand feet in a steep decline. She could not move and cried harder with each gust of wind. It was a little spooky. There was a thunder storm just north of the peak, and the cold wind hit us like waves which helped cause vertigo. All along I had planned to make it to the top. However, we passed a dozen hikers on their way down and most of them had not made it. After this incident, Mary forbid me of climbing alone, so maybe next time.

Mary's father also made the ascent with us, but turned around just before the cornice and ridge, often called chicken out ridge. His ranches and cabins, Antelope Creek Cabin and Pioneer Home are about 45 minutes from this hike. He is old enough to be retiring, but instead has invested in some ranches when he was bought out from the Webb Basin Dairy Farm. Mary has eight brothers, that I am sure will enjoy being on the ranch at some point in their lives. As for Mary and I, it is an awesome getaway!

Clayton and Jenna also climbed another peak. My brother Clayton, a recent biology graduate and tree specialist, worked with an arborist in Logan for a few months. Suddenly, his hands started hurting and became numb. The doctors said he had a bad case of tendinitis, and needed to take 6-8 weeks off from using his hands. In the meantime, Jenna had already been accepted to graduate school in Chico, California for Marriage and Family Counseling. After serious prayer and meditation, they decided to move to Chico. Within a week, they were hundreds of miles further from our love cottage in Rexburg, Idaho. We admire their bold move, but will miss them deeply. He already has a few job options, his favorite lead is a large orchard that the Church owns in Chico. We love you, and wish you luck on this next mountain. Dad taught us how to work, mom taught us how to look good. So you are set.   

Some people say that I am the gatekeeper of my destiny. This may be the healthiest way to encourage personal accountability and action. However, there are powers greater than any individual. Some people also believe that people generally stay the same. In my life, close friends have helped me grow in many ways. Many wonderful things have happened as a result of their influence or serendipity. My heart overflows with sweet memories engraved from these experiences. Many of them have changed my destiny through.

Yesterday while volunteering in the Rexburg temple. I ran into family of two old friends, and then received a linkedin request from an old friend’s mother. This left me thinking about those who have helped me become a better person. It was fun to think about how similar family members behave and interact with others.

Mr. Seely, Kate’s grandpa was volunteering with us. He was married at 28 after serving in World War 2, and serving a mission for the Church. His wife wanted to serve a mission, but the church leaders postponed for a few months… until he decided to propose. Shortly thereafter he was selected and agreed to serve as a bishop for 12 years. He is 92 now still volunteering and serving those around him. His example fits Kate because she is a stalwart, serving individual Then I had a brief discussion with Brad Carmack’s little sister, who will be graduating soon. Brad is a BYU friend from Meridian that we shared fun memories. Earlier, I received a Linkedin invite from Nadine Kloepfer, Kelsey’s mom. I actually ran into Kelsey a few months ago while servicing my car in Idaho Falls. We dated for a summer years ago. She is happily married now with her own little family.

The last ten years have been filled with friendships with some of the best people I know.  Each of you has shaped my life for the better. You have helped me learn more about myself, and you have helped to become the person that I have needed to become for this beautiful relationship of marriage, which now flourishes. Each of you is amazing, and you have good families and influences that have helped you become who you are. Wish my wife luck now because she is the one who will help me to become the person that I should. I know that each of you will become excellent spouses, and parents when you would like this to happen.

While looking back at the experiences that I have had with all of my friends, I love your jovial spirits. You have made this world a welcoming home for me. You are throughout the states, the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa. Even in the Pacific Islands, we share fond memories. You have made this world a small place. The world is now my home.

 Everything that we do will affect someone. Those that have planted the seeds before us have planted the seeds of our successes. Everything that we do touches those who around us, or those who will follow. I am glad to be a part of this home with you, and hope that today you and I choose to become friends with one another and influence each other to become better.  

Love, Lucas  

Prepared by Lucas Handy