The passing of my good friend, Mason Allen.

[Paul3eb]

It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us.

Now nearly all those I loved and did not understand when I was young are dead, but I still reach out to them.

Of course, now I am too old to be much of a fisherman, and now of course I usually fish the big waters alone, although some friends think I shouldn't. Like many fly fishermen in western Montana where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise.

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's greatest flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.

I am haunted by waters.

[maine]

I have always loved that passage Paul. Thanks for sharing.

May your loss ease with time.

[dipsi]

That passage is one of my favorites as well, Paul.

And this one:

Anne Frank wrote:

"It's difficult in times like these: Ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart."

[kharvey]

As Jr's girlfriend (and virtually roommate), I was able to become acquainted with Mason over the past eight months. Mason always was an inspiration to me in the climbing world. I would love going to the Gorge and just watching Mason and the boys climb. Mason had amazing talent and also amazing patience. Mason helped teach me how to climb. I remember telling Jr a few weeks ago that I felt most comfortable when Mason or he belayed me. I trusted them the most. I would go to the climbing gym with Mason and Jr often. Mason would spot me and cheer for me when I reached a new move on the bouldering wall. My skill level is far from Mason's, but he always seemed delighted to take the time to help me improve.

Over Thanksgiving, Mason and Jr took my family out to Muir to teach my brother how to climb and to show my parents what we do. Mason always watched over the beginners. When Jr would look down, Mason immediately looked up. They had a bond that is only found in brothers. My parents have told me over and over how special it was that Mason and Jr gave that day to them. My mom told me she saw the little girl inside of me that day that she hadn't seen in a long long time.

Thanks Mason for your help. Every time I climb I will think of you and you will be my motivation (you always were). I think you will be for all of us. Because the higher we climb, the closer we are to heaven. And the closer we are to heaven, the closer we are to you, Mason. We miss you dearly.

Kristin Harvey

So, I think you would be proud of me, Mase. I climbed my first 5.10a last week - Rat Stew. Not a big deal for most people, but I thought you would be proud. I couldn't help but think of you the whole day. We climbed at the same wall you and David (and we can't forget Zion - the celebrity as usual) took my family on Thanksgiving a little over two years ago.

Anyway, I guess you know all of this..you probably know everything now, but it helps to write it down. I must say that this week two years later isn't any easier than this week last year or the year before. You're still so vivid. I can honestly say there hasn't been a single day that has gone by that I haven't thought of you at least once.

Keep watching over us.

Miss you,
Kristin

[Paul3eb]

asshole..

[longlegsrule]

so I got home tonight (around 12:30)...and turned my computer on...guess who's name I see signed on my buddy list...

he's been on for over two hours...so I took the time to tell him what he meant to me...and that I was sorry in general for not getting back to my friends like I should for instant messages...voicemails...emails etc...

I'm going to try to get better at getting back to people...never know when it might make a difference...

I've been having dreams about Mason lately...not sure why. Can't even see his face in my dreams. Wish I could give him a hug.