"this is the place"

uncle tom assisting the climbers. payson, janice, grandma, kayla, george, betty, dad, and jarom

this hike was INTENSE! it was at such an incline and the ground was very unstable with debris and rocks. quite a task! but, we were able to make the steep climb up the mountain...including my 80 year old grandma! AMAZING!


the two brown stakes

we climbed the mountain and when tom saw the two metal stakes he said this was the place. the stakes were STILL THERE! when tom reached the place he sat down and wept and said, "this is the place. this is a blessing from the lord."

the view from the mountain side where great grandpa ralph died.

once we were able to get situated on the mountain side (not an easy task, especially since once you sat down you would end up sliding a foot or so) grandma freidenberger and great uncle tom shared memories of that day 41 years ago. aunt betty recited colen sweeten's poem titled ralph w. harding. mom had printed copies of the poem for everyone and after betty recited the poem we all read the poem together. uncle george then lead us in a family prayer and blessing. what a beautiful place and what a sacred and special experience, one that will never be forgotten. the weather was ideal, the moutains were beautiful, and the site was peaceful!

kevin and wesley