It has been a very long 82 days since we were all brought together to bring Mickey Schunick home. Although the outcome wasn't what we had all hoped and prayed for. It was simply meant to be. We all have a destiny in life. I think it is now obvious what Mickey Schunicks destiny was.
I would like to share an ellegy written for Meredith Hope Emerson; Blood Mountain Hiker, by Winton Porter, after she had courageously sacrificed her life, so that others may live:
http://www.ajc.com/travel/mountain-crossings-a-hikers-467389.html
Mountain Crossings a hikers’ paradise
Winton Porter owns the Mountain Crossings outfitter and hostel at the Walasi-Yi Center on the Appalachian Trail near Blairsville, and, though he’s technically in the wilderness, there’s a lot of human wildlife on hand.
The Mountain Crossing Trading Post is only a few hundred yards from where Trail Angel Meredith Hope Emerson, was abducted on 01/01/2008
In a new memoir called “Just Passin’ Thru’: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters,” Porter writes about collecting what he calls the “wackos, heroes and friends” that have made that journey. It is this crew that makes Mountain Crossings the Algonquin Round Table of the hiking community.
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Elegy tribute for Meredith Hope Emerson: Blood Mountain Hiker:
An Elegy by Winton Porter
January 2008
Out on the trail, when a comrade falls, a trail angel rises.
Meredith, whose kind and loving spirit was cruelly taken from all those who knew and loved her, has joined the ranks of trail angels.
She will forever be our guide.
Because trail angels dance along the path of peace and joy forever.
Because trail angels watch over those who merely want to walk forever.
Those who simply want to live.
Those who want to live simply.
And beautifully as Meredith did.
Merediths light once illuminated the path of hundreds of friends and family members as well as among the many, many she touched along the graceful trail of her life.
The light Meredith brought us has not been extinguished.
It has risen.
It now illuminates the path of millions
Across our nation.
Around the world.
And as her light rises, we come to know its source.
A source inextinguishable.
An inner source.
It came from Merediths compassion.
Her kindness.
Her love of outdoors.
Her love of animals.
It now fires our love.
Our compassion.
Our resolve to live better lives.
Kinder lives.
It warms us, consoles us, unites us here and now.
And as her light rises,
It ignites in us the good of our natures.
It reveals to us the beauty of these mountains.
It fires in us a renewed joy for living, for those around us, for the walks we share today.
Her light reminds us not to wait but to love while we still can.
Now….Stop.…Listen.
Hush and truly listen.
Hear the drums?
Feel them on the wind?
Hear the human tales of triumph and sadness that echo through these vast and ancient mountains?
These are human tales, bouncing off the cliffs,
Reverberating among the high tree lines,
Following the deep gaps.
Filling our hearts.
Separateness is an illusion, my friends.
There is no me.
There is no you.
There is only We.
We of this earth.
We the one.
I am you.
You are me.
Together , we are bound by common experience:
Love. Life. Hope. Joy. Sorrow. Pain. Memory.
Meredith Emerson is you.
You are Meredith Emerson.
Follow her light.
It will guide you well.
Remember.
Out on the trail, when a comrade falls, a trail angel rises…