June 23, 1992

Dear Mike,

Jesus, man, I’m sorry! I can’t believe this happened to you and to us … I swear to God, Mike, I didn’t mean to fall into that crevasse and I certainly didn’t want to pull you in behind me …

Everyone tells me that it was all an accident and that it could have been the other way around just as easy. I suppose they’re right.

I really enjoyed our climb … God—weren’t our bivouacs wild? We were like real alpine hard men—as you said, this climb should make some great stories …

I apologize if my nervousness made you mad or frustrated. Perhaps it was a lack of courage. Perhaps it was foreboding. My crevasse fear did build and build right up to the last few hours and minutes—perhaps I knew.

I assure you that had you gone in first, I too would have dug in for all I was worth and then would have gone right in behind you. I think you know that, though. I truly felt we were friends and partners …

I shall strive to take this second chance I’ve been given and unfurl my wings and fly with it, not turn inward into a dark ball. I shall strive to live a strong, forward-moving, vivacious life in your honor.

Take care, Mike.
Your friend,
Jim