Climber's Widow Tells Her Story

Karen James Tells Katie Couric Her Husband Kelly 'Loved Life So Much'

(CBS)  Karen James knew her husband Kelly's passion was climbing. After all, he proposed to her atop Seattle's Mount Rainer.

She had good reason to hold on to hope. The 48-year-old landscape architect was a 25-year veteran mountaineer who had already successfully scaled some of the most treacherous summits in the world.

But on Sunday, 12 days after Kelly James and his two companions, Brian Hall and Jerry Cooke, began their hazardous trek up Mount Hood, his family's worst fears were realized.

Though an autopsy revealed no broken bones, officials have speculated some kind of injury led him to take refuge in the snow cave that would become his tomb. But James, a father of four children, chose not to tell his family about the gravity of his situation when he placed his last cell phone call to them on Dec. 10.

CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric sat down for an exclusive interview with Karen James.

---

Karen James: It's the kind of a call that you would never want to receive. And so, we both were acting, and it was like there was nothing wrong. I could tell by his voice that he was in trouble. And I told him I just decorated the Christmas tree and that he needed to come home and see it. He said he would. And I told him I loved him. He told me he loved me. And I told him to stay warm and stay awake.

Katie Couric: He told you he was cold and only had a half an orange?

James: He told the boys that, that he was cold and he was wet and he was weak.

Couric: Karen, it was a week between that last cell phone conversation and when Kelly was found. I can't imagine what that week was like for you.

James: Every morning, the only thing I wanted to do was try to save my husband. And from the moment I woke up till the moment I went to bed, I would talk to him and tell him to hold on. It was all-consuming. But I'll tell you, the rescue workers, the Sheriff's Department, everybody up there, it was a family. It was in the worst of the worst we saw the best of the best.

Couric: Karen, when word came that they had found Kelly, what did they tell you?

James: The sheriff came in and he said, "I have bad news. We have a body and it's deceased. And we need to identify it." I said, "look for Kelly's ring." The rescue worker that came to see Frank, he found Kelly, he said that when he walked into the cave it was so peaceful, and so serene. And there was Kelly. He was lying on his side with his head on his pack like we've seen a million times when he's been camping. And he had taken off his right glove, and he folded every finger back except the signature ring and put it out. And he knew. He wanted to be identified, and he wanted to come home to us. And when we told the kids, they were so proud of him because he had, he was still thinking of us, to say "look who I am, and it's time to come home."

Couric: Is there any part of you that's angry that he did this?

James: I'm not angry. I'm really sad our journey is over, for a while. And I miss him terribly. But he loved life so much, and he taught me how to love. He taught me how to live. And I don't know how you can be angry at someone who loved their family, who loved God, and had so many friends and gave back so much more than he took.

Couric: Kelly had four children when you all got married. His kids range from 12 to 25, and Jack's just 12.

James: Kelly loved his kids more than life itself. The kids were everything to him. Kelly taught them so much.

Couric: How do you think Kelly would want people to remember him?

James: Kelly was the biggest optimist you'd ever meet. And Kelly really wanted people to seize the day and he lived every day to the fullest, love as much as you can, live as much as you can and appreciate people around you. And he's taught me that, and he's taught the kids that. And that's why I kind of feel I hit the lottery of life in men because I got to take a journey, and it wasn't long enough, but I got to take a journey with a man who just took me to the moon the back. And I'm very thankful for that.

James: Kelly had this little ornament, and he's had it since he was little. And it's a manger. It's just this little plastic thing. And it's always the tradition that Jack and Kelly put it on the tree together. And so I said this Christmas, we're going to put that ornament on the tree. And one of the things that we really understand about Christmas is that little baby born in a barn is the reason our family has so much strength now. And that is really important to Kelly.

Couric: It sounds as if your faith was strengthened by this whole ordeal. But it must have been tested, too.

James: No, it was never tested. And Kelly said, you know, I remember one time we were watching TV and he said to me, "I can't wait to go to heaven." And I said, "What?" We were watching some show that had nothing to do with it. And he said, "Yeah, that's going to be really cool." And I said, "You know, can you, can you hold off? Can we ... can we wait?" But he wasn't scared. And so those conversations are what I hold on to.

Couric: Is there any lesson for either other climbers or just for people in general from what's happened?

James: I've told a friend, a colleague of mine who I work with, hold your wives really, really tight because you don't know when our journey's going to end. And my journey ended with an 'I love you." And ... for others, if their journey ends with an "I love you," it's a lot to hold onto.

---

Tune in to Friday's The Early Show for more of the interview.

[reyesron]

With all due respect, that was the strangest and most bizarre interview I have ever seen. I am not a prude but it just didnt seem appropriate.

[scwebster-2009]

I was offended by the long interview with Ms. James. She has a very sad, tragic story, and a wonderful spirit to get through this. But I'm afraid that many people lose a spouse everyday, and their stories are just as sad. And some of those people lost a spouse in Iraq, in service of all of us, not just climbing a mountain for their recreation.

Those stories are just as important as this one, but of course they can't all occupy 10 minutes of the Evening News. This story should not have either. CBS Evening News, formerly the home of real news, has clearly lost its way. I won't waste my time with it again.

[cmg90210]

This is not news. Climbing is a risky hobby. One should know before they climb what the probabilities are. If you aren't prepared for everything and anything then you suffer the consequences. Soldiers fighting a war deserve 10 minutes of coverage - not this story. Starving children deserve that coverage - not this story. The media is getting ridiculous. I don't usually watch your show, it just happened to be on and now its off.

[derffie]

THIS ISN'T NEWS.. just plain and simple explotation of someone who is suffering.. how pathetic CBS NEWS has become..

[samoh215]

This was difficult to watch on the news, and I had to change the station. Just 15 second would have made the point.

[masinsd]

This is the worst story I have ever seen on the evening news. This was not news!! This was the exploitation of an obviously grieving person who apparently was sedated.

If I wanted to watch these type of interviews, I
can tune into to oprah or jerry springer.

What ever happened to real news stories on the
evening news! I know there must have been many more real news stories that were cut to accomodate this lengthy piece.

Is this still a news program?????

Sincerely,

[grovewell]

I watched Dan Rather for years. I watched Bob Schieffer. And I watched Katie Couric until, after 10 or 12 interminable minutes of that non-newsworthy Karen James interview, she broke for a commercial by announcing that she'd be right back to find out from Karen how she's coping with the holidays. Ex-cuuse me! I thought this was the WORLD news! I didn't wait. I clicked right on over to NBC, and that's where I'm staying.

[bateman10]

After years of watching another network, I decided to give Katie Couric a try. Tonight's sob fest was the last straw. While the loss of climber Kelly James is a great tragedy for his family, does it warrant interviewing his widow for nearly 11 minutes on the national news? I think not. So, farewell Katie. You were great in the morning but you lack the gravitas essential for an evening anchor.

[pjt759]

Leave it to me to be the odd one out. I am glad that Katie interviewed Kelly James wife. I have been following the horrible news of the men that are missing.I have prayed for their safe return. The thought of that man being all alone in a snow cave has been laying heavy on my heart. It was nice to have his wife share sweet memories of him with us in my opinion. Now I can think of his placing ornaments on his tree. Something postitve about his life. I know there is a war going on. I am well aware of this. To the person who compared this to Jerry Springer. I did not see chairs flying around, or the test results of who's your Daddy? Or Miss America with her implants. And what drug rehab program she will be attending. Now some people call that news. I call it garbage..

[diddlesquat3]

How dare you ask a grieving widow on the brink of tears about such issues as $5 beacons and adequate climbing equipment. Your network and Katie have no shame, but it doesn't surprise me. I didn't like you before, and don't like you now. I regret that Karen even gave you the interview you don't deserve.

[foosfoos]

Every death is a family tragedy. What made the use of time devoted to this story disgusting is that this death was recreational--the same as someone playing golf, skydiving, surfing. Wasn't there a soldier, firefighter or cop who said "I love you" today? This was not news. I continue (but not for much longer) to give CBS a chance to find its way. Figure it out, guys, the rest of us have.

[swissnavy]

Ghoulish. Invasive. Self-serving. Unfortunate in all respects. If you want to honor fallen heroes, how about interviewing the loved ones of those who are dying daily in Iraq and Afghanistan, because they are doing their duty, following orders and hanging in thewre with their buddies? Yes, Kelly James was doing what he loved. But this neither makes him a hero nor exemplary. This interview was nothing more than milking the sad story for itslast emotional, commercial, voyeuristic drop. Genuinely vile. Shame on Couric and her producers!

[aswinebarger]

Katie,

As I always do, the CBS Evening News was on TiVo tonight. But, before watching, I was reading the blogs online about your piece with the wife of the climber who lost his life. While I simply do not understand how people with families can put themselves in such danger (like climbing a mountain in an impeding snowstorm), your story with Mrs. James tonight was more than that %u2013 it was a story of faith. While I am not married nor do I have children, I can only but imagine the loss to her and their children this Christmas season. The story of her faith and resounding spirit was a perfect story tonight, and it could not have come at a better time of year. Perhaps her loss will make us all hold our loved ones a little bit closer this Christmas, and be truly thankful for what matters in our lives %u2013 friends, family%u2026 and, of course, a little bit of faith.

Thanks, again, for sharing her story. I encourage everyone with negative views of your coverage to dig deeper to the real meaning of it and to remember the %u201Creason for the season.%u201D

Adam, 27
Morgantown, West Virginia

[zykracosmos]

CBS.. scroll down and read.. are you getting the message yet?

[lbnh]

Somebody should tell Katie CBS News is a news program and not a wishy-washy talk show.
If she does not want to do the news maybe it is time to say Good-Bye Katie.

[hutchison6]

With only 20 minutes or so to cover the world news, it is unbelievable that so much broadcast time would be devoted to Karen James and the 3 Mt. Hood climbers. Over 150,000 people die in the world each day. Hundreds die in our country in auto acidents or murders. Many die just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I am sure their families loved them and mourn their loss. The 3 men who set out to climb Mt. Hood knowingly risked their lives for sport. In my opinion, an inordinate amount of time was spent on this unfortunate event, pandering to sensationalism and public sympathy. NBC news mentioned the event, with sympathy, and moved on to more important news. Count me as a viewer lost to CBS and in search of more meaningful news coverage.

[shellyl24]

I was very pleased to have seen this interview. I too have been following the story of these missing climbers and this is truly a heartwrenching tragedy. For all of you who show no compassion-shame on you!!! Hopefully none of you or your family members will ever be in this position. I have been praying daily for these climbers and family and will continue to do so, just as I do for our soldiers!!!!AMEN.

[fairandbal]

Wow, I didn't know that the TODAY show was moved to to prime time when Katie took over the 'Evening News'. This is why i'm done with watching any sort of network or cable news channel. They are either conservative hacks or fluff (or in Katie's case, both).

[haley04062]

Katie,

The interveiw with Karen James was fantastic. It showed that there are other things going on in the world than just a war. Some people might disagree and think that you should do the whole show in the war, but I think you should do things that are going on ALL OVER the world. You are doing a great job on the evening news! Keep up the good work!!!!

[jerryandbett]

Why don't you interview a soldier's family that died for a cause? What a waste of air time.

[bnt1982]

In some respect I see a point in what everyone has said on here. It is tragic to lose someone you love ecspecially around the holidays. But I don't think this was a story for the CBS news. I recently lost a friend in Iraq and never once was it brought up on the CBS news. This man was fighting for our country and people just seem to overlook that. I get a little frustrated when people I think deserve alot of respect do not get it and the ones whom deserve none get it all. It's a shame and disgrace to everyone. Our military men and women have sacrificed everything to retain our freedom. Show them the respect they deserve!!!!!!

Even though I know it's pointless to blog since neither Katie or anyone else with any power at CBS will read this, I just want to say that network TV, in general, bites. This interview proves it.

Let's try to be impartial though. Let's look at it from the pro side.

We see that there is a grieving widow who still believes in god. She's happy she had a small amount of time with her husband before he climbed a mountain in the middle of winter with an orange to eat. Ok. that's good. Believe in a higher power and be happy with what you have. That's a good message for alot of people. Now, did we have to pull a grieving woman in from of the USA to accomplish this? I'm thinking no. But it's a decent message and it's good to share good messages from time to time. But if we look at it from the perspective of Couric's career, it doesn't seem like the best move. She's doing Barbara Walters interviews when she should be delving into the ********* called Iraq. She should be flying to Darfur to see what's really happening. If she wants to get out of Dan Rather's shadow at least.

From the con side? Well, I think everyone else sums that up pretty well. Exploitation for ratings and money. It's all about the $$$, ain't it Katie? Well, you got it, but not from me. I'm not buying the *** you're selling. I'll keep getting my news off the internet. TV is old news, folks.

Even though I know it's pointless to blog since neither Katie or anyone else with any power at CBS will read this, I just want to say that network TV, in general, bites. This interview proves it.

Let's try to be impartial though. Let's look at it from the pro side.

We see that there is a grieving widow who still believes in god. She's happy she had a small amount of time with her husband before he climbed a mountain in the middle of winter with an orange to eat. Ok. that's good. Believe in a higher power and be happy with what you have. That's a good message for alot of people. Now, did we have to pull a grieving woman in from of the USA to accomplish this? I'm thinking no. But it's a decent message and it's good to share good messages from time to time. But if we look at it from the perspective of Couric's career, it doesn't seem like the best move. She's doing Barbara Walters interviews when she should be delving into the ********* called Iraq. She should be flying to Darfur to see what's really happening. If she wants to get out of Dan Rather's shadow at least.

From the con side? Well, I think everyone else sums that up pretty well. Exploitation for ratings and money. It's all about the $$$, ain't it Katie? Well, you got it, but not from me. I'm not buying the *** you're selling. I'll keep getting my news off the internet. TV is old news, folks.

Even though I know it's pointless to blog since neither Katie or anyone else with any power at CBS will read this, I just want to say that network TV, in general, bites. This interview proves it.

Let's try to be impartial though. Let's look at it from the pro side.

We see that there is a grieving widow who still believes in god. She's happy she had a small amount of time with her husband before he climbed a mountain in the middle of winter with an orange to eat. Ok. that's good. Believe in a higher power and be happy with what you have. That's a good message for alot of people. Now, did we have to pull a grieving woman in from of the USA to accomplish this? I'm thinking no. But it's a decent message and it's good to share good messages from time to time. But if we look at it from the perspective of Couric's career, it doesn't seem like the best move. She's doing Barbara Walters interviews when she should be delving into the pile of dung called Iraq. She should be flying to Darfur to see what's really happening. If she wants to get out of Dan Rather's shadow at least.

From the con side? Well, I think everyone else sums that up pretty well. Exploitation for ratings and money. It's all about the $$$, ain't it Katie? Well, you got it, but not from me. I'm not buying the *** you're selling. I'll keep getting my news off the internet. TV is old news, folks.

Even though I know it's pointless to blog since neither Katie or anyone else with any power at CBS will read this, I just want to say that network TV, in general, bites. This interview proves it.

Let's try to be impartial though. Let's look at it from the pro side.

We see that there is a grieving widow who still believes in god. She's happy she had a small amount of time with her husband before he climbed a mountain in the middle of winter with an orange to eat. Ok. that's good. Believe in a higher power and be happy with what you have. That's a good message for alot of people. Now, did we have to pull a grieving woman in from of the USA to accomplish this? I'm thinking no. But it's a decent message and it's good to share good messages from time to time. But if we look at it from the perspective of Couric's career, it doesn't seem like the best move. She's doing Barbara Walters interviews when she should be delving into the pile of dung called Iraq. She should be flying to Darfur to see what's really happening. If she wants to get out of Dan Rather's shadow at least.

From the con side? Well, I think everyone else sums that up pretty well. Exploitation for ratings and money. It's all about the $$$, ain't it Katie? Well, you got it, but not from me. I'm not buying the poo you're selling. I'll keep getting my news off the internet. TV is old news, folks.

Even though I know it's pointless to blog since neither Katie or anyone else with any power at CBS will read this, I just want to say that network TV, in general, bites. This interview proves it.

Let's try to be impartial though. Let's look at it from the pro side.

We see that there is a grieving widow who still believes in god. She's happy she had a small amount of time with her husband before he climbed a mountain in the middle of winter with an orange to eat. Ok. that's good. Believe in a higher power and be happy with what you have. That's a good message for alot of people. Now, did we have to pull a grieving woman in from of the USA to accomplish this? I'm thinking no. But it's a decent message and it's good to share good messages from time to time. But if we look at it from the perspective of Couric's career, it doesn't seem like the best move. She's doing Barbara Walters interviews when she should be delving into the pile of dung called Iraq. She should be flying to Darfur to see what's really happening. If she wants to get out of Dan Rather's shadow at least.

From the con side? Well, I think everyone else sums that up pretty well. Exploitation for ratings and money. It's all about the $$$, ain't it Katie? Well, you got it, but not from me. I'm not buying the poo you're selling. I'll keep getting my news off the internet. TV is old news, folks.

[pjt759]

I had to come back and post again after reading so many nasty comments on this interview.First of all we never know who is reading these comments. I for one hope that Karen James isn't. She would be heartbroken more than she is already. I find it humorous that most of the comments here are negative.Do any of you know how disciplined one must be in order to do what Kelly James was doing?
I admire him for taking such good care of himself and working so hard to make a living for his family.In this day and age you only get kudos if you have lost 200 pounds, stop drinking 5 days ago, and no longer abuse your children. I mean come on here why can't you at least admire him for being a good Father a devoted husband and having a sense of adventure.Most of the comments here are about the war and the kids that are being killed. There is no draft all of the men and women that inlisted in the armed forces knew what they were getting into as well. As the PSA advertises... It's not just a job it's adventure. Most of the men and women that are on the rescue teams are former military. These snide comments and personal attacks on his wife are uncalled for.
I can promise you one thing if it were anyone in your family you can bet your *** you would want them to do all that they could do to find one of your friends or family members. Be careful what you say it can come back and haunt you one of these days.

[sandyseaydc]

Katie,
I also lost my beloved Husband this August. It was devastating. He conquered many challenges due to illnesses. My Husband was extraordinary and I've been on that journey where an I love you is the last you hear from your loved one. I sympathize and understand, but I must agree, it is not appropriate for the evening news. This is a bad attempt on profit from sensacionalism.

[sandyseaydc]

WOW! Implying that our Military Personnel that have lost their lives at war do not deserve any airtime on our National television because they were not drafted is more than inappropriate, it is a disgrace. Please stay focused on the subject matter. This is in fact a page to post opinions on this particular interview. Some may have liked it, most did not.

[fairandbal]

I disagree it's pointless to blog about this. If we know we're united in our digust for how the news orgnaziations are turning to fluff and ignoring important news - no - BURRING important news. We have to show our unity in disgust for what's happening to our major news media and this is one good way to do it. Who cares if Katie and the CBS boardroom aren't watching this... we are and if enough of us turn off the news, they will get it.. or go out of business.

[pjt759]

I did not say that they did not deserve any air time. Re Read my post.

[allen991]

An amazing interview. Probably the best interview I have ever experienced on TV. To bad for those that really do not get the real point of this life we all live. Our world would be much more at peace if everyone really understood the great message in this interview.

[hturtrekees]

This story has been covered by all of the media for days anyway. I personally think Karen James is an incredibly strong, enlightened individual. She is probably still in deep shock, but it is clear that she is grounded. Her message needs to be heard in addition to all of the other news we receive, which is filtered anyway. She was talking about love which was probably lost on many even during this time when we are supposed to be more compassionate, thankful and understanding. I'm glad Katie Couric interviewed her because like or not, I couldn't help but wonder how she (and the other grieving families) were faring with everything. To forgive, not be angry and not judge are easier said than done. Obviously.

[fascistusa]

White Woman News!!! This sure sounds interesting. NOT.

Where's Brainless Oprah when you need her?

Just keep up the False Happiness and the Sickening Materialism. Don't forget to take your Prozac.

Just go on pretend we don't live in a FASCIST COUNTRY with nonsense for "News".

[talltimber41]

Katie:
Again you flocked to the family of a deceased person. While her's was an uplifting story, why do you keep intruding into the personal lives of people you don't even know? Why didn't you ask her if her husband died in vain like you did the mother of a fallen soldier? Do you not understand what motivates people other than money or fame? You get paid a bazillion bucks to stick a microphone in the face of a tragic figure...I don't understand you. How did you feel when your husband died? Stay out of their lives/

[vriss]

I, too, think this is one of the best interviews I have ever seen on TV. It is a story that I think is important and the widow obviously wanted to share it.

[gramto7]

Karen is absolutely right about one thing..
The last words that passed between my husband and myself were "I love you". I then left our local hospital to come home. I got a call a couple of hours later that they were air-lifting him out to Atlanta. By the time I got to Atlanta, he was dead. I never got to say "good-bye". But I will always know that we did leave on "I love you".

It is important to let those you love know it. You never know when they will be taken away from you.

[adstamp]

Karen,
Thank you! I am sorry for your loss. With time your wounds will heal. I'm glad you took the time to put closer on a very tragic event. I hope people will walk away from your story and feel thank full for their life, and the people that touch their hearts everyday. Be thankful! Your world could change in a heart beat. Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

[nothappyatall]

Why is it CBS has to go interview the WIDOW of a dead climber now? is this another ratings game or whatever to keep these ghastly death stories going on and on and on for weeks? I mean what is the woman going to SAY that we all wouldn't expect someone to say about their dead spouse, and what kind of "story" can they tell beyound "I loved that man he was great to me and we had plans"??

What's next? a book?

[nothappyatall]

humancitizen: it's because the media adores pretty little white women and girls, "tragic teens" and ghastly stories like people falling off mountains because they didn't prepare, probably never saw snow before (one was from TEXAS) and made every mistake in the book. The media goes intruding into peoples lives like this and usually always reports
that the victim's family, or the accused person on bail, or the wife of a murdered cop "...did not immediately return our calls"

Like, what would they have to SAY to the media in the middle of the shock of having to identify the body of their murdered family member or whatever?

Oh yes, let me drop EVERYTHING to return the call to CBS news so they can get their inside STORY on how my husband was run over by a truck and how do I feel about it.

[kimbersmith0]

As a wife, I am sorry for Ms. James' loss. As a military spouse and a military mother, why is it a fallen soldier's mom and a fallen soldier's wife do not get the same lengthy in-depth interviews.

The soldiers are not challenged to climb a mountain, but challenged to defend their country and sacrifice their lives.

I will never understand the media's priorities in sensationalizing the accidental death of one man who was on a recreational vacation, when there are those who daily lay down their life for the sake of so many.

No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.

[kimbersmith0]

As a wife, I am sorry for Ms. James' loss. As a military spouse and a military mother, why is it a fallen soldier's mom and a fallen soldier's wife do not get the same lengthy in-depth interviews.

The soldiers are not challenged to climb a mountain, but challenged to defend their country and sacrifice their lives.

I will never understand the media's priorities in sensationalizing the accidental death of one man who was on a recreational vacation, when there are those who daily lay down their life for the sake of so many.

No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.

[kimbersmith0]

As a wife, I am sorry for Ms. James' loss. As a military spouse and a military mother, why is it a fallen soldier's mom and a fallen soldier's wife do not get the same lengthy in-depth interviews.

The soldiers are not challenged to climb a mountain, but challenged to defend their country and sacrifice their lives.

I will never understand the media's priorities in sensationalizing the accidental death of one man who was on a recreational vacation, when there are those who daily lay down their life for the sake of so many.

No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.

[kimbersmith0]

As a wife, I am sorry for Ms. James' loss. As a military spouse and a military mother, why is it a fallen soldier's mom and a fallen soldier's wife do not get the same lengthy in-depth interviews.

The soldiers are not challenged to climb a mountain, but challenged to defend their country and sacrifice their lives.

I will never understand the media's priorities in sensationalizing the accidental death of one man who was on a recreational vacation, when there are those who daily lay down their life for the sake of so many.

No greater love hath a man, than to lay down his life for another.

[outdoor06]

newster1 - your comments show your ignorance. They were highly experienced. They had seen plenty of snow. They were highly prepared. They made very few mistakes if any. Read up before you post. Of course, no one from Texas has seen snow, right?

humancitizen - I didn't know this was a race issue. But I guess some people can make anything a race issue. Most of the people involved in the search love to climb also and understand what those guys were going thru. They were glad to help.

How many tax dollars go toward helping prevent or clean up after lawless criminals around the country? Maybe we should just leave drunk drivers to die in the wreckage the create?

[jls1822]

I would like to apologize to Karen and her family for the self centerness and ignorance of some of these people who commented. This is NOT a race issue and for once why don't you think about someone else besides yourselves. A man died and all you can worry about is the color of his skin or the fact that he wasen't fighting for his country. We feel for all the soliders who died and we feel sorry for the innocent people who die everyday, and yet all you people think about is who didn't make the headline news. Karen, you and your family are in my prayers!

[agnim]

I feel this widow's pain.
At the same time, I'm also very happy for her.
Cheer up, girl!

Now this widow might be able to attract a more sane mate as husband from among those who might not mind a secondhand wife.



Fools and their lives are soon parted!

Whomever coined the phrase 'crazy Americans' was definitely feeling the American pulse. LOL

It is understandable when children gamble with their lives for the sake of mere pittance.

It is downright retarded when selfish, self-centered, or insane adults(?) seek to emulate inexperienced children and CAUSE UNNECESSARY AND AVOIDABLE BURDEN TO OTHERS WHO WILL BE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR DUMB DISAPPEARANCE!

[pjt759]

I am beginning to wonder if a chosen few of you. You know who you are. Even read this article or listened to the interview. Quote:
She had good reason to hold on to hope. The 48-year-old landscape architect was a 25-year veteran mountaineer who had already successfully scaled some of the most treacherous summits in the world.
Did you read this part? This man was not an idiot. He owned his own business for Gods sake.
Well educated. Which is more than I can say for the chosen few here that have posted some stupid comments.

[zedo1]

just to let you know that people out here are thinking of you and your family at this sad time,
isn't amazing to know now he's climbing the mountains in heaven,never say goodbye,because goodbye is forever,and every one knows someday we will meet again,what a wonderful day that will be, may gods peace love and strength be you...

[agnim]

"Did you read this part? This man was not an idiot. He owned his own business for Gods sake.
Well educated. Which is more than I can say for the chosen few here that have posted some stupid comments.

Posted by pjt759 at 01:31 PM : Dec 22, 2006"

Ever heard of an 'educated idiot'? LOL

We have one right now leading 300 million sheeple over the abyss!

These guys weren't so evil. Thank the stars. LOL

However, they did selfishly pain those who were near and dear to them, climbing a mountain in the middle of winter practically! How freaking childish is that?

They also lean heavily on the the state's coffers AND ON THE LIVES AND WELL BEING OF THOSE WHO HAVE TO UNNECESSARILY RISK THEIR LIVES and waste valuable resources hunting for so-called adults with children's mentality!

These moronic mountaineers not only endanger themselves; they also endanger the lives of rescuers who also have families who could be pained if something happened to the rescuers!