bolt home<alumni<newsletter<Dean Rose

A Letter from Dean Rose

Warmest Greetings to All BOLT Alumni,

I hope that this finds you well, happy and finding time to be outdoors. In September, I was reminded of the importance of connecting with the wilderness when I hiked with a group of BOLT friends to the top of the Bond Cliffs in New Hampshire.

For many years my best friend and long time hiking buddy, Marlene Eckerle and I talked about hiking to the Cliffs, but we never got there. When Marlene was dying from a brain tumor, I asked her where she wanted us to scatter her ashes and with a smile and twinkle in her eye, she whispered, “the Bond Cliffs.” “I’m not giving you any free ride up there, it’s too damn hard,” was my quick response. Through our laughter and tears we remembered all of our great adventures.

Marlene died in January of 2003 and from that moment on I had a passionate, unceasing desire to carry some of her ashes to the Bond Cliffs As it turned out, there was not an easy trail to the top. As most of you know, in May of 2003 I had a mild heart attack. The cardio recovery wasn’t so bad, but the peripheral damage was debilitating. In the process of doing a second catherization to check out a stent, severe damage was done to my right leg and back. For three years I worked with physical and massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and anyone else who I thought could help. Walking down the street was a challenge, driving long distance was impossible, even sitting at the desk was difficult. I learned humility, had many opportunities to practice patience, had my perseverance put to the test, and refused to let go of hiking. With the support of good family and friends, and a physical therapist who is a genius…the impossible became possible.
 
This past September, with the help of five former BOLT leaders as well as Marlene’s husband and sister, I finally made the hike to the Bond Cliffs. Phil Bolduc, ’91, Tommy Hayes,’98, Tammy Chang,’02, Ravi Prasad, ’05 and Ryan Heath,’05 were patient, funny, encouraging, and strong. They carried everything but me! Why didn’t I figure out the Sherpa approach to hiking a long time ago?? We had terrific weather and powerful moments on top of the cliffs where we told stories to remember my buddy, read poetry and sat in silence. I was finally able to let go of her ashes and the weight of the loss. It was a transformative moment.

When you lose something you cherish so much, as I lost both Marlene and my ability to hike, it is devastating. When you are gifted some of it back, it is unbelievably sweet. You cherish it because you appreciate the fact that you will lose it again. Sharing this experience with Phil, Tommy, Tammy, Ryan and Ravi was symbolic; I was hiking with all of you. You have been my kids, my peers, my friends. What a blessing. I look forward with hope and gratitude to more hikes. Let me know if you are up to carrying a little extra weight for a slightly stooped middle-aged woman with a huge smile on her face.

With great affection,

Robin

Year round activities
BOLT in the community
Calendar
Donate to BOLT

Suggestion Box or Contact BOLT directly