CECELIA MORTENSON: SWEET MEMORIES
I've known Chad for nearly 20 years and am devastated by his accident. When I think of Chad - I embrace the sweet memories of his character and friendship - not his wild accomplishments, though they be profound. I can still remember when we were both struggling to place cams - and he led the famous Yosemite nut cracker on nothing but nuts with a young inexperienced girl like me. Nobody else had wanted to climb with me that day - not even my boyfriend and Chad said "lets go!" Even way back then, when we were young dirtbag nobodies in yosemite, the strength of Chad's kindness and great heart shone strong.
Chad has grown so much year by year and I've cherished every precious moment together. From climbing Ama Dablam back in 98, when he had a barbie doll as a mascot and stunned us all with his speed ascent. To quick coffee visits amidst his 16 hour work days while training and saving money for his latest passion filled vision. We once bailed on a party at 9pm to go for a trail run in squamish - with me only able to keep up with him since he'd already ran 15 miles that morning. Chad the extreme athlete, buddha like and filled with passion and zest. I miss you.
I am at a loss of words and filled with grief with Chad's loss. And yet, I am hopeful that he and Lara are somehow together again and this brings me my only sense of peace.
Every time I have said goodbye to Chad these past years I have known it might be the last. This spirit of living entirely in the moment with Chad was both necessary and also a gift. I cherish every single moment with him and hope all of you too can remember his passion for living with intensity, light and honor.