Endless Enthusiam

When I first got the phone call, and still today, it is hard to believe that Lara is gone. Thank you to everyone for coming together on Tuesday. Perhaps some of you felt like me, that you needed to talk about it, but not with people who don't understand the way we live, and especially the way Lara lived. I think that Lara can take a lot of pride in the amazing community of people who care for her.

Lara had never ending supplies of energy and smiles, and any time spent with her involved buckets of laughter. I fondly remember asking her again and again to recount the wild stories of her youth, and as others have said, Lara was a truly kick-ass person. Earlier this spring at Mt. Baker, I remember how many of us had planned to go mixed climbing but upon discovering that the conditions were atrocious decided to ski instead. Lara, however, wasn't fazed by the conditions in the slightest and threw herself at M8 with the enthusiasm that I feel defined her. As a younger person in our community, I am often labeled with 'youthful enthusiasm.' Lara is probably the only person who made me feel like an old fart! I have been truly inspired by how psyched Lara always, always was.

Lara's death is a tragedy, but her life was a celebration of the way it should be done. I think it is safe to say that Lara lived more in 38 years than most people would have lived in 300. Lara was an inspiration that will stay with all of us.

I'll miss you, Lara.
Love,
Colin Haley