tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58739594412730613622011-09-05T07:17:59.279-05:00Kelly James, Brian Hall and Jerry "Nikko" CookeCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.comBlogger651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-71798478733010314022011-01-15T12:00:00.000-05:002011-01-15T14:26:14.055-05:00

Thank you for posting prayers and notes during the search for the missing climbers on Mt. Hood. Please continue to pray for the families who are grieving and also that Brian and Nikko will soon be found. Family members are continuing to read the words of comfort and heartfelt friendship posted here. We invite you to join our discussion below, as we reflect together on God's mysterious ways and

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com157tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-34079385256123496762010-10-05T20:10:00.001-05:002010-10-05T20:10:24.353-05:00

Midnight, it is said, is the portal between this world and the next and is somehow in league with chaos, death, and mystery. It is the moment of dark visitations. So it was for me in December 2006. My sleep was interrupted by a phone call, and I was instantly shocked into full consciousness: My younger brother was trapped in a snow cave on Mount Hood, and an unyielding blizzard prevented

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-90295795229158798742009-12-14T12:03:00.002-05:002009-12-14T12:14:37.752-05:00

The names are different, but the agony is the same. Instead of Kelly, Brian and Nikko, the names are Katie, Luke and Anthony. One body recovered, two experienced climbers missing (as of 14 December 2009). The search & rescue effort is hampered by extreme weather conditions. The somber sheriff is surrounded with microphones from reporters and family members try to hold themselves together while

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-41246989569677446102008-12-20T15:56:00.003-05:002009-09-02T22:33:03.404-05:00

by Andrew Peterson from his album, Love and ThunderUnfortunately, this video is no longer available. You can read Peterson's powerful lyrics here

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-1409700712332835182008-12-17T12:18:00.003-05:002008-12-17T12:29:45.043-05:00

My thanks to those who continued to remember Kelly and our family. I am amazed and blessed that so many continue to check the website and often leave the most wonderful messages. On dark days, these words of encouragement are like rays of light.It has been two years since Kelly’s frozen body was found in a hastily dug snow cave near the summit of Mt. Hood. In the months following Kelly’s tragic

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-5174674493145062482008-11-15T18:45:00.008-05:002008-11-15T20:04:37.130-05:00

Karen James' book, Holding Fast: The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy, tells the story of the crisis on Mount Hood in which her husband Kelly (Frank's brother) and his two climbing partners, Brian Hall and Nikko Cook, lost their lives.In the book, Karen tells the story of her relationship with Kelly, their shared faith in God, and her personal journey with grief. She also employs her

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-40780944237830333622008-09-16T08:00:00.008-05:002008-09-16T09:19:32.934-05:00

There's a rickety old shack in the Oscar winning movie, Forest Gump, where Forest's best friend Jenny grew up. Jenny's shack is also the place that hides her darkest, most painful memories—early years of sexual abuse.After they reach adulthood, Forest and Jenny revisit the shack. It is a powerfully wrenching scene when Jenny, enraged by the memories she cannot shake, hurls fistfuls of rocks at

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-57573422783565850112008-02-19T23:10:00.012-05:002008-12-13T07:33:24.864-05:00

The Oregonian, Portland's main newspaper, ran an article Tuesday, February 19, about the families of Brian and Nikko, the two climbers who have never been found. Dwight Hall spent most of the day Monday driving around Mount Hood,taking advantage of the clear, sunny weather to take in the 11,239-foot peak from different angles. He lingered longest on the mountain's northeast face, where searchers

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-14790550617455584012007-12-17T12:49:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:25.486-05:00

07:05 AM CST on Monday, December 17, 2007By BRANDON FORMBY / The Dallas Morning Newsbformby@dallasnews.comHope that Kelly James, Brian Hall and Jerry "Nikko" Cooke would be found alive disappeared a long time ago. It's been more than a year since the two Dallas residents and the Brooklyn man vanished while climbing Mount Hood in Oregon."We feel very blessed that we haven't lost hope that we will

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-51339328002043960562007-12-13T08:50:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:25.702-05:00

Sunday, December 16, 2007Candlelight CeremonyRemembering the Three Climbers: Kelly James, Brian Hall, Nikko Cooke4:00-5:00 p.m.Park Cities Baptist Church3933 NW HighwayDallas, TexasOn December 12, CBS 11 in Dallas conducted an exclusive interview with Karen James and her family. To view the interview, along with television coverage of other events from this time last year, go to:http://

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-44150607409622946282007-12-10T09:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:25.856-05:00

Recently I heard author Donald Miller (a fellow-Oregonian) describe the perfect arrival by air into the Portland International Airport. It always includes a sighting of Mount Hood—breathtakingly beautiful as she towers above the forest covered Cascades. She dominates the landscape. I can't count the times I have peered out the window of a home-bound plane hoping to catch a glimpse of her. A warm

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-80053948595234350372007-07-21T12:11:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:26.050-05:00

10:00 p.m. ET:This Saturday evening report and video give information about Saturday's search and of the climbers' gear that was found. Obviously it is a big disappointment that they did not find Brian and Nikko today. At the same time, it is deeply encouraging that so many search volunteers turned out and that they haven't given up on their hope of finding and bringing the two missing climbers

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-62197990613445619482007-07-19T08:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:26.198-05:00

Contrary to all the television ads, summer is the wrong time to visit Disney World in Orlando. In summer, the weather is miserably hot and humid. You can get soaked (or zapped by lightning) in one of Florida’s afternoon monsoons. The place is jammed with tourists, and you’re sure to spend a lot of time standing in lines. But when Jack, our thirteen-year-old nephew and the youngest of Kelly’s four

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-14975227415641900652007-07-13T19:35:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:26.412-05:00

Frank and I came across this lament on The Internet Monk's blog and reprint it here with his kind permission and our hope that his honest, heartfelt lament will minister to you as it did to us.I Miss YouHow long, O LORD?Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?How long must I take counsel in my souland have sorrow in my heart all the day? —Psalm 13:1-2I miss you God.It’

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-50202525646167717422007-07-12T20:54:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:26.611-05:00

It has been quite a while since either Frank or I have posted anything. I'm realizing it isn't always easy to write about things so close to the heart, especially when the rest of life keeps moving at its usual hectic pace. On the outside, grieving takes a backseat to everything else, but on the inside there's an ache that never seems to go away. Which is, I guess, the reason so many of you keep

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-27499207757772270452007-04-09T21:16:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:26.824-05:00

Today we attended a beautiful Easter service, and the sermon was a vivid reminder that Jesus conquered death when he rose from the grave. We read the Nicene Creed with its marvelous stanza: “On the third day he rose again.” The dead body placed in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea had been lifeless on Friday, but on Sunday it was lifeless no more. By some other-worldly violation of natural laws,

Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534492147227132335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-16104585219474962282007-03-26T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:27.025-05:00

Years ago, my family was rocked by the sudden death of my dad’s younger brother. This gifted physician, Christian leader in the community, larger-than-life personality, and centerpiece of our family was lifted out of our lives three weeks after he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.A memory of mine that stands out from events surrounding my uncle’s death is from the dinner at my aunt’s

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-43853200005634079372007-03-13T00:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:27.223-05:00

Sooner or later, when grief is under discussion, the subject of the things people say to the grieving is bound to come up. Bringing it up here feels a bit like opening a can of worms—not just because of what other people (often well-meaning people, I might add) have said about the three climbers, but because, even as I write, insensitive comments I have made flash through my mind. At one time or

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-17481237633667233992007-03-06T11:45:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:27.484-05:00

[NOTE: I've updated this post to include the address of Tim Neville's intriguing article, "Search on Mount Hood: After the Storm," where he explains his theory about what may have happened to the climbers. You can read the article online at: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/mountaineering/rescue/mount-hood-2006-3.html]Ever since Kelly, Brian and Nikko lost their lives on Mt. Hood this

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-62041873978312050842007-02-25T22:50:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:27.682-05:00

Old Testament scholars tell us ancient Hebrew writers often use repetition to make a point. If this is true, then the point of Joseph’s story in Genesis is the fact that “the LORD was with him.”When I ask myself what I would expect to result from a repeating statement like this, I know it wouldn’t look anything like what actually happened to Joseph.Jealousy and hatred get the best of his

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-31201634813339944602007-02-19T23:44:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:28.201-05:00

Monday's events bring it all back. Three climbers lost on Mt. Hood. High winds. Rescue workers taking to the mountain to find and bring them safely home. Anxious family members and friends praying and waiting.Only this time the outcome was different.News reports read: "Three climbers who tumbled off a ledge on Mount Hood were taken away in an ambulance after they hiked down much of the state's

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-1032905546388212952007-02-19T00:04:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:28.387-05:00

After the death of a loved one—or any other sorrow or loss—there is the expectation in the minds of many Christians that the sorrower should put their grief aside and move on with their life. Our troubles are like hurdles placed in our path to test our spiritual fortitude. It’s a sign of spiritual maturity (so we tell ourselves) to rise above the pain or at least to conquer it at some point. The

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-75642554435334840172007-02-14T18:22:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:28.832-05:00

The families and friends of Brian and Nikko are planning memorial services to celebrate and thank God for the lives of these two men. As you know, Brian and Nikko are still on the mountain, and this has intensified the grief for their loved ones.Many of you have continued to pray for them. Please keep these memorial services in your prayers as well—that they would bring comfort to the families

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-81381060985387757872007-02-12T12:34:00.000-05:002007-02-12T14:23:57.811-05:00

[The following post is taken from Frank's message at the Reformed Theological Seminary/Orlando chapel service on February 6, 2007. ] The past months have been harrowing for my family and for me. I am profoundly and deeply touched by the outpouring of prayers and support. Many have sent communications that ministered to my heart in very special ways.I tell people who never met Kelly that they

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-77703875296002819502007-02-12T00:21:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:28.965-05:00

This past Wednesday, Reformed Theological Seminary/Orlando held a memorial service for Kelly—A Service of Lament and Longing. It was an unforgettable time of reflection, worship, sorrow, and hope. Both Frank and I were blessed by this gathering with the RTS community and other friends who joined us. Reggie Kidd, Professor of New Testament and a man who knows the sorrow of losing a brother, gave

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-9904082346897270472007-02-03T17:56:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:29.085-05:00

I have to look for cracks and crevices.Don’t tell me how God’s mercyIs as wide as the ocean, as deep as the sea.I already believe it, but that infinite prospectGets farther away the more we mouth it.I thank you for lamenting his absences—His absence from marriages going mad,Our sons dying young, from the inescapableTerrors of history: Treblinka. Vietnam.September Eleven. His visible absenceMakes

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-24048076337832854272007-02-03T15:27:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:29.383-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Kelly’s birthday. My brother Ben suggested we release balloons in Kelly’s honor. In Florida, we set our balloon free at precisely 9:53 am CT—the moment of Kelly’s grand entrance into this world in 1958—and watched as it floated upwards until we could see it no more.Joyless, I muttered: “Happy Birthday Smelly Kelly”—one of the many irksome aliases I have bestowed on my

Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534492147227132335noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-3502533359386949722007-02-02T11:26:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:29.562-05:00

Today is Kelly's birthday. He would have been 49.Around the country, family members are remembering and missing him. At 9:53 am CT, we released helium balloons in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida to commemorate a day that has always been significant to us and now carries with it a tremendous sadness.Once again we are grateful for all who have become a part of Kelly's story with us, by

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-9528014472767850252007-01-28T20:30:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:29.835-05:00

I must confess that I have been reluctant to write about my family tragedy. Death is a private affair, and yet Kelly’s death has been so very public, if the thousands of cards, calls, letters and emails are any indication. My reticence is largely due to the fact that I am still trying to make sense of Kelly’s death. I am still numb and disoriented. My days are little more than sleep

Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11534492147227132335noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-56186547043563503292007-01-21T23:07:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:29.987-05:00

The Oregonian (Portland’s newspaper) ran an article this week paying tribute to Sheriff Wampler—a man my family will never forget for putting his heart and soul into the search for Kelly, Brian and Nikko.The article got me thinking again about the overwhelming response of people around the nation to the crisis on Mt. Hood. How does one explain such a phenomenon? Even people who got caught up in

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-73073892582970358792007-01-11T00:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:30.191-05:00

Last night before I went to bed, I visited a couple of Internet blogs where self-described agnostics are dissecting what happened on Mt. Hood and deriding statements Frank made about God and faith and hope, given the tragic outcome. It probably wasn’t the best thing for me to do before trying to fall asleep. I felt the sting of their remarks about the absurdity of faith and their conviction that

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-34457729606529171282007-01-03T10:25:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:30.330-05:00

When Frank and I returned home last week from Kelly’s funeral, I was thinking that (except for a couple of final notices) this blog had pretty much served its purpose and should simply go to sleep. The rescue effort is over. Three grieving families have gone home. The media packed up their cameras and microphones and moved on to other stories. There really didn’t seem to be much more to say. Now

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-69141990249297397032006-12-28T14:09:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:30.749-05:00

I remember the consternation of a friend of mine whose father died suddenly of a heart attack just days before her wedding. Friends arrived at the house with a wedding gift in one hand and a copy of her father’s obituary in the other. It seemed awful beyond words, completely incongruous to her, for such opposite events and conflicting emotions to sit side-by-side in her life.It has been a lot

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-37224887109831361242006-12-26T12:30:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:30.969-05:00

Wednesday, December 27, 200612:00 noon CSTFellowship Bible Church9930 No. Central ExpresswayDallas, TexasWe love you Kelly!Visitation—Tuesday, December 26, 2006, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Restland Funeral Home9220 Restland RoadDallas, TX 75243

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-51053283022071589322006-12-23T14:45:00.000-05:002006-12-23T17:41:13.889-05:00

The following statement was released Friday, December 22:This has been a difficult time for our family. But, we have peace and comfort—peace in our hearts that the Lord is with us as we grieve and comfort in knowing Kelly was prepared to meet God.As Christmas approaches, our family will hold each other closer and open our hearts for God to fill them with grace and love.We wish to thank the

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-56634126566432115752006-12-22T21:46:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:31.736-05:00

For those who have wanted to do something ever since the news that three climbers were lost on Mt. Hood and now, the families have requested that donations be made to the Hood River County Search and Rescue Fund.This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to express our support, gratitude and admiration for the countless volunteers who risked their lives and worked to the point of exhaustion to

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-31386697697536543452006-12-22T14:33:00.000-05:002006-12-22T23:36:32.225-05:00

11:30 p.m. EST:Yesterday, in Karen's interview with Katie Couric and Frank's with Larry King, both related the powerfuly story of what Sgt. Josh Johnston saw when he entered Kelly's snow cave. For those who missed these interviews, Josh told Frank, Kelly was lying on his side with his right hand extended. His glove was off, which is highly unusual under those extreme conditions, and his fist was

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-50148650521375016782006-12-21T17:11:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:32.553-05:00

Friday, December 22, 2006CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer—4:00-6:00 and7:00-8:00 p.m. ESTWolf Blitzer interviews Frank James.[cancelled for coverage ofspace shuttle landing]Thursday, December 21, 2006CBS Evening News with Katie Couric—6:30 p.m. EST Katie will interview Karen James. This interview should be especially poignant, since Katie knows what it is like to lose a spouse.If you

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-79834290864223620822006-12-21T16:51:00.000-05:002006-12-21T16:54:43.893-05:00

Hood River County Sheriff’s OfficeCOOPER SPUR SEARCHPress Release12/20/200617:50 hrsOn December 20, 2006, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office suspended the search for missing climbers Brian Hall and Jerry “Nikko” Cooke due to weather. The Sheriff’s Office still has resources available to resume the operation when weather permits. Efforts will continue when weather and resources allow. Sheriff

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-15179952466648224092006-12-21T16:20:00.000-05:002006-12-22T02:15:11.106-05:00

4:30 p.m. EST:Today is a day of quiet for the families. Some are traveling home. Most are already at home. We are still counting on your prayers for us. The days ahead will be difficult for everyone, as everyone tries to return to their lives. Thank you again for all of your love and concern.Many are asking about plans for the funeral and also the memorial funds, which are still developing. This

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-42552457878228892402006-12-20T12:34:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:32.752-05:00

5:45 p.m. ESTNews that the search has shifted to a recovery operation and that the weather is about to slam the door on searchers again, is unspeakably difficult for everyone involved. Clearly, SAR personel are deeply frustrated that they were unable to find and rescue Kelly, Brian and Nikko in time. For the families—all three families—this inevitable decision means there is no closure. We remain

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-48889589789972058942006-12-19T16:04:00.000-05:002006-12-19T16:14:39.746-05:00

So many are asking what they can do to show their love and support for our family as we grieve the loss of Kelly. Please know that we are touched by your messages and comforted by your prayers. We are stronger because we know you are standing with us. We are reading, and re-reading every message that comes in.We are currently planning arrangements for a memorial service in Dallas, which most

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-53595740299683374452006-12-19T11:45:00.000-05:002006-12-19T16:24:34.589-05:00

4:00 p.m. EST: SPECIAL NOTICEDuring one of the news conferences, the sheriff said that the rescue teams had failed the families by not reaching Kelly in time, but that he knew they had done their best.The family wants everyone to know—and Frank is communicating this to Sheriff Wampler—that they have not failed anyone in any sense of the word. We can hardly express the gratitude we have for the

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-65985596088374709102006-12-19T00:36:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:32.882-05:00

Note: This is from another blog, but I think it's interesting to see how someone else viewed events in Oregon this week. Perhaps this helps to explain the tremendous outpouring of prayers and concern expressed across the nation and beyond for the climbers and their anguished loved ones. Painful as this week has been, and difficult as the days ahead promise to be, I have been deeply encouraged by

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-25577681218432616832006-12-18T16:20:00.000-05:002006-12-19T00:35:39.148-05:00

7:10 p.m. EST:Kelly is now off the mountain, which is a great relief to our family. Sheriff Wampler reported at the latest news conference that Kelly had an arm injury that prevented him from climbing down the mountain.Search efforts continue for Brian and Nikko. Please continue to pray. Not knowing is a nightmare for their families. Pray for the James family too. There is a lot of grief.4:10 p.m

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-52510808894940891742006-12-18T15:08:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:33.304-05:00

This is a difficult day for all three families. Our hope is that Kelly, Brian and Jerry would all be rescued safely and that has led these families to become very, very close. We are persuaded that Kelly has been found, but I feel that I have two other brothers still on the mountain. And the James family is deeply, deeply grateful for the rescue efforts to date. And we wish, we wish the rescue

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-33414620581177311902006-12-18T10:43:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:33.494-05:00

We are devastated, as you can imagine. The family learned the news of Kelly's death last night. Frank was able to tell them privately. But all three families are in this together.9:00 a.m. PST/noon EST there is a press conference. You can watch it on www.katu.com Frank will be making a statement for the family.Know that he is holding up. But he certainly needs your prayers at this time.Your

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-17152454797325028292006-12-18T10:19:00.000-05:002006-12-18T10:52:38.409-05:00

There is a press conference scheduled for 12 p.m. EST/9 a.m. PST.KATU will have a live stream at http://www.katu.com/ and CNN and FoxNews are likely to carry it.Please continue to pray for the families.

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-17399135514669277912006-12-18T02:50:00.000-05:002006-12-18T09:11:46.827-05:00

All three families are grieving, and we know that you are grieving with us. This day has been a day of extreme highs and lows, and everyone has felt the blow of the death of one of the climbers. But we still have two missing climbers and families who desperately need us all to continue praying. We all have more work to do—SAR folks on the mountain and the rest of us our knees. Please pray for

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-21809358233816450522006-12-17T09:32:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:33.779-05:00

7:00 p.m. EST:Right now, it is terribly hard to keep up with this. The news has come through that there is one fatality, found in a second cave. We don't know which climber, but our hearts are crushed anyway. I've added photos below of our guys. Please keep us in your prayers.5:25 p.m. EST: Press conference newsThis (the snow cave) tells us they knew what to do and they did it. The missing

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-12321455368971298622006-12-17T09:15:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:34.553-05:00

Above L to R: Brian Hall and Kelly James Above and Below: Jerry "Nikko" CookeBelow: Kelly and Karen James

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-33855337130084295402006-12-17T09:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:35.323-05:00

Search and Rescue efforts on Mt. Hood resume Saturday morning on Mt. Hood's south side above Timberline Lodge. The lost climbers ascended Mt. Hood on the north side, which is the location of Kelly's cell phone signals. Searchers intended to summit from the south, then go over to the north side and head for the location of the cell phone signals, but the weather prevented them. (Photographer

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-55971327569695309152006-12-16T11:45:00.000-05:002006-12-16T23:56:04.228-05:00

11:45 p.m. EST: This has been a long, hard day, and everyone is deeply disappointed that another day has passed, and we still don't have our three climbers back. Once again the weather proved to be too much. I have found much-needed encouragement from the climbers on the climbers' website. They are still optimistic and aren't giving up. That helps me keep going too.I'm also encouraged by the acts

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-19122358212033808962006-12-16T01:15:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:35.549-05:00

Today feels something like D-Day. The weather has improved and rescue workers plan to attack the mountain in an all out rescue effort from the ground and from the air. Another storm is expected on Monday, so this Saturday/Sunday window of opportunity is critical. The forest service has issued a restriction on other hikers in the area, "to eliminate any false clues left by others, such as tracks

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-46550732709357029172006-12-15T21:17:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:35.767-05:00

Friday, December 15, 2006: Prime Time America with Greg Wheatley—5 p.m. EST Interview with Frank JamesListen Online athttp://www.mbn.org/GenMoody/default.asp?SectionID=5F0CCAFE71D14536846F0430BDF5F84D#Saturday, December 16, 2006:Today on NBC—8 a.m. andGood Morning America Weekend—8 a.m.Interviews with Frank James and Jason James (eldest son of Kelly James)News Conference—12 Noon EST—Frank James,

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-67038782553082275882006-12-15T21:16:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:35.952-05:00

Having grown up in Portland, Oregon, I've been looking at Mt. Hood and loving her all my life. She is Portland's most famous landmark, and those of us who have lived in her shadow never seem to get over her. "Look at Mt. Hood!" we'll say to each other, when the rain clouds clear and we get a clear view of her—as though we're seeing her for the first time. Most of us manage to ski on her slopes,

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-35186844056643475432006-12-15T21:14:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:38.734-05:00

RESCUE WORKERS Blackhawk helicopter (above) searching on Tuesday. I exchanged emails with Steve Rollins, President of Portland Mountain Rescue (above), who was searching on the mountain, Tuesday. He wrote:"All of the rescuers are skilled mountaineers. Obviously we care about everyone we rescue, but a fellow climber does strike a cord with us. Please know that we all care a great deal and we’

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-9222844876286588102006-12-15T15:54:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:38.983-05:00

Before climbing Mt. Hood, the three climbers registered their plans with the Hood River Ranger Station. That note (see photo) was discovered Thursday, adding one more piece to the puzzle for family, rescue workers and reporters. The note revealed that they were well-equipped for their climb and as Frank noted, by registering with the ranger station (something not all climbers do), they had “

Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00924962076590041292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-38362476335213429822006-12-15T14:53:00.000-05:002006-12-15T15:15:04.171-05:00

The press conference from Friday morning is at:http://www.katu.com/home/video/4928321.html?video=pop&t=aAn Army spokesman discusses the plan for the day, and Frank James speaks briefly.

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-87073775745925070192006-12-15T12:29:00.000-05:002006-12-15T15:17:39.405-05:00

Karen James, wife of Kelly, Michaela Cooke, wife of Nikko and Angela Hall, sister of Brian, were on the morning talk shows.Good Morning America:http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2728472Today Show:http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=25eff065-13ae-4a01-b78f-bc626f6b12d1&f=05&fg=rss

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-52695844627094094372006-12-15T11:28:00.000-05:002006-12-15T15:17:57.504-05:00

I spoke with Frank late last night after he was interviewed by Nancy Grace with Angela Hall, sister of Brian Hall, and also Larry King and Anderson Cooper. He was encouraged by what some of the experts on those programs were saying about survival in a snow cave. Kelly's wife, Karen, Angela Hall and Michaela Cooke were on on all three morning shows today. Frank has a radio interview today with

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-25401494701252429732006-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:39.186-05:00

Kelly with Allison, daughter of Frank and Carolyn, as he visited in Oxford after climbing the Eiger (13025 ft) in the early 1990's.

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-48869260555426104132006-12-14T17:12:00.000-05:002006-12-14T18:03:35.514-05:00

Nancy Grace, a show on Headline News, is scheduled to cover the latest tonight at 8pm.

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-90725218026053263962006-12-14T11:58:00.000-05:002006-12-14T15:35:26.397-05:00

You can watch Thursday morning's press conference at http://www.katu.com/home/video/4917176.htmlA representative from the Sheriff's department, Kelly's wife Karen, and Kelly's brother Frank speak.

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5873959441273061362.post-64368717038776468862006-12-14T10:51:00.000-05:002008-12-13T07:33:39.212-05:00

Carolyn James, wife of Frank James and Kelly's sister-in-law, has posted a plea for prayer on her website, WhitbyForum.com. The text of the message is:This past Sunday, (Dec. 10), Frank and I received one of those dreaded midnight phone calls. Frank’s mom was on the line telling us his brother Kelly and two climbing partners, Brian Hall and Jerry “Nikko” Cooke are lost on Mt. Hood in Oregon.Frank

Amy Laugernoreply@blogger.com7