View Full Version : Honoring our sister - Meredith Emerson
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 12:37
She's touched us all to some degree. We feel so many different emotions when we hear her story.
A girl most of us never knew, but maybe much like someone we have. A sister, a friend, a daughter, a lover, maybe someone we admired from a distance.
What would we say to any of these right now? If we could spend a moment in time with them, or with Meredith, what would we choose?
If I had a moment with Meredith it would be in front of a fire as the night works it's magic on the trail, sharing stories with her of our days, our hikes, our lives.
I have a sister, a mother, a friend, a lover and women I admire.
I would choose this same moment with any, even better, all of them together - as well.
Or a moment maybe different from this scene that they would choose.
What would you do to honor these same people in your lives?
These beautiful women in our lives. Or Meredith?
Bulldawg
03-24-2008, 12:42
Well said brother, well said.
I think of Meredith each and every time I am on the trail. I wonder to myself, did Meredith ever hike this section? Would she have hiked it had she been given the chance? My children think of her too. My children, 6 and 7, have been told the story of Meredith. I used it as a backdrop to teach that no matter how horrible the world is around us, we should not let bad people keep us from accomplishing our dreams or enjoying the things God has given each of us. But we also spring boarded to alway be aware of your surroundings and to be wary of strangers. So in all of my family's mind, Meredith lives on as a memory, as an inspiration, and as a teacher. God Bless her family and friends, God bless us all.
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 14:22
I simply ask that here with this thread we Honor her and leave the other energy to the other threads. . . or leave it unsaid.
Please
Jaybird62
03-24-2008, 14:35
Great thread wargy. I remember the beautiful picture of Meredith and Ella taking in the beauty of the southern mountains, and that is how I want to remember her-a beautiful person in a beautiful place.
Blissful
03-24-2008, 14:37
I thought about her this Easter. While her death was violent she is at peace, and it's much better in heaven than here.
I start this with tears in my eyes, for a person who lived her life, the way that she wanted to. Not because she loved the outdoors and loved to hike but because she did what she wanted to do with her life, I have 2 daughter 25 and 30 and they both have done the same thing. We as parents, want our children, to enjoy life to the fullest, we feel pride in that. What happened to Meridith was terrible and we should let our children (son, daughter or grandchildren) know that we love them. May Meredithe's family be proud of who she was.
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 14:37
Great thread wargy. I remember the beautiful picture of Meredith and Ella taking in the beauty of the southern mountains, and that is how I want to remember her-a beautiful person in a beautiful place.
Sweet, thanks Jaybird. Maybe one day a family member or one of her friends or loved ones will come across this thread and see how her life has beautiful meaning to so many others.
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 18:40
I'm already feeling horrible for starting this thread. I thought that just maybe there could be one place where she could be honored with grace.
Only a couple folks have felt like doing so.
Bummed.
BlueFireGasm
03-24-2008, 18:59
I think this thread is wonderful Bo! I hope everyone comes by to say a little something for our sister Meredith.
Even though I didn't know her, I hadn't known about it happening until today and I feel awful. Really, my first reaction was 'shock'! I was utterly depressed and unaware of the whole story but after reading what happened in the news archives, I am feeling for her and her family. Nothing like this should ever have happened to anyone.
Her memory will always live on with the trail. I will remember her during my adventures on the AT and hold the images of her smiling face in my heart.
I will also be more cautious of others, unfortunately it needs to be done.
R.I.P Sister! I wish your family well and my sympathy goes out to all who cared for you. You will be remembered!
Always,
BlueFireGasm
Don't be bummed by what you wrote.I think it's nice to remember someone. Never be sorry for saying something nice about anyone.
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 19:19
Don't be bummed by what you wrote.I think it's nice to remember someone. Never be sorry for saying something nice about anyone.
It's not what I wrote that bums me. But thanks.:sun
I have the feeling that, had Fate allowed her to remain on this level of existence, Meredith with Ella would have been out there among all of us.
So from her higher and better place, she continues to lead us out there. She must be up ahead, just around the bend - as truly she is, for those of us who remain just behind her still in this ephemeral life.
Had this happened in a different place and time in Western history, my faith tradition would have been looking for tangible evidence of Meredith's intercession in our lives. Perhaps ending Gary Hilton's "career" is only her first documented miracle. Who better to have as a patroness of the Trail?
Do I know how to explain this to my daughter? Still, no - that answer's around the bend too. (Very far, I'm afraid...)
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 20:31
Nice. Great words.:):)
If she was with all of us at a campfire I would tell her that although we never met before I would remember her for the rest of my life. I have three grown daughters and feel as though Merideth is also a part of my family. My heart aches for the pain she and her family and all of us have been subjected to. Her life has made us a little better though, a little more concerned for our fellow hikers I hope. I pray that that which she loved -the trail- will not become a less enjoyable experience for all of us because of her death, that we not allow distrust and fear to destroy what nature has given us. Even though I didn't know her I miss her.
River Runner
03-24-2008, 21:48
For some reason, I keep remembering Meredith as I drive around little country roads in our area, and I think about her and her beloved dog Ella out hiking in the hills, doing what they loved.
If I had the opportunity, what I would like is just to spend a simple afternoon hiking and talking with her while watching Ella dart up the trail and back, keeping us both amused.
warraghiyagey
03-24-2008, 21:52
Thanks baddog and River Runner. Beautiful sentiments.:sun
When I think of why bad things happen to good people, I immediately think of the cross. The most horrific event in the history of the world was used by God and turned into the most wonderful event in the history of the world.
Although it is beyond our finite ability to reason from our human earthly point of view what good could possibly come of Meredeth's untimely departure from this life, leaving those who knew and loved her at such a loss, the perfectly righteous Yahweh never errs, and one day we will understand! One day in eternity we will see the ultimate good that comes from evil senseless acts. Faith is believing what cannot be seen or understood. May we all keep the faith regarding Meredith Emerson . . .
I met a young woman hiking on the AT in January, during our "Hike of Fools", in New York. She was hiking alone, dayhiking. I fought the urge to tell her the story of Meredith, wished her a good hike, and said a silent prayer for her safety. There is always a possibility of danger in the woods, as with anywhere else, but there is much more certainty of the beauty and peace that the soul finds there.
Rest in Peace, Meredith. May we meet at the Lord's return.
warraghiyagey
04-02-2008, 02:17
Always wished that folks could get behind the concept in the thread starter. Now that I'm amongst best WB friends, anyone want to add to this, a little break from our delicious humor, but a place where humor and love should co-exist??
Jaybird62
04-02-2008, 02:23
Always wished that folks could get behind the concept in the thread starter. Now that I'm amongst best WB friends, anyone want to add to this, a little break from our delicious humor, but a place where humor and love should co-exist??
Great idea wargy, We will never forget Meredith, and though I never met her, she has helped to teach us all how to live.....Like there is no tommorow.....Let your light shine, and don't let a sometimes negative,evil world change you........She was a beautiful light shining for all to see!!!!
warraghiyagey
04-02-2008, 02:26
Thanks Jay.:sun:sun:sun
Thru Hiker Wife
04-02-2008, 02:36
I keep reading this thread and wanting to add something. There just are no words. My heart went out to her and her family and I still think of her constantly. I pray that she lives on in a better place and am thankful that she was brought home. She will always be remembered with the honor and dignity that she deserves.
warraghiyagey
04-02-2008, 02:38
Perfect, your words, your sentiment THW. :sun
Thoughtful Owl
04-02-2008, 10:56
Warraghiyagey, don't feel bad that so few have left their comments on this thread to honor Meredith. I don't think for a minute it is because they don't want to honor her.
For me it's still to soon. Everytime I think of Meredith, which is often, I still get choked up and tears well up in my eyes. When I sit upon a mountain top and feel the gentle breeze brush against me, it's her spirit telling me all is well. Meredith was a beautiful person that touched so many lives...and yes, she knows how she touched us. Her spirit will live on...and will not be forgotten.
leeki pole
04-02-2008, 11:30
Each day when I walk my dogs on my back 40, when I get to a special spot on a bluff over a creek where we stop for a moment and imagine we're on the AT (it does look like the Trail) I think of Meredith. In fact, this weekend I'm going to put up a sign that I painted on the vista. I'm going to paint a white blaze on the post as well. We've always called it "Beauty Spot" for 10 years and that it is. My family and I will christen it in her memory on Saturday. Beauty Spot for a beautiful person. Thanks, Wargy.
warraghiyagey
04-02-2008, 11:36
Warraghiyagey, don't feel bad that so few have left their comments on this thread to honor Meredith. I don't think for a minute it is because they don't want to honor her.
For me it's still to soon. Everytime I think of Meredith, which is often, I still get choked up and tears well up in my eyes. When I sit upon a mountain top and feel the gentle breeze brush against me, it's her spirit telling me all is well. Meredith was a beautiful person that touched so many lives...and yes, she knows how she touched us. Her spirit will live on...and will not be forgotten.
Each day when I walk my dogs on my back 40, when I get to a special spot on a bluff over a creek where we stop for a moment and imagine we're on the AT (it does look like the Trail) I think of Meredith. In fact, this weekend I'm going to put up a sign that I painted on the vista. I'm going to paint a white blaze on the post as well. We've always called it "Beauty Spot" for 10 years and that it is. My family and I will christen it in her memory on Saturday. Beauty Spot for a beautiful person. Thanks, Wargy.
Um. . . . . wow
envirodiver
04-02-2008, 11:57
I remember this young lady everyday. I took the sticker that Fishin Fred made for her rememberence and put it in my bedroom rather than on camping gear. It does make me remember how I felt during the time that she was first missing and during the search. Her memory helps me to think of my 2 daughters, to be thankful and to love them more each day. It is amazing that through this terrible event that occured, people were brought together in outrage that this could happen, sadness and sympathy for her friends and family, and support for each other in a sense of loss for someone that we didn't know, who represented so many people that we do know. She will be fondly remembered by myself and obviously by many for many years to come.
Be in Peace Meridith
A day doesn't go by that I don't think of her either. I have her sticker on the back of my jeep in her honor always. It has helped me become more familar with my surroundings and to be more cautious. At first, it made me a little stand offish of meeting anyone at trial crossings,trailheads or shelters,but that has subsided as time has passed on. As a son,husband,and dad it makes me want to act over protective. And even though my wife Roots is on the trail right know, (with other female hikers) I feel at peace.
I wrote this shortly after the event.
ITs quite incredible in a hikers world
a world of gradients, pathways and views
we came here to be one, to love and protect what we have
still we have to endure the hardship of uncertianty
transient things come through our world and go out
most of these are in the form of a lost dream of a thru hike not obtained
or a new presence of mind that the woods and mountians
are not the prefered cup o tea you thought it was
Then there are the ones who cant get enough
the ones who breath in and out the sigh of a mountain morning
or see the flight of an eagle tangent down towards a splay of fish
on the surface of a crystal clear mountain lake
the ones who have good friends half of which are "town" friends
the other half will know you deeper, a hiker friend shares THE VEIN
even if you have never met each other
the love that is binded into the land and the path
sometimes, rare times an entity appears
when shadows overcome the world we love
shadows we cant combat until they are upon us
when the dark cant get back to the light
impinges upon us like a knife in the sleep
it backs us into corners that arent there
and makes us want to fight and claw for the light
which sometimes never comes
we will go back, we always do
we will do so with a heavy heart and the extra prayer for the memory
of the one who had the bright eyes or the one who had the funny laugh
we will search ourselves for something to make it all make sense
some of us will hurt in our hearts for a long time
some of us will try to keep it in, only to find out you cant
all of us who are entwined into this path...and each other
will forever remember
a life cut short can still remain in essence
Meredith's spirit is now in the wind
and the wind is all around us
breath it in and enjoy what it gives you
a knowledge that her smile is back
a heart tug will remind you she will still frequent the places she loved
she is no longer in the dark, she can never be hurt again
God speed to the recovery of her loved ones
senseless as all of this is, it is
prayers to let all see again the bright star she gave
let her spirit guide you, her radiance can still be a comfort
Thru Hiker Wife
04-02-2008, 14:22
I wrote this shortly after the event.
ITs quite incredible in a hikers world
a world of gradients, pathways and views
we came here to be one, to love and protect what we have
still we have to endure the hardship of uncertianty
transient things come through our world and go out
most of these are in the form of a lost dream of a thru hike not obtained
or a new presence of mind that the woods and mountians
are not the prefered cup o tea you thought it was
Then there are the ones who cant get enough
the ones who breath in and out the sigh of a mountain morning
or see the flight of an eagle tangent down towards a splay of fish
on the surface of a crystal clear mountain lake
the ones who have good friends half of which are "town" friends
the other half will know you deeper, a hiker friend shares THE VEIN
even if you have never met each other
the love that is binded into the land and the path
sometimes, rare times an entity appears
when shadows overcome the world we love
shadows we cant combat until they are upon us
when the dark cant get back to the light
impinges upon us like a knife in the sleep
it backs us into corners that arent there
and makes us want to fight and claw for the light
which sometimes never comes
we will go back, we always do
we will do so with a heavy heart and the extra prayer for the memory
of the one who had the bright eyes or the one who had the funny laugh
we will search ourselves for something to make it all make sense
some of us will hurt in our hearts for a long time
some of us will try to keep it in, only to find out you cant
all of us who are entwined into this path...and each other
will forever remember
a life cut short can still remain in essence
Meredith's spirit is now in the wind
and the wind is all around us
breath it in and enjoy what it gives you
a knowledge that her smile is back
a heart tug will remind you she will still frequent the places she loved
she is no longer in the dark, she can never be hurt again
God speed to the recovery of her loved ones
senseless as all of this is, it is
prayers to let all see again the bright star she gave
let her spirit guide you, her radiance can still be a comfort
Beautiful and touching. Thank you so much for sharing.
Mr. Clean
04-04-2008, 04:50
I have the newspaper clipping of her, sitting with her dog, on my desk at home, and look at it almost daily. I still find it so hard to believe what happened. So pointless. So cruel. So unnecessary. Not sure I'll ever understand, but I pray for her family and hope that hikers and others choose to continue walking on their favorite trails, always keeping her in mind.
trailblazer30577
04-30-2008, 16:25
I'm already feeling horrible for starting this thread. I thought that just maybe there could be one place where she could be honored with grace.
Only a couple folks have felt like doing so.
Bummed.
Given you are the guide for what you want to by focused on in this Straight Forward section, isn't there something you can do, or make a request that the non-specific entries would be cleaned up, so you can remove the entry about your regret, and this reply to it? I would like to share the free style poem I placed at the other thread, if you don't think it would be redundant. Let me know.
warraghiyagey
04-30-2008, 17:09
Given you are the guide for what you want to by focused on in this Straight Forward section, isn't there something you can do, or make a request that the non-specific entries would be cleaned up, so you can remove the entry about your regret, and this reply to it? I would like to share the free style poem I placed at the other thread, if you don't think it would be redundant. Let me know.
Sent you a PM. I'm just a member. Folks have been Very gracious about this since. If you have beauty for Meredith please share.:sun
Frolicking Dinosaurs
04-30-2008, 18:21
I think of ME often and am saddened that she isn't out there hiking with us. Her life was lived fully, but she had so much more to give.
Her intelligence and bravery in the face of danger has made our world a safer place because it resulted in the capture and permanent incarceration of a man who appears to have been preying on hikers.
Too young, too sad, too soon.
bloodmountainman
04-30-2008, 18:39
Blood Mountain is my favorite place to go on the trail. I consider it home. I hike around the Freeman trail and over the top at least once a month. I travel by Meridith"s monument evey time on the approach trail and stop to pray. Her sprit and memory are alive and well in this special place.
warraghiyagey
04-30-2008, 18:40
Blood Mountain is my favorite place to go on the trail. I consider it home. I hike around the Freeman trail and over the top at least once a month. I travel by Meridith"s monument evey time on the approach trail and stop to pray. Her sprit and memory are alive and well in this special place.
:sun:sun:sun:sun
River Runner
05-01-2008, 00:48
A friend and I shared Meredith's story with a group of ladies we were teaching backpacking to a couple of weekends ago, leading off a discussion of safety on the trail. Many of our class, even far from where Meredith was kidnapped, had heard the story and all were touched by the story and reminded to always keep safety utmost on their minds.
trailblazer30577
05-01-2008, 11:45
Life is at best difficult, and at its worst, unthinkable. Events such as these should make such a very real difference in our lives, that every one of us should be at least trying to make a difference in the lives of those we care about, and who care about us, since we don't know what each new day will bring.
I place this entry on another thread dedicated to Meredith, with her family and friends in mind, and I hope it is not redundant to have it here as well:
"The fragility of life, I venture to guess, no one can fathom
Such brutality unleashed, such incivility, completely at random
We have not the words to express our very real and sincere grief
Nor can we, one by one, say anything that will bring you relief
But I hope you'll keep in mind, what Meredith would have wanted
Even though she's not here, and her loss so clearly unwarranted
By her nature we can tell, even though most have never met her
That she would not want your lives chained to anger like a fetter
I implore you, dear ones, as you struggle to get through each day
To listen to her voice and visualize what she would be trying to say
That forgiveness, mercy and grace, though now hard to consider
Would be far better, for Meredith's sake, than for you to grow bitter.
We have one communal voice, and for the best of us, the words come up lacking.
Perhaps as you read each entry, the group as a whole will have touched your lives.
May God bless you with what Meredith would have desired for you."
warraghiyagey
01-06-2009, 03:04
Just wanted to thank the WB folks for the efforts and the ribbon on this page.
Nice work folks.:sun:sun:sun
camojack
01-06-2009, 04:47
Just wanted to thank the WB folks for the efforts and the ribbon on this page.
Nice work folks.:sun:sun:sun
I'll second that emotion. :-?
Pokey2006
01-06-2009, 05:10
I agree, it's a nice thing to do, to remind us all...I was just thinking about her the other day, while I was hiking in Georgia on New Year's Day.
I bet she is having the time of her life in Heaven...........
Blissful
01-06-2009, 14:25
Thank you, WB and Atroll, for the tribute.
God's peace and comfort to Meredith's family and friends.