On Thursday I lost one of my oldest friends to cancer.
Jim Pope was one of the instructors in my first climbing class back in 1968. We climbed together for years, then both went on to become teachers and work in Europe for many years, Jim at international schools, and I was on a US army base. Jim was a serious photographer BITD. He shot slides documenting his climbs and travels. I recently scanned many of them for him and am posting some of my favorites here as a memorial to a great guy.
It's funny how grief settles in over time. I was at his side when he took the Death With Dignity option that is thankfully available in WA. He had waited till the last minute to take it and I was worried he wouldn't be able to drink the stuff, but he was very determined. It worked as expected and he was sleeping in minutes and an hour later we couldn't find any vital signs. I thought I would be more emotional at that time, but there was so much business coordinating with hospice, the caregivers at his house, and the mortuary that I just got it all done.
The next day I went through his pictures that I had stored on my computer and put together a Google Album to share with his friends and family. I'm always "the photographer" among my family and friends, so that is my contribution. That is when I really let myself start thinking about our lives together, and how I'll miss him.
I'm sure he appreciated your friendship and being there with him at the end. I'm fortunate to live in a state where the Death with Dignity option is permitted. Thank you for your tribute and sharing his images.
A beautiful tribute. He was one of the fortunate few who were actually able to drink the final cocktail. Here in Colorado, the wait period between doctor visits is 2 weeks, which is too long for the majority of people applying. Best wishes for all those he left behind.
