How to capture 77 years of life well lived? How to encapsulate all the thought, emotion, love, sadness, grief, celebration, and mourning on losing a mother, a friend, an inspiration, after 48 years? I don't know, or even begin to know, but the below is an attempt at remembrance, reflection, commemoration.

What is the meaning of life? It's a question we all ponder at some point, and perhaps never really understand until we're faced with it's inevitable end and the comprehension that brings.

In 1997 on Cho Oyu, and again in 1999 on Everest, I saw the indefatigable strength of Ukrainian climbers. Today, we see the same in the Ukrainian people, fighting for their nation against Putin's aggression.

History repeats itself...but not always with horror. There are repetitions of beauty as well.