| “Karen James has taken a tragic event for her and
her family and used it to shine a light on the life of a man that uplifted
those he touched. It’s a compelling story that is sure to inspire!”
“As a child living in Portland, Oregon, I could
see the beautiful 11,239-foot snowcapped summit of Mount Hood from my
bedroom window. I often wondered what it would be like to climb to the
top. Years later when I heard the news reports that Kelly was missing
on the mountain, I knew its subfreezing temperatures and 80 mph winds
would be make it a brutal place to be stranded. Kelly James was a man’s
man—a man of purpose. He was passionate not just about mountain
climbing, but also about making his life count. When Kelly learned his
church would study the The Purpose Driven Life, he jumped at
the opportunity. Without consulting Karen, he spontaneously volunteered
their home to host a 40 Days of Purpose small group. When he saw a need,
Kelly acted without hesitation. If you’re tired of no-risk living,
read this powerful story. It will grab you from the first page and won’t
let you go.”
“In my thirty-three years of law enforcement, I
have never met families like these. Something very special happened
on the mountain between the rescuers and the James, Hall and Cooke families.
Karen’s description of what happened on Mount Hood is the most
accurate I have heard to date. With what our investigation revealed
and her insight into her husband and their friend Brian Hall, she has
done an amazing job of putting the pieces together. Karen’s story
is about mountain climbers, mountain rescue, relationships and never
giving up.”
“Karen James’s moving account of her beloved
Kelly’s tragic death on Mount Hood reveals how human love can
transcend tragedy—even death. After losing the love of her life,
Karen ironically found the perfect Love that Kelly so passionately embraced.
Her touching story of tragedy, heartbreak, and ultimately, triumph will
inspire you to hold fast to all those you love.”
“Karen James will take you on a journey you will
never forget. It’s an adventure and love story rolled into one
with a very important life message. I remember hearing the heartbreaking
news that mountain climber Kelly James had been found dead in a snow
cave on Mount Hood, but I couldn’t help but wonder what really
happened—this is the untold story!”
“This is an inspiring personal and heartfelt look
at the tragic climbing trip on Mount Hood that took the life of Karen’s
husband and his two climbing partners in December 2006. From the moment
she received the first phone call indicating there was trouble on the
mountain, Karen James tells the story of her family, her husband and
the rescue efforts that captured the attention of the media. Karen takes
the reader into her life and not only retraces the family bonds and
personal experiences that have kept her looking forward, but also pieces
together the details of the climb that likely lead to her husband’s
death on Mount Hood.”
“Karen’s description of the December 2006
Mt. Hood tragedy is the most detailed and inspiring I have heard. Karen
provides an intimate and behind-the-scenes view of what transpired on
the mountain, and what her family had to endure. This is a heroic tale
of a climb gone terribly wrong, and how a family and their faith can
survive the worst of catastrophes.”
“Before Kelly James lost his battle on the mountaintop,
he took his wife, Karen, to the moon! This is a great love story that
captured the attention of our whole nation in December 2006. After the
chilling pain of defeat, the reader’s heart will be warmed by
Karen’s strength, and victory.”
“When Kelly was alive he watched out for Karen and
the kids; now he watches over them. He went from a human being to a
superbeing.”
“As Karen and Kelly’s pastor, the news that
one of our family members was missing hit us hard. Our congregation
prayed and prayed that the three climbers would make it home for Christmas.
While Kelly did not survive that awful storm, I am convinced he did
make it home for Christmas. This book will tell you not only
what happened on the mountain but, more important, what happened in
the lives of so many who roped their lives together during and after
the tragedy. My prayer is that this inspirational story will deeply
touch and help motivate others to keep their eyes on the true summit!”
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