Last year I missed the Pikes Peak Challenge. That can be taken both ways. I didn’t participate and I missed being part of such a positive event. This will be my 7th year hiking to the top of Pike’s Peak as a way to honor the memory of my brother Jesse who died by suicide in 2009. Jesse was my hero and I miss him tremendously. It’s been 15 years since he passed and in some ways that makes it more difficult. I feel like I have lived a whole life with him gone and every single milestone that I achieve I wish that he was there to celebrate with me. Losing my brother changed a lot of my outlook on life. Every day I attempt to be positive and optimistic and do my best to build up everyone around me. It’s not always possible but I like to be positive, it sure as hell beats the alternative. Participating in this event has become an avenue to help me reflect and talk about Jesse. I still struggle to have conversations about Jesse without getting that uncomfortable pulling in my stomach and I know some day it will be difficult to talk to my sons about their uncle Jesse. Yesterday my son Callen asked to see one of my favorite family pictures that I have in our house. It’s a family picture of Jesse, Courtney and their son Ethan. Callen has always been drawn to this picture but it had been awhile since he asked to see it. He will point at everyone in the photo and I’ll say their name and tell a story about Courtney telling me to “Carry my own damn bat bag” or Ethan peeing his pants when got caught sneaking a popsicle (Sorry Ethan) or riding in the car with Jesse on my way to college and him helping me feel so confident even when I was scared to death leaving home. I’m so grateful to have that photo and I’m so grateful for all the memories I have with family.
I missed the Pike’s Peak Challenge because I truly believe that the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado does amazing work with the money that they raise because of this event. Living with a brain injury is challenging, these people must re-learn how they interact with the world and can use any assistance they can find. The Brain injury alliance is the go-to resource for survivors of brain injury, caregivers and family members. They make navigating a complex healthcare and community support system manageable. I also missed the Pike’s Peak challenge because it’s good for me to have the opportunity to talk about my brother. I feel like Callen asking to see the photo was a sign that I needed to put my hiking boots back on.
There are several ways in which you can support me and the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado. If you’re feeling adventurous, join Team Jesse and come out for a hike! If you’re not up for the hike you can donate to my fundraiser page and all proceeds go to the BIAC and help them continue to do great things. Support in the form of learning more about the efforts of the BIAC and positive thoughts for me and the rest of team Jesse as we hike up Pike’s Peak on September 7th are also enthusiastically accepted. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
If you’re looking for me you can find me on the bright side.
TNT
Dfggyyeyeywyc (Callen’s input)
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Tim Terry
$50.00 -
Mark G
$50.00 -
JOHN HILT
$50.00 -
Ann Terry
$100.00 -
Brittany Wyeno
$50.00 -
Dan Marion
$50.00 -
Jon Terry
$200.00 -
Carlyn Sieck
$50.00 -
Uncle Ole Bob Terry
$100.00 -
Ted Hall
$50.00
