We loved to backpack through the mountains, and some of the most beautiful mountains of all were here in the southwest. It was going to be a great day. It took us a while to reach the summit of our climb, and we were both hungry when we did so. As we sat on a flat-top rock that overlooked the entire valley, we both wolfed down the homemade sandwiches we had brought with us. We laughed easily together and at the end of the meal, I reached over and impulsively gave her a kiss. She turned towards me and ruffled my hair, "I'll love you forever," she said, "but let's not go there yet."

"But we will go there sometime?" I asked quietly, and inquisitively.

"For sure," she replied. We both smiled at each and I jumped up from the rock and brushed off the crumbs. Reaching down I grasped her hand and gave her a giant...

I must have tugged much stronger than I thought, either that or she was caught off-guard. My pull was so strong, that she went flying right towards the edge of the summit. At the very edge she clumsily tripped and I can still vividly recall the sickening thud I heard as she landed on a large protruding rock. I flew to her side and knelt down beside her. Putting my hands out I cradled her head desperately attempting to stop the flow of blood from her temple. She grinned slightly up at me as tears filled my eyes.
"It's okay my friend, I forgive you" she said, and then she closed her eyes and passed away.

I remember Sheri each and every day, and I know that she was a great teacher, she taught me more than anyone I know. I, in turn, am now flying high every day, sitting in my living room and getting stoned.