Some made a pact, in 1986, to never talk about these events. Some feel that they should stick to that pact. However, others need to be released from the control that comes with a verbal contract that was made amid tremendous grief. Many, controlled by this pact, were not even adults. To heal, people need to discuss what happened and talk about the people they have lost. Some prefer to stay silent.
There should be no judgment if others feel differently. We have been blessed to be a part of the lives of all 37 people who were interviewed. Each memory given was a piece of a puzzle that eventually came together to make a picture of what happened on Mount Hood during that terrible storm. The Northwest is home to
many heroes, and over 200 of them showed up to find 13 missing Oregonians. We have laughed and cried with amazing people, as their stories inspired us. I have cried many tears, agonizing over the brutal emotions that friends and family poured out in memory, when they were helpless, waiting for their children, sisters, brothers, best friends, or the love of their life. Please respect that all of these people deserve to have a voice, keeping the memory of their most precious loved ones alive. We have respected those who want to keep their memories private, and we have a great love for each person who endured the heartache that happened in 1986. PM ANY comments Sheri Conrad