I first met Rhone in March of 2011 on a cold, dreary night somewhere between Rohn and Nikolai. I was "competing" in the 2011 Iditarod when I had an accident out on the trail. While none of my dogs were injured, I suffered a deep cut to the head, a black eye, and a concussion.

As I continued up the trail, I spotted a headlamp in the distance. It turned out to be Ernie Baumgardner—a seasoned Iditarod finisher—who stopped me and my team. Ernie, along with his two sons, took us in and insisted I take a layover in a large tent they had set up, complete with a warming stove. Rhone, his brother, and their father looked after me and my dogs with remarkable care and compassion. They even had a small aircraft nearby and encouraged me to be medically evacuated. I resisted, choosing instead to rest for several hours in the tent until I regained enough strength to continue.

If it hadn't been for Ernie, Rhone, and his brother, I likely wouldn't have finished the Iditarod that year. I've often reflected on the Baumgardners and have come to know them as a truly righteous family. Ernie has since passed on, and now Rhone has too.

To Natalie and the rest of the family—please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am deeply sorry for your loss. But I also hold firm to this belief: life does not end at the grave. Our loved ones who have gone before us are often closer than we realize. May God pour out His blessings upon each of you, today and always.