I am at a loss to offer something comforting except to say that I feel privileged to have met Annie! It was at Walden West when she and Ozgur (aka Sea Urchin) were getting ready for a backpacking trip. She was playing with her dog and laughing. Her sweet smile stayed in my mind as my son would mention her over the years with a lot of affection. I am so very sorry.

As a leader at Walden West, I meet hundreds, if not thousands, of campers and counselors every year, but only make a real connection with a small number of them. Annie was one of them. Her sense of humor, fearlessness, and compassion ensured that she stood above the pack. I'm sad beyond words that she has left us, but more than fortunate that I knew her when she was here.