June 23, 2012

Wake and funeral over. Can't believe this happened to Paul. He was only 30 yards to his destination-the dock. Only 11 days from his ultimate destination-summit Mt. Kathadin. Life is so brutal. Family is trying to gather ourselves. I feel like I've been hit by a bus, but I remain standing. 

The funeral went well. I think we all did Paul proud. Before the eulogy, Catwoman was able to say something about Paul. Here's what she said so beautifully:

"Hi, my name is Myriam, but my trailname is Catwoman. I would like to talk in the name of hikers that have been closed to Paul on the trail. We are a few of us today, but a lot more cared for him. Paul's trailname was Parkside, witch is apparently a famous restaurant in Queens. Parkside was just the most happy and joyful hiker you could meet on the trail. He kept repeating how his thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail was the greatest experience he had ever lived. He just loved every minute on the trail, no matter the weather, the obstacles or the bugs, he never complained about anything and always kept smiling. Nothing could dampen his spirit. We remember a Parkside with light in his eyes, singing out loud while hiking, making friends with everyone, loved by everyone. We loved him because of his positive energy, his sense of humor, his passion and his deepness. He was wise enough to listen, and to be worth being listened to. He was so likeable and such a pleasant person to hang out with. He grew so much on the trail. Parkside definitely loved life, loved the A.T. and was also excited to go back home after Kathadin. He told us how much he loved his family, his friends, his city and how much he missed them. In honor of the great person you are and of all the determination you put in your thru-hike, we are all gonna go back to hike the 100 miles wilderness and climb Kathadin with you, so you will be part of the A.T. spirit forever. We all love you. Thanks to have changed our lives."

It meant so much having the hikers with us this week. They helped us cope. They answered questions we had about Paul and his last day. I don't know what my family and I would have done had they not come to New York to see us. We love them all.

They are on their way to Maine today. Last night they stopped at Achilles' parents place in Boston.

They expect to be summiting Mt. Kathadin around July 1. Ironically, this is when Paul originally expected to be finishing. 

We found Paul's camera in his bag. He took 1, 707 pictures and many videos. We will treasure these artifacts. They will have to tell us the story, he is not here to do in person.

Here is a demonstration exhibiting Paul's improved harmonica skills: