CR Johnson essay

 “That feeling you get when you’re skiing, that’s worth dying for.” Knock on wood, CR died in a skiing accident on February 24, 2010. CR was skiing his home mountain of Squaw Valley. He was on a run known as the light tower when he caught an edge on an exposed rock and was taken from our world, up to the heavens. I remember the day of his death. I was at my home mountain, Stevens Pass, in the lodge taking a breather when it came on the news. Everyone was shocked. I recall some tears falling. People were walking around with their heads down. The mood just wasn’t the same. His death did not devastate me. I was bummed, but wasn’t super sad. I remember my friend and me seeing all these people, head low, spirits down, and looking at each other. We knew that this was not the way to remember such an amazing person. We walked out of that lodge, got our skis on, and hopped on the big chief chair. We then got on the double diamond chair. We got to the top and went as far as we could into big chief bowl. We stood and took a look around. I indulged in the beauty of the mountain we have grown on, reflected on the sport that we love so much. I thought about CR and what he would want us to do. I smiled. We built a 20 foot step up. We started hitting this feature, having the time of our lives. We were just hanging out back there when more skiers started to see us. Then about three more skiers came back to hangout. Then more and more skiers started to come back to big chief bowl. Within two hours there were 30 skiers and snowboarders and a bonfire. We were riding, talking, laughing, and having a great time. We could have cried because CR died, no. we smiled because the spirit of this amazing person lives on, and watches over us every day we shred pow, or kill it in the park. CR inspired me so much. I was mostly inspired after his death. I thought about the person he was. He lost everything he had. He was completely paralyzed. He had to relearn to do everything, literally, everything. He was in an induced coma for 10 days. But nothing stopped him from letting go of his love for skiing. He never gave up. He kept fighting for what he loved. I find this amazing. CR’s determination is unbelievable. He would never let go of what he loved most. CR was not a competitive person. He was more than happy to take second or third. I find this truly amazing. It doesn’t seem like that great of a thing, but it just makes me rethink so much about the sport. CR wasn’t a competitive person, simply for the fact that he did not ski for money, or fame. He skied because he loved it. He loved every single second that he had skis on. I find that sick. I don’t need to be famous to love skiing. I don’t need to get paid. All I really need is two skis and a mountain. CR taught me more then you can imagine. He taught me that if you love something, you should never let go of it, and do it no matter what it takes. At any point of CR’s life, he could have given up. But CR never did. CR’s life made me realize that, if there’s a will, there’s a way. CR found that will to keep trying. He found his way back to the top of the skiing world. CR found the positive in everything. He was such a happy person. Our world is frequently engulfed in negative energy and CR changed that. He found the good in every obstacle in his life. I look back on everything he had to overcome, and just think of what an idol he is to me. If my life turned out just like his, I wouldn’t have a problem with that. CR did something he loved to do: Ski. He changed the life of countless people and was looked up to by the skiing world, and still is, even if he is not with us anymore. He is inspiring skiers of today to ski like tomorrow will be there last day on the beautiful earth, because it may be. We never know what Mother Nature will throw at us. Who knows, the next time I go skiing; I could catch an edge and be thrown into some rocks and be sent to the heavens just like CR. Life is unpredictable, that’s why we should live like CR lived, love every second that you’re breathing, love it more than anything. Engulf the beauty of the mountains, the beauty of the world. It is a privilege that we have been blessed with such a passion to fulfill our lives. CR lived this passion to the fullest. I never took anything for granted. CR Johnson, you are truly an amazing person and everyone wishes you where still here. You are missed so much. Even though you’re gone, you will always live on, and continue to progress the world; the world we have fallen in love with. You have changed my life in numerous ways, and I thank you for that. The only way I can give back what you have given to me is continue to love to shred, and I will, till the end of my day. I know up in heaven, you are resting in peace, for peace is all you have brought to this world. Ski in peace, among the heaven of the gods, my friend. You are remembered.-One of the many skiers you inspired, and changed.