Gene Kunitomi Tribute

Written by Gene inside a card, as if he were going to send it to himself:

Thursday, June 13, 1993

Dear Gene,

The unknown, to do the unthinkable,
To walk to my (mind) edge, then over it
Frozen in fear, my body immobile
Staring blankly at the rock
Unthinkable to go back down
Impossible to climb upwards.
What do I do?
Calls from below, of friendship
& a common act of facing & overcoming challenge.
Slowly trusting my legs, my arms,
These sticky shoes – what am I hear for?
To do it or fail.
But to do it regardless of consequence.
My vision clears and small hand and toe-holds appear.
Tasting my balance, my strength,
My foothold – one by one, it all comes back
& I take a chance.
Little by little, success after success,
Foot by foot, I begin to climb.
I’ve made it.
Thank you. Thank you all.
For your courage and spirit.