Letters to Adela

We had a deep connection from the start … even though it was sparked by that disagreement between us both, funny enough it led to the beginning of a rather intensive, durable friendship despite the long gaps of correspondence and reconnecting after Bogota. You were like a sister to me. It seems strange to write this but there was an ongoing unspoken, most natural, ability to mutually understand, support and converse, often finishing one another’s thoughts in the most delightfully intense way. Your leaving us from this earthly life still leaves me with questions. Your infectious smile and sense of play, insight, strength, courage and demand of others to remain present with ourselves and one another are just a few traits that linger in my memory. I am better for having known you. Your spirit will continue to both guide and inspire me. May every song of life that you heard and loved be playing for you in varying forms as I still try to wrap my mind around your sudden physical departure. May you now be at peace dear friend. I hope that we can visit now and again, amongst the big trees and continue to enjoy a spiritual conversation in the company of nature and each other. In love always,

Thank you for showing me how strong women can be, and that we can achieve anything we set our eyes on. I was still in high school when my mom, Anne-Cecile, told us all about this Adela she’d met and how adventurous she was! I immediately clicked when we met, with how you were always ready for an adventure. Honestly, it very quickly made me want to follow in your footsteps! Then, when I learned of the huge trails you were walking I kept showing you off to strangers; “oh yeah, I know this awesome woman who's hiking ALONE for WEEKS across the USA! She’s a badass.” And people were in awe! Our hike up the Ciudad Perdida is when I saw your bravery as well - as someone who can’t swim, you tackled flooded rivers and gripping to a small rope while the currents pulled at our feet without flinching. “If she can do it, I can.” Was all I could think of when I kept seeing you accomplish any challenge thrown your way. These memories, or ways I remember you, might be different to how others see you, but that’s the Adela I met, the Adela that forever changed my life when I was only just 14-15 years old. Now, I’m 28, and I’m training for my first Ironman. It’s definitely thanks to a variety of inspirations, but I can say with certainty that the flame of bravery you lit in my spirit has become one of the coals with which my own fire now burns. Thank you Adela, for everything.. I hate having to write this rather than telling you over a drink. We all miss you. ❤️

Te recuerdo con mucho cariño por tu dulzura, por tu inteligencia y por darle tiempo a Todd para que trabajara por Colombia! Siempre te lo agradecí y me alegra habértelo dicho!. Gracias por tu vida y por tu sencillez, por tu sonrisa abierta y por siempre respetar y admirar nuestro país. Recuerdo que viste un oso de anteojos en Chingaza y también que te gustaba el mar y hablábamos de cuarzos y de sanación y de la naturaleza bonita de Colombia. Gracias por ser tan tierna con mi gatito Merlín y por tener siempre tanto amor y cariño. Vete tranquila y descansa! Todd para ti un abrazo grande, lamento que tengas hoy dolor por la pérdida de Adela y lo comprendo, pero espero que sanes pronto. Gracias por este regalo de reconocimiento tan bonito y profundo para Adela!

You will always be in our hearts. Those who knew how to live and have left beautiful memories behind never truly die. Todd: May God’s love sustain you during this time of grief. You can count on me for whatever you need!

Adela, we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember the joy on your face and your serene calm. Your presence made us feel peace. We want to thank life for having known you, even though we would have loved to share so much more. We hope that wherever you are, all your light is shining, that you are embraced with all the possible love, and that you are always at peace. Santiago y Miguel Ángel