Pinnacle Days 2010
Recently attended Pinnacle Days in Gore Va. For those of you that do not know what Pinnacle Days is here you go:
PINNACLE DAYS – An event that began as a way to come together and remember Jason Holloway at a place he loved. It has evolved into a weekend of camping, 4-wheeling, atv’s, barbecue, music, good friends and good times. Plus, a way to raise awareness and funds for ARVD/C research at Johns Hopkins. ARVD/C is the disease that took Jason.
Jason’s parents Bonnie and Rich put on this event each year. This was our first year attending.
To say it was a “good time” would be an understatement…It was totally amazing, not just because of the reason behind Pinnacle Days but also due to the location, people, food, and scenery.
We arrived and people were just camping, talking, riding 4-wheelers and having an all around good time. Shortly thereafter the “climb” to the Pinnacle was to begin. The jeeps lined up (about 20 in all) and not having a jeep Bonnie and Rich made sure we had a ride. All together the ride to the Pinnacle took about 45 minutes and it was an amazing ride and scenic tour the entire way.
Once we arrived at the top of the Pinnacle people mingled again, talked, reminisced about Jay and just took in the view.
After being on the Pinnacle it was time to depart and go back to camp where there was live music, more mingling and then a full spread of food.
Having never attended anything like this it’s really hard to explain or image just how nice it is (you need to attend..hint..hint..) Bonnie and Rich do an amazing job.
Things I took away from it is the Pinnacle is an amazing view but more importantly was listening to Jays friends talk about him and things they use to do. Not only do you realize what a loved young man that Jay was, but also what a caring, fun and family person he was. It is apparent that Jason made an impression on all that he met and it shows. Jason will not only be remembered by his family, but in all those that he came across….
I’d like to think at night that Jay comes back to the Pinnacle, and maybe even brings some of his new friends with him to show them the beauty, and they then just let lose and ride those trails while we all sleep….
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Beautiful. Thanks Dan
Wow Dan!
I started crying when I read your words and I can’t stop ……. beautiful words and we know they are heartfelt words. I see it in your eyes and in Mary’s eyes.
Rich and I would like to share the link, hope you don’t mind. We do what we do because we can’t bear for Jay to be forgotten. And we include the banners of “his friends” because we can’t bear for them to be forgotten either. We also hope to raise funds for Johns Hopkins so that the pain of the loss that ARVD/C brought to our home will be minimized and if one young person lives because of that research and our donations then we will feel like we have done our part and our best.
As long as we keep their memory alive, they will not be forgotten. At least that’s our simplistic way of looking at it …….
Thank you Dan and Thank You Mary for taking the time to come to Pinnacle Days and help us remember not only our Jay but your Nick and all the other heavenly friends that are and will always be, our children.
Pinnacle Days helps us, “Never Lose Faith”.
Much love to you both!
Dan/Mary, this is Rich now. I, too, had tears come to my eyes when I read what you wrote. It’s a bit funny that we almost didn’t move forward with Pinnacle Days this year, and part of that consideration was doubt that our intent for PD’s was being realized. What you wrote helps us know that is not the case. I especially want to thank you for giving me a vision of Jason that I love. While we are on the go and talking with different people during the entire event, we reflect on Jay from time to time with a memory or wish he was there – such as when we see that solo hawk floating above the Pinnacle while there – but your comment about Jason looking down and enjoying what he sees, and then riding his four wheeler on the trails after we leave touched my heart. I’m going to hold on to that thought forever…
Dan Mary Bonnie & Rich. Pinnicle Days is such a tangible way of ‘remembering’, saying their names and letting the world know that while gone, our children are still such a part of our lives.
I think beginning in a place Jay loved so much is a big part of it. The imagery of Jason riding the trails around the Pinnicle is such a vivid one that brings such heartfelt feelings. Amazing day for an amazing boy.