Good evening, morning, everyone,

I want to share an event that made me reflect on the fragility of our (human) life and the concept of fate and destiny—perhaps fate versus destiny.

A young German female athlete lost her life this past Monday, attempting to climb a summit in Pakistan. She was thirty-one years young.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — German biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier has died on a mountain in northern Pakistan after a climbing accident at remote site that rescuers struggled to reach because of bad weather, a local government spokesman said Wednesday.

Laura Dahlmeier had “life smiling at her” after winning many competitions, unchallenged, and becoming an Olympic champion at the age of 24.

Perhaps she had reached the pinnacle of her sports career?

To the effect that she decided, six years ago, to put it behind and retire from biathlon. She became a mountain guide, exploring and conquering summits in various parts of Asia.

Little did she know that this decision would lead to the loss of her life a few years later.

We are at the mercy of the elements, some of them weather- or nature-related, others simply unpredictable, and often unexpectable.

Was it fate or destiny for Laura to make that decision and pursue another life? To take another route?

Knowing she was well aware of the risks inherent in mountain climbing.

Of course, we will never fully know. Yet, through her example and her courage at “bifurcating,” it is worth reflecting on the value of life and its meaning.

Especially when life-as-usual no longer challenges, nourishes or satisfies us.

And honor the memory of an exceptional athlete in the process.

Topic: The fragility of life

Time: Jul 31 @ 3:00 PM Eastern Time

Meeting ID: 826 9246 2278