This is the Bible left in the suitcase left by Chris’ mom and dad during their visit to the bus by helicopter back in 1993. They left this bible behind even though they, admittedly, hadn’t even prayed since Chris’ death. According to the book by Jon Krakauer, Billie, Chris’ mom, also left a note behind that encouraged all who venture off on any sort of long voyage to “call your parents as soon as possible.” I hadn’t seen this note anywhere in the suitcase, however.

The poem posted inside this bible reads:

To All Parents
“I’ll lend you, for a little while, a
child of mine,” He said,
“For you to love while he lives, and
mourn when he is dead.
“It may be six or seven years, or
twenty-two, or -three,
“But will you, ‘til I call him back,
take care of him for me?
“He’ll bring his charms to gladden
you, and shall his stay be brief,
“You’ll have his lovely memories as
solace for your grief.
“I cannot promise he will stay, as all
from earth return,
“But there are lessons taught down
there I want this child to learn.
“I’ve looked the wide world over in
my search for teachers true,
“And from the throngs that crowd
life’s lanes, I have selected you.
“Now will you give him all your love
– not think the labor vain,
“Nor hate me when I come to call to
take him back again.”
“I fancied that I heard them say,
‘Dear Lord, thy will be done.’
“For all the joy this child shall bring,
the risk of grief we’ll run.
“We’ll shower him with tenderness
and love him while we may,
“And for the happiness we’ve
known, forever grateful stay.
“And should the angels call for him
much sooner than we planned,
“We’ll brave the bitter grief that
comes, and try to understand.”
-Author Unknown