LIKE A BIRD

I am a seeker of adventure. I live my dreams and am inspired by those who follow theirs. Michael Leming lived his dreams and then some. He was a BASE jumper, skydiver, mountain climber, snowboarder, skier, wakeboarder, race car driver and so much more…

Update: Location of Michael Leming’s memorial was just determined. It will be a celebration of Michael’s life held at the leftbank annex in Portland, Oregon. Thursday, July 28th @2:00pm. No black.

Michael was a long time volunteer with Portland Mountain Rescue and also, Big City Mountaineers. He was a lead recruiter for Nike hiring some of the companies top executives. Michael Leming, aka LemDog, lived life big.

I was deeply affected by Michael’s sudden death, 2 weeks ago, when his parachute failed to open while BASE jumping from Kjerag at the Lysebotn Fjord in Norway. He was celebrating his 53rd birthday with fellow BASE jumpers Seeñ-yor Strong and Roene Holewijn and also, the love of his life, Erin Jacobson.

When I look to the skies, I will always see Michael flying in his lime green wingsuit. Ed Viesturs called him the flying lime. I was inspired to write a song I titled “Like A Bird”. Would like to record this one as I believe Michael would love the melody.

LIKE A BIRD

dedicated to Michael Leming

Chorus

Just like a bird, you’ll feel free and fly away

Just like a bird, with so much more to say

Just like a bird, you’ll feel free and fly so high

Like a bird, on the wing and that is why

You will fly on… and on

ummmmmm hmmmmmmm

Skies and beyond

ummmmmm hmmmmmmm

Verse 1

I loved to see you laugh and see you smile

Your eyes lit up and sparkled all the while

You always saw the good in everything

No matter what this unknown world would bring

You made the best of everyday

I look up to you and say

You inspire me my brother

In every way

In every way

Chorus

Verse 2

You lived your life as others only dream

Flying in your wingsuit bright lime green

A light that will not dim though you’re not here

For we all know that you are always near

You made the best of everyday

I look up to you and say

You inspire me my brother

In every way

In every way

Chorus

Verse 3

The mountains, your cathedrals, where you played

You volunteered your time and lives were saved

When all is said and done your life has shown

The kindest heart this world has ever known

You made the best of everyday

I look up to you and say

You inspire me my brother

In every way

In every way

© MC Reinhardt

Previous stories:

In the footsteps of David Sharp – to Kili’s summit

Footprints of legends – by Mary Clare for Thomas and all those who lost their lives on Everest in 2006