I saw the interview with James' wife on (gag)CBS News(gag) tonight. One thing his wife said was that James' body was found, he had his lefthand glove off, and he had all his fingers folded in except for his ring finger, leaving his ring finger showing. Isn't that interesting?
She also said that in his phone call, they both knew it was the kind of phone call that no one wants. So they were kind-of "acting" during the phone call, acting like everything was okay when they both knew it wasn't. I guess that helps me understand why he didn't come out and give details about what happened. (Although if it was me, I'm pretty sure I'd spout off as many details as possible.)
Part of Transcript.
Couric: Karen, when word came that they had found Kelly, what did they tell you?
James: The sheriff came in and he said, "I have bad news. We have a body and it's deceased. And we need to identify it." I said, "look for Kelly's ring." The rescue worker that came to see Frank, he found Kelly, he said that when he walked into the cave it was so peaceful, and so serene. And there was Kelly. He was lying on his side with his head on his pack like we've seen a million times when he's been camping. And he had taken off his right glove, and he folded every finger back except the signature ring and put it out. And he knew. He wanted to be identified, and he wanted to come home to us. And when we told the kids, they were so proud of him because he had, he was still thinking of us, to say "look who I am, and it's time to come home."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/21/eveningnews/main2291454.shtml
One thing that struck me is how she said they both acted like everything was okay, knowing otherwise.
Every couple has their way of doing things, but I guess I am more of a say it as it is. I would say I am dying and want to tell you the following (after giving basic relevant info. to find me) and then if they found me great but at that time I would be surrendered and honest.
Yet we never know until it happens to us and maybe that truth in and of itself would be too much to handle and would take the focus off what needed to be said. Who knows. Either way it is hard and he did seem to be somewhat delirious at that point as well. My sense then is that when they were looking for him she felt very strongly that he was already dead. Yet held out a grain of hope.
I didn't see the interview, so thank you for the information and the link. I think they are searching again this morning for Brian and Jerry.