MOVING THROUGH THE DARKNESS
By Jane M Wray -Tim’s mother, For The Mountain Times
On a quiet stretch of highway between Willamette Falls and Sandy, Oregon, most passing drivers likely saw only another runner logging miles beneath gray Northwest skies. What they could not see was the grief he carried with every step.
For Tim Wray, the 36.81 mile run was never about endurance alone. It was about love, loss, and remembering a boy whose life ended too soon, and making sure a young life is never forgotten.
Wray created the website "Moving Thru the Darkness" in memory of his 14 year old nephew, Keegan Clothier, whose death left a permanent ache in the hearts of those who knew him. The online space became more than a memorial. It became a message to others struggling with grief, pain, and emotional darkness - a reminder that no one has to walk through it alone.
“The hardships and circumstances of life can make the world feel like it's closing in on you, where your mind feels stuck in a suffocating, inhibited darkness.
“Moving Through The Darkness” is how we come together for each other to face our deepest struggles and go side-by-side towards the light of a better place.” stated Wray.
But for Wray, words on a screen were only part of the journey.
Determined to honor his nephew in a deeply personal way, he set out on foot from Willamette Falls, running 36.81 miles to Cliffside Cemetery in Sandy, where his young nephew lays at rest. Each step carried a memory of a teenage boy being remembered for his energy, laughter, and the promise of a future that ended too soon.
Along the route, Wray reflected on past birthdays, family gatherings, and the impact Keegan has on his fellow classmates. Running, one step at a time, mirrored the emotional journey of those who lost someone in their life.
Once the run was completed at Keegan’s gravesite, Tim felt he had completed the journey he had envisioned. This was not a recognition run on his part, but a remembrance of someone he loved. “He will always be with us.” said Wray.
This journey is a testament to the enduring bond between family and the healing power of purpose. For Tim Wray, the finish line was never the cemetery; it was ensuring that his nephew’s name, life, and legacy continue to be remembered.
Tim plans on repeating the journey next year on the same path at the same time - May 9th - May 10th. Follow his web page Movingthroughthedarkness.com for updates.
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