Mary Gram
Hi, I’m Mary Gram. I’m a wife and mother who works for a
local cable company. I first heard about Chris
McCandless from a friend who knew his parents. I read
“Into the Wild” and found it intriguing that a young man
would leave what others would consider a good life to go
out into the wilderness and forge his own way. A short
time later I met Walt & Billie, Chris’ parents, and soon
grew to love them. From a distance I watched them go
through the process of the making of the movie and I
wondered how they could deal with the emotional pain
that was being relived over and over again. I knew that
they were being strengthened by their faith in God and
the love of their extended family. Courage seems to be a
family trait.
After they learned of Chris’ death, Walt and Billie
established a foundation in his memory which helps fund
underprivillaged children. When I heard about it I
wanted to be a part of it and offered my services. Walt
gave me an opportunity to work with the team on the
book, Back to the Wild.
The fabulous pictures that Chris took tell a story that
deserves to be shared with the rest of the world. There
were some pictures that I felt had to be included in the
book and I was so pleased when my suggestions were
accepted. As I poured over the pictures, post cards and
other items that had been accumulated from Chris’
journey I couldn’t help but realize that Chris was a
very unique person. He wasn’t willing to accept the
status quo and resign himself to the expectation of our
society. He wanted to prove to himself and maybe to
others that he was able to make his own way without the
comforts and provisions so often considered a necessity.
He lived his dream and now he is able to share it with
all of us.