MEMBERSHIP debating the merits of one route over another , and thinking how sweet it was that he included his father in his professional life in a way that allowed them to connect with each other and with nature . Each time we reached a point where a decision was necessary , he would let us know his dad ’ s thoughts on each of the options .
Sheronn Harris ( The Harris Firm , PC ), who joined several of the Wellness Committee hikes led by Hemanth , also enjoyed how Hemanth included his father in the hikes and often mentioned him . Harris loved how Hemanth would conduct trial hikes with his father , and , when the group reached a fork on the trails , Hemanth would assess the physical capabilities of the individuals on that hike and present their options . If he chose to deviate from the predetermined route and take the more difficult path , he would often remark , “ My dad warned me that I should not take you all this way .”
Hemanth did an excellent job tailoring the hike to everyone ’ s interests and abilities . He came well-prepared with snacks , which my stepdaughter greatly appreciated , and we took frequent breaks . The hike was not particularly strenuous , but the breaks gave us time to slow down and take in the sights , such as the Chattahoochee River rushing past . It also gave us time to connect with one another and get to know people with whom we would not have otherwise interacted . Hemanth showed us that the hike was more about the journey than the destination . We were not in a rush to get to some particular point on the trail . Instead , we were there to slow down and appreciate the world around us .
Near the end of the hike , we reached the Bamboo Forest . Most of us were in awe of the natural beauty of the tall green stalks . We spent time weaving our way through them , admiring their sturdiness and the juxtaposition of the bamboo amidst the Georgia pines . It was a great reminder of the unexpected beauty we can find when we take the time to unplug and look around . Needless to say , I left the hike feeling reset and rejuvenated .
Afterwards , Hemanth declared my stepdaughter the “ Hike MVP ” and praised her abilities . He reached out to personally invite us to subsequent hikes , making it clear we were welcome despite my doubts about my ragtag crew . Recent graduate Joel Shafer ( Georgia State University , School of Law ) attended a Wellness Committee hike and still remembers how welcome Hemanth made him feel and the sense of camaraderie he fostered on hike days . Shafer recalls how Hemanth deemed him “ adventurous ” for venturing onto a treacherous ledge to get a photo of the river and praised his courage , which made Shafer laugh and feel like he was part of the group . Hemanth also listened attentively to his suggestions for future hikes and helped him search for his lunchbox when it fell out of his backpack , all while making sure the group did not leave him behind . It was clear Hemanth valued the connections he made and had a remarkable way of making those he interacted with feel seen . recharge and connect with nature . Hemanth passed away in June 2022 , at the young age of 40 . His passing is not only a tremendous loss to the members who were affected by and experienced his passion for nature and hiking on the Wellness Committee , but to the Atlanta legal community as a whole .
Hemanth left a lasting impact on everyone he met , even if he only met them once . The Wellness Committee will host a remembrance hike at Sweetwater Creek State Park on October 8 , 2022 , where Hemanth led his first Wellness Committee hike . Whether you ever had the chance to meet him or not , we hope you will join us as we honor his life by slowing down and connecting with one another and our surroundings .
The hike is free and open to members and non-members of the Atlanta Bar Association . You may register at : https :// atlantabar . org /? pg = events & evAction = showDetail & eid = 253784
A Hike for Hemanth
October 8 , 2022 | 9:00 a . m . Sweetwater Creek State Park Free and Open to the Public
To join the Wellness Committee , contact smartinez @ atlantabar . org
Hemanth was a guide in every sense of the word . He literally served as our guide on the Wellness Committee hikes , but he was also a guide for how to lead a fulfilling life . Hemanth managed a successful and busy career as an attorney , but always made time to www . atlantabar . org THE ATLANTA LAWYER 37