Murkowski’s vote is a grace note after journey in the Himalayas

Thirty five years ago, I climbed Denali but only got as far as the high camp at 17,300 feet. A 100-mph windstorm forced my group of climbers into rescue mode for a group of Germans that had foolishly headed off for the summit.

Now, in India's Himalayas, in a land called Ladakh (translates to the land of high passes), and commonly known as Western Tibet, I summited our highest pass of 17,300 feet with prayer flags and a joyous sense of accomplishment.

Because of the arduous situation I encountered near Denali's summit, my trip became deeply personal and somewhat of a spiritual journey. Now in the shadow of the Dalai Lama's summer home, I found my 10-day trek through the Himalayas to be similar in demeanor — personal and somewhat spiritual.

Only this time, my thoughts were immersed in the Dalai Lama's teachings of loving kindness and compassion.

Although I was completely unplugged from current events, my mind kept wandering to the health-care debate back home.

The whole push to repeal "Obamacare" and eliminate Medicaid expansion, to take away Planned Parenthood funding, to abandon the provision allowing for pre-existing  conditions and the allowance for young adults to remain on their parent's insurance –- all this seemed to be fueled by mean-spirited, ideological politics; the complete antithesis to acting with loving kindness.

As I strung out a set of blessed prayer flags, I silently prayed that a few Republican senators would see the harm to their constituents and stand firm in not eliminating the working parts of the Affordable Care Act. Let them feel compassion toward those reaping the benefits of having health insurance for the first time.

[Murkowski voted no on her party's health-care motion. Here's why]

After clearing the highest pass of our journey, we made a rapid descent through a steep gorge that rivaled anything I experienced in the Grand Canyon. Through teamwork we made numerous crossings of rain-swollen streams and landed on a small, yet level, perch for our last night in camp.

Unknown to us, the cook and guide were planning several treats to make our last night special. A double-layered cake complete with frosting and inscriptions appeared along with a bottle of local brandy that seemed to have came out of nowhere.

It was their last act of loving kindness for 10 American strangers. I held on to this gesture as the trip ended and I dared to plug back into current events.

I first learned the Dalai Lama was coming to the area and that certain roads would be closed. I next learned that the repeal and replace effort on "Obamacare" had failed the Senate and that Sen. Lisa Murkowski had declared she would be a critical no vote.

Next came the challenge to stave off a repeal only vote. Could Murkowski be touched by the essence of loving kindness and her deep sense of due process to be a difference-maker again?

She knows full well about the 54,000 Alaskans who would lose their health insurance under a straight on repeal. She understands Planned Parenthood is often the only access young women have to essential health screenings.

Although I did not see the Dalai Lama, I did indeed learn Murkowski became the third and pivotal lawmaker to announce she would not support a vote to repeal the ACA without "replacement" legislation lined up.

She demonstrated courage in being one of two Republicans to vote against proceeding into uncertainty, while articulating her commitment to an open and bipartisan process for considering replacement legislation. Most importantly, she stood up for the thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans who would be harmed by a stand-alone repeal.

Now, if only I could bake Murkowski a cake of kindness big enough to say thanks from the thousands of needy Alaskans, I would.

Kate Troll is the author of "The Great Unconformity: Reflections on Hope in an Imperiled World." She has  over 22 years experience in Alaska fisheries, coastal management and energy policy. She lives in Douglas.

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