STOLPITUDE

Dogged and resourceful determination to compensate for, and/or atone for, past mistakes, especially in the face of overwhelming odds. This term is directly inspired by the epic January 1993 struggle, viewed around the world, of James and Jennifer Stolpa and their baby. They turned down a side road while driving towards Idaho through northern Nevada, seeking a shortcut--a highly dubious venture at that time of year-- got lost in the snow, and almost lost their lives. James Stolpa struggled miles alone through the snow for help and saved his family while suffering severe frostbite. Each time another family is lost in the snow, the TV stations haul out the Stolpa footage and recall their struggle.