Memorial for Sean Egan

< Newer | Older > Tue, 04/10/2007 - 12:43 — Patrick

Day #14

Location: Lobuche
Altitude: 4910m
Local Time: 6:00pm / April 10
Weather: Cool (30's) windy/snowing

Today was quite emotional as I visited the memorial to Sean Egan which is located at Thokla Pass (4830m) on the route to Lobuche. At this site there are at least 2 dozen memorials to climbers that died on Mt. Everest. For those of you that don't know Sean, he died on Mt. Everest in 2005. Sean and I are from the same town (Almonte, Ontario Canada) and he was a good friend. In addition, Sean was a mentor of sorts as he helped me to train for the 7 Summits. In fact, I have not deleted Sean's last email to me in which he repeated the mantra that he always said to me, and that was "Festina Lente", which in Latin means go slowly or take it easy. I have a bad habit of always trying to go too quickly and Sean would always try to slow me down. While Sean was on Mt. Everest I sent emails of encouragemet and when he started to feel ill I recommended for him to go lower to recuperate. Despite his ascent he died on Mt. Everest. I heard of the news through a phone call from my sister-in-law and wept when I told the news to my wife. Today again I wept at his site as he was such a good friend and left this earth too early! I apologize for the erratic voice blog that I sent from the site of his memorial as it was very emotional, extremely windy, snowing and cold, and I was a little out of breath from scaling a formidable headwall prior to the pass. Just beside Sean is the memorial to Scott Fisher who died on Mt. Everest in 1996. Their memorials face Awi Peak and is one of the most beautiful sites in the world. I made a vow after Sean's death that I would pick up the trail where he left off and take his memory to the top of the world. I have with me some of Sean's ashes, that were donated by his children, and I plan to take them to the top of the world.

This trip has been very emotional as I have reconnected with my sister Mary Ann through our audience with the exiled Buddhist monk, have mourned over a fallen friend at his memorial, and have missed my wife terribly. However, I am rewarded by the messages of support and encouragement that I receive and want all of you to know that I deeply appreciate your prayers and well wishes!

As I write this at 5:45 pm the snow outside accumulates and there is a white blanket across the hills and mountains. Our plans are to stay here tonight, and on to Gorak Shep tomorrow, and then in to basecamp as scheduled on April 12.

All three of us (Mike, Ward and I) yesterday had symptoms of nausea, loss of appetite, and a little bout of diarrhea (on my part), but are all behind us now!

Your Messages:

Carol:
Hi sweetheart. Glad to hear through your text message that you received the flowers from Kristen & Danielle. I tried to send a text message last night as was not sure if blog sent yesterday was posted ... but according to downloaded responses it looks like it was! Hopefully Danny will edit/delete dual posting! Can't wait to talk to you again. In one of your messages you said something about Liesl and the climbing poster?
Love you :>)

AORN Friends:

Paula ... as always, great to hear from you. Glad that you had some quality time with Jessy at Easter. Thanks for the prayers and best wishes. Do you think AORN could be a major sponsor for the Summit Scholarship? If so, we could arrange for me to call in to one of the Board meetings from the mountain!

Columbia Friends:

Susan ... glad that you are following along! I am trying to describe everything as best possible and some of the experiences may be a deja vu for some. I've got Mary Ann and Sean looking out for me ... as well as the prayers and best wishes of all on the blog!

Palmetto Health Friends:

Sandra ... thanks for the encouraging words and especially the quote; very applicable. Yes, I hope that PHR can become a major sponsor of the Summit Scholarship. Would love to call in to the leadership meeting from the mountain! Carol is a trooper and my hero for putting up with my "mid-life crisis". I look forward to lots of time with her in the future as my "mid-life crisis" finishes here!

Canadian Friends:

Des, Jenna & Matt ... hi guys, how great to hear from you. I'm glad that you are able to follow my adventure and hopefully you can share it with the students in your school. The Easter bunny did deposit an egg (courtesy of another hiker) and we are getting lots of snow here now! Keep in touch and hope to hear from you again soon.

Frank ... sorry to hear about your late winter snow. Here we are now experiencing quite the snowfall ... so know how you feel!

All The Others:

Bill & Michelle ... I don't know if I mentioned it in an earlier post, but yak dung is used for fuel here in the guest houses. Initially the fumes sting our eyes, and their is no odor! Their is pleny of fuel on the trail as the yaks deposit their loads everywhere. Usually in the guest houses their is a central stove that does it's best to warm us in the evening!

David aka Demento ... still doing well despite a little bug yesterday. The acclimitization seems to be working and will provide a good base for which to build on as we climb higher! I enjoy the opportunity to dialogue with all as it helps me to move forward! To misquote Forrest, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get"

MC ... the constant sound of bells on yaks is ever present as they carry loads up and down the hill. The constant mountain views are breathtaking ... as is the altitude!

Kurt ... hey Kurt, great to hear from you and the family. I just heard that Carol spent the weekend with Deb and girls at the Davis Cup in North Carolina ... wish I could have joined them. Thanks for the prayers and support as is greatly needed as the biggest challenges are yet to come. Say hi to Donna and the girls!

Messages

I'm not sure if you have to

Bill and Michele — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 13:33

I'm not sure if you have to go to the latest update to send a message or if you receive and are notified each time a new post comes in regardless of where the update is sent? So, in case, I wanted to let you know I just posted to Day 13, Acclimitization, I think. Most important, wanted to let you know we are still here and following your path. I wonder if horse manure works like yak manure for heat. I've got plenty of that out in the field from Bucky. Much love from our family to yours. Take care, stay safe, Michele

Somber Day

Ann — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 13:53

Hi Pat,
It sounds as if you had a sad day filled with memories of a good friend that died too early, but how wonderful the description of what his memorial looks over, and with company of Scott's memorial, it sounds beautifully bittersweet. Keep your chin up!
Feel better,
Ann and Graham

Carrying Sean to the top of the world

Mary Clare Reinhardt — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 14:15

Hi Pat

I can only imagine the sombering experience of being at your close friend's memorial. It is wonderful that you have such good memories of Sean's influence in your life. And as you journey to the top of the world, you will be taking him with you in your heart. I hope you will get the chance to sprinkle his ashes at the top where he had aspired to be.

Wishing you good health,
MC

Amazing

USCh2oSkier — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 15:31

To start off with once i get settled in after school i want to travel and see it all! Next i would like to say that i can only imagine experiencing something so humbling as seeing a good friend's memorial. Keep moving forward we all are behind you and most importantly your wife and Sean are with you helping you day to day!
-Alan Baker

Thokla Pass

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 16:03

Wow, Pat...that was such a moving story about your friend Sean, your planning to carry his ashes to the top of Everest, and the reconnection with your sister Mary Ann. I'm sure there'll be many more moments of emotion, both sad and happy, as your trek continues. We're watching your progress daily...keep in touch, and don't walk TOO FAST! Bill B

Greetings from Denver

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 16:36

Hey Pat - Bonnie, here. I am in Denver and thinking of you. We had snow on Easter Sunday and there is more coming this week. It makes it all the easier to think of you as I look to the mountains. I am sending you strength and good cheer - you are carrying all of our spirits with you on the climb (just in case you are feeling alone at times!)

Brother-in-law from Memphis

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 17:13

Hey Pat, What a touching story about your friend Sean. I've been talking to Carol alot the last week or two. She has been helping me with my tax stuff, and some of the paperwork from the bank for my car loan. I should have my car in the next couple days. I got a really good rate from the bank on my loan. Maybe I will be able to drive back to Columbia when you get back. I'll come pick you up, and we can cruise up to Hooters for a couple of beers. Stay safe and see you soon.

Larry Paulson

Hey Pat

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 18:28

Hope you're feeling a little better. You among all others know that Sean's words ring true - Festina Lente. The advice applies figuratively and physically, and not just on the mountain. The personal as well as professional significance of your trip is so clear - what a journey. Michael and I are thinking of you - we've been following your blog and audio posts, and it's our habit to read them together when he returns from rehearsal.

Here at USC, we couldn't find where you were climbing in the poster picture. Could you name the when and where for that spot?

And also - I'm investigating the possibility for live or recorded interviews, if you're up for it. Do you have a preference for good times of day? We'll figure it out.

Lookin' forward to your next post, as always. Take good care of yourself, hello to Carol, and Festina Lente.
Liesl

moving post

Paul — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 20:21

Hi Pat:

Glad to hear that your bout with acute altitude sickness or possibly a GI infection are "behind you" now :) All I can say: is 'been there, done that.'
You post regarding your friend Sean was very moving and brought a tear to my eye. If your friend was anything at all like You and Carol, the world is ighter one great spirit. I have never heard the phrase "Festina Lente", but it needs to ring true a little more often in my life... something I will now forever remember.
I remember the winter before you climbed Denali I had called and spoke with Carol a bit. She laughed and said that you and I were 'soul-mates' and it was remarkable how parallel our life paths were. I can only hope that I touch half the number of souls that you seemed to have...
Thanks for all your postings... it really is spectacular, and I can hardly wait to read each new one.
Best of wishes and be safe.

Paul

High, boss

Rporter — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 20:22

Ice cold winds in Denver, make me think of U on The Mt! Following my tradition, I left offerings of bread and hops (fattire) & sent prayers w/sweetgrass to the ancestors to watch over u. I know the spirits of ALL your loved ones r with u. Blessings. rose :)

Hello

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 21:28

Pat,

I'm a friend of Ward's from San Francisco. Thanks a lot for doing such a great job keeping us all updated. Please say "hi" to Ward, tell him I thought of him this morning as I was running the sand steps and almost threw up, and ask him why he's not creating such an excellent blog as you are.

Take care,

Peter

Hello

Visitor — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 21:58

Dr. Hickey,

First, I would like to introduce myself. I was directed to your website by one of your students at USC, Amanda Thomas. She is very fond of you and often keeps me updated on your progress. As this accomplishment of climbing Everest is one of my lifetime goals, I would like to congratulate you on your ability to go after that goal. Many people throughout their life will never know what it is like to do something as special as you are doing. This achievement of yours is an amazing example to those that need encouragement to follow their dreams. Stay safe, be careful, and come home to those that care about you.

Sincerely,
Brad Langford

Sean's journey

Sandra D — Tue, 04/10/2007 - 23:25

Pat, what a good friend you have been to Sean and his family for the tribute you are giving to him! It's good that this climb has given you time to think and reconnect with emotions. Expressing our emotions sometimes has a way of cleansing our spirits and giving us peace. You will make it to the top Pat and perhaps give Sean's spirit some justice when you reach the top.

"The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is a duty of the living to do so for them."
Bujold

Stay safe!
Sandra

Your Memorial

Visitor — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 02:06

Pat,
I was truely touched as I read your memorial - my thoughts and prayers are with you (and Carol and the rest of your family).

From Columbia,
Amy

Pressing On

Allison — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 04:17

Pat,
I can only imagine the spectrum of emotions as you deal with the stresses of such a monumental task, mixed with coming face-to-face with the death of a good friend. I'm glad you're able to take his ashes to the top - what a privilege! I continue to pray for your safe journey...glad to hear your "bug" only lasted a day or so. Thanks so much for dragging those of us who write to you to the top with you!

Allison Turnley

Sean Egan

Pumori — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 04:59

They were building Sean's memorial when I was there last year at this time. Later, at Gokyo, I met Harold Mah at our lodge. He was on the climb with Sean in 2005. I had been following his blog and was devastated when Sean died. Even though I never knew him, I felt touched by his presence. Thanks for sharing your experience.

HI PAT

johnhickey — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 11:22

Hi Pat ... glad to hear things are going well. Great to hear your voice! We are all doing well .. Julia left yesterday for France/Spain .. very excited! Your Mom and Dad are doing good and enjoy reading your messages!

Stay safe and well!

Love John, Jane, Donny, David & Julia

Mountains!

Visitor — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 15:52

Hey Uncle Pat,
I am glad to hear you are doing well, it was a very touching post about Sean. I thought I would write to tell you how school is going, and also that I am thinking of you! Last night I was at a friends, and flipped to the weather network, only to find a story on a woman who had climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro! I immediately blurted out "My uncle climbed that mountain!" It was a pretty cool thing to see, lots of strange plants and things. Anyways, always thinking of you! Oh, and school is almost done, April 24th is my last exam, and I only have three. I think my marks will be okay, i'll have three A's and two B's if all goes as planned in exams! Well, thats just a little update on myself, as I sit here day after day studying... *sigh* Miss you! Keep up the F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S climb! :D
-Krista

Sean

Visitor — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 16:33

Hi Pat,

I was so good to see you when you were in Almonte 'for Brian's surprise 50th'!
Glad to hear you're doing well, and slowly gaining altitude. Of course Sean was a dear friend of ours also, having lived next door for close to 20 years. Sean's pictures adorn our house, and I'm sure many others.

Take care, and most of all, go slow and enjoy the moment!

Your friend in Canada,

Gord MacDonald

Thinking of You

bbaliko — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 17:21

Pat - Thanks for doing such a beautiful job of keeping us up to date on your journey. Wanted to tell you - my son Justin, who's 6, has appropriated my poster and has decided you're a hero (and I agree!). You, my friend, are right up there with the Hulk and Spiderman; therefore you should have no problem completing your climb :) Warm wishes from all of us at the CON, Bev

Take care of you

lynp — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 22:00

Hey Pat... it's Lyn Phillips. THANK you for your wonderful writing that keeps us up on your progress and allows us to vicariously experience what you're doing and seeing. I'm so touched by your expressions about your friend Sean... and I know his family must be so grateful for your carrying his ashes to the top. I hope you FEEL the massive amount of good energy and love that's being sent your way.... take it step by step and take care of YOU! Your friends are all pulling for you here. Buena suerte. Lyn

Blessings to You

Joan — Wed, 04/11/2007 - 22:31

Haven't been able to get your e-mails until today as Daryl took our home computer to our new home in VA. So now I only have Internet access at the office.
Your audio about Sean's memorial was so touching. I had tears in my eyes.
I sent the USC article to our CNO, Gail Latimer. She has been to Nepal and when there climbed to Base Camp.
Prayers continue for you and your team for a safe and successful summit and descent.
Pray for Amber as she deals with her Everest. She admitted herself to an inpatient rehab center on Sunday for alcohol and drugs.
Love you,
Joan & Daryl

Inspiration!!

Brent — Thu, 04/12/2007 - 01:17

Pat! WOW! What an awesome journey you are on! You are an inspiration to me to carry on. Thanks for all you do for our profession! Be safe! You are in my prayers! Can't wait to follow you through this to the TOP!!
Brent Raley,RN
Lexington Medical Center

You're the Man!

k_ass10s — Thu, 04/12/2007 - 02:23

Hi Pat,
All I can say is WoW!....What you're doing & who you are touching is grand.
We're all excited here in Columbia & Carol is keeping us updated. Of course, you're all over USC's web. We love you....Oh Yeah....Did you take a tennis ball with ya.

;o) Debbie K.

Hey Pat

gregd — Thu, 04/12/2007 - 14:25

Hey dude! Your downstairs neighbor again. Sure do miss talking with you. Very touching about your friend and his memorial as well as the others. I know he appreciates what you are doing and what you are doing for him a lot. Please do "slow down" and enjoy every second of your trek. It is very exciting reading your logs and can't wait to hear all about it when you get home. Miss you dude! Greg D.

EBC

Visitor — Fri, 04/13/2007 - 00:45

Hi, keep on going, you are all doing fantastic. We are all behind you back at our homes and cant wait for the next message. Stay strong. Please say hi to Mike (kiwi) from his sister-in-law, Mel (New Zealand).

From New Zealand...Bob Allsop

jessnbob — Fri, 04/13/2007 - 10:06

Hi Pat, great reading your updates, and even hearing your voice from way up there!. l am Mikes brother, please say hi to him from all of his family, and tell him how much we love him, and Elsie said "dada" this morning! Can't wait to read the next update, Cheers Bobby.