To My Everest Teammates

< Newer | Older > Sat, 05/05/2007 - 13:48 — taloeffler

My Everest Teammates,

I imagine on this day where I have made one of the hardest decisions of my life, you are at or are heading towards basecamp, with only your summit rotation left to go.

Most of you were up the mountain, when I was hit for the second time with another illness. I had planned and hoped to be up at Camp Two with all of you. Sunday night, after ten days of "morning sickness," I threw up much of the night before I was to head up the icefall with Jean and Nat.

The diagnosis...giardia. I spent three days at basecamp trying to beat it and then a few days at Pheriche. Today, having lost 25 pounds, still vomiting in the morning, and realizing that I didn't have much physical reserve left, I made the decision to go home to heal.
Having been to Camp Three, you all know how much Everest takes out of you. I respect Everest too much to risk mine and my sherpa's lives by going up without enough reserve and resiliency. Everest will still be there when I am healthy and ready again.

In Buddhism, we speak of Boddhisattivas. Boddhisativas delay their enlightenment until all beings are enlightened. Though I doubt it works this way, I hope I can be the Boddhisativa of Illness for the team. I hope that "I took it for the team"- that none of you comes down with anything that prevents your summit bid.

Rest well and deep my friends. Draw on your courage and strength as you make your last passage up and down Everest. Take good care of each other and your sherpas. Make good decisions. Be safe. Enjoy these moments you've worked so hard for. May you all reach your summit.

Please take a piece of me with you as you venture up again. Know that I am cheering for you every step of the way.

Mark, Jangbu and the Whole Sherpa Staff-thank you so much for all your hard work and diligence. You are a well-oiled machine.

With respect and gratitude,
TA

Messages

The mountain will always be there

Roger Crawford — Sat, 05/05/2007 - 23:51

Im sure you are experiencing a range of emotions, however given the circumstances you made the right decision. As you walk away you will reflect of the positive moments of your climb and also question why you got sick and suffered.

You have now gained valuable experience that will see you well placed should you ever go back to Everest or any other 8000m mountains.

Thank you for sharing your experience warts and all so that others can experience just how big a challenge a very large mountain can be.

I hope you have a reasonable trek out and can take time to take in the views and sights of the many towns as you head out. Remember to take heaps of pictures on the way.

Cheers
Roger

Decision

Visitor — Sun, 05/06/2007 - 00:35

Dear TA,

I congratulate you on having made the difficult but right decision to break off the climb. I can only imagine how difficult that was for you, after so many years of preparation and proceeding with the support in-spirit of so many. To make the right decision is hard when it countervails ambition, commitment and desire. You did it and you are the better for it.

We look forward to seeing you at home and will welcome you most warmly.

With best regards,

Axel Meisen

STILL INSPIRING!!!!!!

book — Sun, 05/06/2007 - 01:15

T.A. ON WHAT MUST BE AN EXTREMELY EMOTIONAL DAY MAY I THANK YOU SINCERELY FOR LETTING ME SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES BOTH HIGH AND LOW OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS. MAY YOUR HEALTH RAPIDLY IMPROVE SO YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SAFE AND SOUND! YOU CAN BE VERY PROUD OF YOUR COURAGEOUS ATTEMPT . KIND REGARDS. .....[KEN.NZ]

Bonnie D - frient of Dr Pat

Visitor — Sun, 05/06/2007 - 04:47

Hey TA - thanks for your honest accounts of the emotional decisions you are facing. Speaking as a nurse, I am glad you are listening to your body and allowing yourself to heal. I am sure it is hard to have a clear head and rational thoughts when you are feeling drained and you have the emotion of achieving the summit. I am confident the right thing is happening for you and your team. Your leadership is very apparent.
All the best to you in your journey back to fresh air and rejuvenation.
Bonnie (in Denver)

Congratualtions

LAM — Sun, 05/06/2007 - 10:41

Dear TA,
You have accomplished so much since leaving here in what in real time was a short period but which to you must feel like a lifetime - and those accomplishments have been on so many levels, the least of which is getting 75% of the way to the top of Everst.

Thank you for your courage in opening up your inner self to the world through your postings on this site. Walking with you in such an intimate way has been an unbelievable privilege. Explorers over the years have kept diaries that were written for posterity. Sometimes they were written by the individual knowing that he or she would probably be dead when others read them. Because of today's technology you were writing so that we could be with you. Thank you so much for providing me and all the others with such an honour.

I look forward to meeting you again on your return and to welcoming you home. Make the descent (and I mean that in many ways) slowly and be good to yourself. What a story you have added to your life.

Lorraine