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dingus
Oct 17, 2009, 2:07 PM
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Registered: Dec 16, 2002
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We all talk about climbing accidents and the accident-chain that leads to them. A recent fall with severe consequences posted here:
http://www.rockclimbing.com/..._reply;so=ASC;mh=25;
reminded me of another accident.
A very strong climber named James was doing a free solo circuit at Josh and fell from the crux high on a route, like a hundred feet off the ground. He suffered catastrophic injuries.
http://www.supertopo.com/...p;msg=49479#msg49479
A friend of mine was there, heard him scream when he lost control and fell and was pretty much there at his side after he landed.
So amazingly the dude survives. Whilst in the horst pistol....
Largo goes for a visit:
http://www.supertopo.com/...msg=178780#msg178780
Well James not only healed up (after months of using a walker, etc), he came back strong, came back more humble and is now climbing stronger than ever.
How to Crash and Burn, by James
http://www.supertopo.com/...78680&msg=178690
And finally the James Appreciation Thread.
http://www.supertopo.com/....php?topic_id=487926
I've never met James. Frankly he rubbed me the wrong way more than once. But his accident affected me deeply as it did many others.
Largo's visit to James in the hospital really opened my eyes to concepts of Tribe, and healing, empathy and solidarity. Largo had never met James and didn't really know of him.
Now I write this in route to this suggestion -
I've been in Spinal ICU. I know what its like. I know immobility and pain the likes of which I would wish on no one.
The Power of the Visit, is awesome. And as Largo so bravely and ably demonstrated, you don't need to know the person to lend a hand.
So if you can... I urge you... take the Power of Largo and go visit our fallen comrade. This sport is Tribal - and Tribes grow in strength when they rally for one another.
You don't have to know her, to help her...
Cheers
DMT
(This post was edited by dingus on Oct 17, 2009, 2:11 PM)
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gblauer
Moderator
Oct 17, 2009, 2:54 PM
Post #2 of 12
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Registered: Oct 4, 2002
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Amazing Dingus.
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ncrockclimber
Oct 17, 2009, 3:10 PM
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Thanks for the reminder on what is really important!
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kimbill
Oct 17, 2009, 4:51 PM
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Well said, Dingus.
We cannot visit personally, as we're on the wrong continent, but we hope that someone can pass on to her the Oman climbing community's best wishes for a complete and speedy recovery.
B & K
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gblauer
Moderator
Oct 18, 2009, 4:27 PM
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I will pass those thoughts along, I am seeing her on Monday.
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timstich
Oct 29, 2009, 3:29 AM
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Registered: Feb 3, 2003
Posts: 6267
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Hey, I'd like to say hello to Vanessa as well. Any updates from her?
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gblauer
Moderator
Oct 29, 2009, 3:32 AM
Post #7 of 12
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I am on my honeymoon, so I haven't chatted with her. I will see if I can find out if she is still in PHL or if she has been moved. Will post tomorrow.
Thanks for your willingness to help out!
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timstich
Oct 29, 2009, 4:04 AM
Post #8 of 12
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I PMed you my e-mail and cell number, too. Have continued fun on your honeymoon.
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healyje
Oct 29, 2009, 4:25 AM
Post #9 of 12
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Way to call'em, Dingus.
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dingus
Oct 29, 2009, 11:29 AM
Post #10 of 12
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Registered: Dec 16, 2002
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So.... HAVE ANY OF YOU PICKED UP THE PHONE TO TALK TO THIS WOMAN???
DMT
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granite_grrl
Oct 29, 2009, 1:33 PM
Post #11 of 12
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Registered: Oct 25, 2002
Posts: 15084
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Gail, she's lucky to have a friend like you to help her out.
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maldaly
Oct 29, 2009, 2:16 PM
Post #12 of 12
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Registered: Oct 31, 2002
Posts: 1208
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After my accident in Alaska I spent three weeks in the hospital in Anchorage. The list of people who came to visit was long, humbling and astonishing. Bridwell flew in during a rest day on his epic attempt on Moose's Tooth. Tackle, did a midnight drive by on his way to the Ruth. Donini, Tingy, Miller, Cordes, Wharton and many, many others came by. I swear that I would have been in the hospital for a week longer if they all hadn't visited. The get well cards I got filled two shopping bags. I could feel the energy of all the people who were rooting for me--it was like standing in front of a warm stove.
In March 2004 I had a full-on myocardial infarction. In other words, my heart stopped. I woke up in the back of an ambulance with the attendant standing over me holding the smoking paddles. You're one lucky dude, he said. Huh? In the following week-long stay in the ICU in Montrose the local climbing community would gather in my room each night and party with me. Jim and Angela Donini, Megan and Randy Emmons, Jim McCarthy, Kim Reynolds and Jim Nowak to name a few. The ICU nurses didn't know what to do so they let the party roll on, occasionally poking in their heads to ask if I was getting the rest I needed. Yep...
Again, the warmth, compassion, humor and company helped me pull through in unimaginable ways.
Go visit people in the hospital if you can. Other wise, send a card. It really helps.
Climb safe,
Mal
BTW, I find that the biggest obstacle to sending a card is getting one. If you keep a box of blank cards around it becomes easy to send get-well, thank-you and whatever cards. In this digital age, a card is a wonderful thing.
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