|
Written by Joel Shalowitz
|
|
Thursday, 09 August 2007 |
|
 
Dear Friends -
Just a quick note to let you all know the members of
the team have all returned home safely.
Don was the first to fly out.
After the doctors got a good look at him, they determined that he tore 3
ligaments - not sure yet if surgery will be needed but it looks like he'll need
at least 4 months to heal. I returned
late last Friday night and just about hugged the customs guy, even after he
detained and questioned the scrawny, bearded guy just arriving from Pakistan. Chris Stensland,
Chris Warner and Bruce Normand all
flew out on Sunday night (although Bruce reports while waiting in the Islamabad
departure lounge, he nearly slept through the boarding of his flight) and are
all in various stages of reclaiming sleep,
lost weight, and recognition of
themselves in the mirror.
  Warner reports that when
he got off the train, his wife Melinda, standing on the platform several yards
away, put their 19 month old daughter Wendy down and said "There's daddy!" Between Melinda and Chris were two men in
suits and that Wendy's college tuition hung in the balance of her next few
steps - alas, Chris rushed forward and swept her up before she miss-stepped!
We also have tons of great photo and video footage that
we'll be posting starting today - attached are some amazing shots taken by
Bruce on summit day (more from the rest of us to follow). Video footage
capturing ascents to C2, C3, C4, and the summit, as well as Don's inspiring
descent, will be posted over the next week.
In addition, the climbers have been collecting their thoughts to share
with you on their viewpoints on the extraordinarily powerful events that
unfolded during their last week on the Savage Mountain.
We have been pretty humbled by the outpouring of support and
encouragement we continue to receive from you.
You have truly enriched the meaning of "Shared Summits" - We hope you
will find the upcoming images and stories as stirring and inspirational as we
have found your magnificent generosity.
Joel Shalowitz
|
