Life of Wry

Sometimes in life, you get lucky.

On February 6, 2011, I was emailing with Karen Carabio (Hesse), dearest and oldest of family friends. We were talking about this and that, most likely about hiking, Yosemite, mountain climbing–our favorite topics of conversation. In passing, she mentioned she would soon be traveling to Nepal and would be trekking to the base of Mt. Everest.  I responded with due awe, enthusiasm and lots of questions. She answered all my questions with equal enthusiasm and then said, simply, “Join us?”

My responses ranged from Wow!, to YES!, to No, it’s just not possible, to Carpe diem, baby! Clearly, I was going to have to give this some very careful thought.

A week of conversations ensued on the home front. I had two injured achilles tendons I’d been nursing for the better part of a year. There was no time to heal them, no time to train. I would miss too much of Peter’s last little league season ever! Bravely, but with great sadness, I responded that, no, I’d decided I just could not go. This was followed by a few more emails, hers very understanding, mine grateful for having had the opportunity to fantasize.

Another week went by. I continued the tortured pro and con analysis (thank you Jim and various friends, your patience is above and beyond). I wasn’t in that horrible of shape; I could set up a few sessions with my physical therapist and reinforce whatever could be reinforced; I might only miss three baseball games.  And, hello?!, Nepal! Everest Base Camp! Trekking with the Hesse sisters! When was I ever going to get that chance again?

Long story short, I decided the reasons for going were a whole lot more compelling than the reasons for not going. Sooo, I again contacted Karen and asked if there might still be room.

She said “yeah!”

So, carpe diem, it was.

On Feb 24, I signed on the dotted line (sent my money to Himalayan Glacier Trekking) and had 33 days to prepare: train, do some injury rehab, research, shop, get shots, take care of stuff at home, and pack.

Northern California experienced a very rainy month of March, which made training challenging. I managed a couple of climbs in the Vacaville hills and a few trips to the Covell Boulevard railroad overcrossing (best I could do for hills locally).  It would just have to do.  And it did!

It turned out to be one of those experiences–one that challenges you, one that opens your eyes and your heart, one that changes you.  I will be forever and deeply grateful to Karen for inviting me, and to Laura and Leslie for accommodating me at the last minute.  It was a true lesson in the value of seizing opportunity.

Namaste!