Lowell's Everest trek thoughts

Lowell writes a thanks-you

They joined Kim's Everest Gokyo & Kala Pattar Christmas, 2005

By Lowell, 2005

From Irving

Thanks for the wonderful email and photo. It's really great to hear from you. Your trip trials and tribulations could make a non-fiction best seller. I'm glad to hear that you made it home safe and in good health. I ditto your comments about each of our trekking companions. It was a great adventure with wonderful people that will be forever remembered.

Irving Hoffman

Lowell writes

I am slowly adjusting to life back at sea level. I would like to thank each of you for making my trip to Nepal an experience that I will never forget and one in which, despite my difficulties in adapting to the conditions and drastic change in setting, I found to be most rewarding in both the beauty of my surroundings and being humbled by it daily in nearly in every aspect of my mental & physical being. I can honestly say I could not have been with a better group of people than each of you and you will each always hold a place in my heart and thoughts and you may always know that I will always consider your friendship and support on that trip as one of great courtesy and born of true compassion for a fellow traveller on the journey we are all on in this life. I know I am a better person for having spent the time with each of you and I would not change a single thing about one day of the trip. In my most miserable moments or foulest moods I find there the biggest nuggets of gold.

Jim:

Thank you for making me laugh with your antics and for the engaging conversations on topics in which we may not have exactly agreed but in a way that was respectful of the other's opinion. Open debate is the birth of truth. When I bought the Everest base camp patch in Namche 5 days before you guys were set to reach it it was in my mind that you of all would not be
denied.

Irving:

You are a true inspiration & showed yourself to be a man among men in the life you have lived and the things and values which guide your speech and actions. I appreciate your advice during our brief time we spent together on the yak trail to Khumjung. It served me well and I will continue to practice my breathing techniques as instructed until I unlearn the incorrect procedure I have practiced for lo these many years. I hope one day your son will know the man his father truly is. He could learn much from your example.

Ben:

Your good nature and positive spirit never seemed to be failing even though you may not have felt it yourself. I never once heard a complaint come from you and you were always ready to give whatever you had to someone else (thanks again for the handi wipes-if I ever do a trek again that will be one of the top items on my list). Your preparedness and efficiency impressed me to no end and your laughter and humor always lifted my spirits when I seemed to need it most.

Maddy:

Thank you for your genuine concern when I felt at my worst. You were always there with a kind word and an offer of support. You and Ben together restored my faith in the concept of marriage. I have never been around two people so perfectly suited for each other and who exuded such a degree of mutual care and enjoyment together. It was very nice to be around you both. Your adentursous spirit and ecological concern for the world are qualities not found exemplified in the typical American woman and they would do well to learn from your example. I wish you both you and Ben many many years of wedded bliss and as many exciting adventures to match.

Sarah:

I never was much one for Yoga but you impressed me so much with your ability to work through your sickness while I caved into mine that I am taking up at least reading about it and who knows where it will lead. You demonstrated there is clearly a benefit and connection with disciplining the mind and body. They do go hand in hand. Thank you for all the power bars, nuts, and energy treats that helped me mostly on that climb up from Phortse Tenga to Mong La. Your fun loving free spirit is one I hope you will hold onto dearly. I hope you have an awesome time in India and find the peace of mind that we are all seeking in one form or another. You are a very special person and I'm sure you are destined for
life filled with fun and adventure.

James:

The Seinfeld trivia kept my homesickness at bay & my physical sickness minimized. It was great to have you as a roommate and I can only apologize for my constant cough causing you several sleepless nights. You are an awesome guy and I know that nothing will limit your ambitions whatever path you decide to take in your life & career. Your self deprecating humor, good heartedness, and genuine friendliness are things that come from having been blessed. Keep the faith and stay true to yourself. I am eagerly awaiting those Thailand stories and pictures :-)

Kim:

I swear you are one of the most amazing people I've ever met. You simply never ceased to amaze me with your seemingly endless energy. On top of that you were always there to see how I was doing and never failing to have a solution to whatever was the problem of the day. Your professionalism, organization, and friendliness shined at every turn. If ever I met a wonder woman you would fit the bill. The far east gain is America's loss. Our country is a little less without you but it makes me proud to know you represent your country with the spirit you possess. There is one bad boy Tibetan out there who you will make a lucky man.

Lhakpa 1:

Thank you for everything. You demonstrated a kindness and truly good nature that Americans would do well to emulate. You are truly a special man.

Lhakpa 2:

I have a picture of you and I on my mantle in my den. I will always tell visitors of you and how you helped me on my trip. Words can not express my gratitude and I wish you a happy life in this world and whatever lies beyond. On your path you helped another less able. I believe all religions have that at their core as the way to conduct ourselves.

God bless you all. Know that my home is always open to any of you if you should ever find yourself in my neck of the woods. You will will hold a place in my memory forever.

Om Mani Padme Hum,

Lowell