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Rick and Deborah Blanchard
climber
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Jun 20, 2007 - 04:11pm PT
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Dear Bobby and Family,
Well the world has certainly seemed smaller to us as of late...Our prayers have joined many others from all around the globe-rising up to the heavens , only to meet and mingle together to bring love, hope and healing to ,you, Bobby, and support and love to those surrounding you there. You've brought the world to us thru' your adventures and photographs, now it's our turn to bring the world to you as we all join together to wish for your full recovery.
As we come to terms with such a random act of violence-realizing that this sort of thing can happen anywhere in the world- we reinforce the notion that random acts of KINDNESS can out-number and overshadow them !
Our hope is that the strenghth and the devotion of your family, combined with your own strong will and tenacity,and the prayers of all of us- will see you through.Hoping to see you all back here in Cody soon- Love,Deb, Rick, and the boys
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Wendy
climber
Cody
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Jun 20, 2007 - 04:14pm PT
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Bobby,
We don’t know each other very well, the polite greeting when I answer the phone and making sure everything is in order and signed on the tax to mail, but you still know me and we speak no matter where we meet in town. I’m finding out from the postings there’s a wild side to that polite gentleman that I visit with in passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You’re a lucky man to have such a great family and friends. Get well soon and continue your adventures, you’re making the world a better place and bringing it home to Cody. All of Cody is thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Wendy Jacobs
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Heather Merten- Cowden
Social climber
Hagerman
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Jun 20, 2007 - 04:59pm PT
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To follow up with Lyon's theme: Classic Bobby Model stories, I have to share this one, since someone just mentioned Norwegain Olympics.
Those of us who were lucky enough to have experienced that event in Laramie, only truly know how crazy that event really was!! I of course have my own Norwegain Olympic tales but this one is about Bobby and Nick Rhorbach who were the newby's on the University of Wyoming Ski Team/Club.who spent the countless hours creating the massive ski jump, I am guessing Stine, maybe Sverre and Jake probably had something to do with it too. Anyway, the deal was the new guys had to jump off the ski jump in tele skis in thier modest birthday suits. It was freezing cold that day of course,( this is Wyoming in the Snowy Range!) But there was plenty of warm glug to go around and after a large amount of that, Nick and Bobby were ready to perform. I remember them shivering, teeth chattering, only brave enough to strip down to their boxer shorts, but not afraid to show off their ski physique to the 100's of Cowboys. Anyway long story short the snow was quite hard, They both jumped only to land on their behinds, the impact tearing back their thin boxers and the skin on their behinds!
They both ended up with very raw, red heiny's. Cute Heiny's I must add!
Love Heather
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JoeMax
Mountain climber
Belfry
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Jun 20, 2007 - 05:08pm PT
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Bobby rests well ,no new news. ALL your thoughts and prayers are with him. Thank You all. LOVE JOE
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Health Educator
Social climber
Midwest City, Oklahoma
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Jun 20, 2007 - 06:38pm PT
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Bobby,
I just want to let you know I am thinking of you. I remember so much of taking care of you starting when you were only 6 and Faith was 4. I remember your tree house and the frustration you had with the first board of about 10 nails, the bathroom you so proudly made, and that you were always so determined to do what ever you put your mind to. I know you can do this too. You have always been a survivor. I remember the trail rides you, your mom, Faithy and I made above the ranch and the TV we made because there wasn't one in the cabin.
I know we haven't seen each other for years but you and Faith will always have a special place in my heart and are one of the reasons I work with children today. Ken and Bev Pulse have also been asking about you and we have been communicating back and forth every time either one of us hears any news. Ken especially really was worried and shook up when he heard about you being hurt.
I have been sending up prayers daily and also have been looking on the NG website to view your wonderful pictures. You have a gift that is awaiting you to come back to.
Karen (Horner) Blackwell
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Cheryl Bragonier-Vukelich
Social climber
Des Moines
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Jun 20, 2007 - 06:48pm PT
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Faith, et al,
Thank you so much for the updates! I check every day to see if there has been any progress. I know that injuries like this are usually very slow healing, but with Bobby I just keep expecting a miracle. There are many prayers being lifted up for you Bobby (as well as the entire family!).
There is not a lot of climbing to do here in Iowa, but they do spray down the silos so they can do ice climbing in the winter. We still would love to have you come stay with us when you are back up to speed. Jack wants you to give him photography lessons!
It is also nice to hear from other friends as well. Janet C.- thanks for the update on happenings in Cody, and your family outing. Give those cute little guys hugs from us.
Love, Cheryl, Milo, Aly, and Jack
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SVO
climber
Lander, WY
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Jun 20, 2007 - 10:27pm PT
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Bobby -
Like all of the Lander crew, we have been anxiously awaiting messages from South Africa through the e-mail forwarding and SuperTopo. Today I was working in Pinedale and as I drove south of town I had this amazing flashback, which had me smiling all afternoon...we had all camped out at Skinner Brothers after Todd and Amy's wedding. After an amazing wedding, great food, stories, huge bonfire and an awesome breakfast that morning, Scott and I loaded into your truck for the ride out of the mountains. At one point there was a low spot in the rutted dirt road where an impressive puddle had formed, well, sort of a small pond really. As we approached the puddle, we could see Ty in his Volkswagen Rabbit carefully crawling around one steep edge of the water, windows down to enjoy a perfect spring/summer day. You looked at us with your infamous smile, said "Watch this!" and hit the gas. We hit the center of the puddle with enough speed to create a wave of water the went over the top of the Rabbit. The pond depth was significantly depleted with a good bit of that inside the car.
Heal fast, Bobby! We are thinking of you and your family all the time!
Leslie Bechtel-Van Orman
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Becky Brown (Covert)
climber
Cody, WY & Atlanta, GA
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Jun 20, 2007 - 10:37pm PT
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Bobby!
Can you believe I just heard about your crazy idea of a vacation? Mom and Dad were out of town for forever, just got back yesterday - and filled me in on the news (they didn't have cell phones or a phone when they were away, so they just heard too).
I can't believe our 10 year reunion was 6 years ago - it was great seeing you then, and I can't wait to see you at our 20th. Yuck, I can't believe we're even close to our 20th.
I can tell that your family, friends, and hospital staff are taking great care of you in South Africa. Don't let them down - keep improving every day, I know you can do it!
We'll keep you in our thoughts every day. I've been looking at all your photographs again online - you are so amazing. You need to get back out there soon because there sooo many more pictures you've got to take.
Talk to you soon.
Becky
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Meinecke's
climber
Cody, WY
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Jun 21, 2007 - 12:03am PT
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Bobby,
Someday, they are going to make a movie about your life. "The Bobby Model Story". Right now, you are writing the toughest chapters of your life. We, the audience, are sitting on the edge of our seats, waiting for that happy scene where you completely recover, and we dry tears of joy.
Come on Bobby, we believe. God will heal.
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Matt
Trad climber
State of Mind
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Jun 21, 2007 - 01:06am PT
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go bobby go!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jun 21, 2007 - 01:28am PT
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hey there all, i posted this, so folks can learn more about head injuries... i decided to do this after a friend shared her husband's situation, and felt that folks should know ahead of time how to help others--these are things that i already knew--but the general public, does NOT... and perhaps it may be good for you folks to know where these helpful links are (they are listed after this poem) ... god bless to all bobby's family and friends....here is my post:
hey there all, as bobby faces what is sad, and wrong...
please note, i am sharing this,as the days move along...
as folks, through troubles, have come to know...
to tackle life, one must have knowledge grow...
whether it's to be, and/or, to do ones very best...
in the rocks one seeks to climb, as their quest...
one must safely make their way...
by skilled precautions, they've learned, and passed on to others, in say...
as i share these few web-links, is it for brain-injury awareness, you see...
that to your friend bobby, or others walking these hard trails, as it be...
that there be an even deeper support, in their future days...
as the world tends to ignore and look another way...
when those with a brain injury have to wrestle each day...
with things that you've never had to face, or imagined, in any way...
as there are lingering times when a loved one may not seem the
same...
and may be unable to fully, their life's attitudes to reclaim...
yet, other times, there are completely wonderful, exciting, thrilled sucesses...
but, still, you need information to teach you along the way, one
stresses...
even as good climbers must be strong to face the unexpected, too...
as injured brains recover, please learn of all the steps along the way, so you may be part of the healing, in all that you do...
i added the seizure link, by a friends advice...
as,you see, after a head injury, he was NEVER told by his doc, which was not nice...
that he was now high-risk for one...
even THOUGH the injury was healed, and done...
many head injuries can lead to seizures, years down the road...
as far too many folks, have come to know...
now is the time to learn, and be ready to understand...
and to even pray that for bobby, does NOT a'land...
perhaps if we pray AHEAD of time...
this will not do such a damage, for off, down the line...
it is very sad that after fighting so hard, as it be...
that there could be more shocks, to burden he...
well, ending this share, now, please, in your well-wishes, work now to remember, to build yourselves up to be prepared...
to do all you can in the future, for a dear friend, by standing by his side, through future's thick-or-thin, or whatever is fared...
love will be the best medicine around...
and your double-dose can start now, as bobby pushes for a hard
start, from low ground...
to reach his goal, of regaining life, even if in new, different ways in some areas, it may so seem...
yet--with work, trust, and insight, and honor given to each new
challenge, he will wave a victory flag, and a smile of gleam...
HERE ARE TWO GOOD LINKS of awareness:
http://www.biausa.org/Wyoming/whatis.htm
(there is a high amount of information here, in this brain injury link, so scroll down)
http://www.epilepsyontario.org
(for the above site, there are many links to learn from at the
left-side list--this is a very well done)information site)
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RWolff
climber
Powell, WY
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Jun 21, 2007 - 10:49am PT
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Bobby...I have only met you a couple of times but that was all it took to see what an amazing person you are. I do believe so strongly in the power of prayer and what amazing things God can do. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Reanne Wolff
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Scott Bragonier
climber
Cody Native
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Jun 21, 2007 - 11:06am PT
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Hey Bobby,
I think I remember Faith writing that you are being read all of these postings, so I just wanted to let you know that I’m dragging myself through life and refreshing the SuperTopo website everyday, all day long. One thing is certain; you have an incredible base of fans and friends. I am jealous of all of the people, a lot of them I have never heard of, who have been fortunate to spend time with you the past 10 years and right now. I do know you surround yourself with good people, so I think of them as “our” friends. You’ve been a hard man to keep up with, especially to those of us landlocked in the USA. When we follow your adventures though websites and magazines I think it makes most of us look at our own accomplishments as pale in comparison.
I’ve definitely had a few laughs at the embarrassing stories posted lately. I decided that I will save the real embarrassing stories like when we were in second grade bell choir....wait, did I just type that....for when we’re hanging out as you heal up. Besides, an entire childhood full of memories would take up too much space. I looked up my last e-mail to you and the last sentence reads, “I just hope you stay safe out there, your friend Scott.”
Guess I need to have some words with you!
Your friend Scott
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Cookie
climber
aspen co.
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Jun 21, 2007 - 11:18am PT
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thinking of you all with love and prayers..
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JCB
climber
Lander, WY, someday again
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Jun 21, 2007 - 11:42am PT
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Bomo, you sandbaggin' sunovagun. I was reading Mallamo's post, and thinking about the first time we met: Steve and I were camping on your floor--you were renting in Cody, just back from somewhere abroad--and we convinced you to go climbing with us.
After hemming and hawing a bit ("I don't know, I haven't been climbing in over a year. I'm so out of shape. Let's see...I can't remember the last time I went. I wonder where my ice gear is?") you agreed. And so we set off, by way of Our Place.
My first clue was on the approach, but I was sweating too much at the time to notice. You were not laboring--a conspicuous absence of sweat or heavy breathing--as we plodded up to the base of the route, despite the fact that you were wearing about three layers, including a thick fleece. Steve and I were down to base layers, and my heart was beating so hard from the exertion that I thought it might explode.
My second clue should have been that you didn't eat or drink anything the entire day. Sure, we'd all had the farmer's breakfast and lots of coffee at the diner, but by the top of the second pitch Steve and I had blown practically all of our food, and most of yours.
After Steve and I lead a number of pitches, we came to the last hurdle: a free-standing pillar of steep, over-hanging ice. Courage not only left me, it ran back to the car, rolled up the windows and locked the doors, and drove back to Lander crying. The sharp end of the rope lay there in the snow, waiting.
You, Mr. Nonchalance, said, "The ice looks okay to me, I can give it a try unless one of you guys wants it." Steve's relieved response was, "It's my turn to belay." And then your ice clinic began: good swings, testing every placement, solid footwork, great pro. Basically, you rocked it. No panicked "Watch me!", no limp wrist swings from forearm pump, no it's-too-hard-to-place-pro-so-I-won't. Following your lead left my arms so pumped I thought I would have to chew through my thumbs to release my grip on my tools.
You didn't have much to say about your super-hero performance--I think I recall a "that was a nice pitch"--even though we were blubbering "That was awesome! Incredible!" Okay, maybe I was blubbering. I don't want to ruin Steve's rep. In any event, it was my third and final clue: you are Superman.
Just typing this today, I realized that what I really learned that day is that you're the rarest of all characters: a doer. I plan and train and practice for climbing or for skiing or, to get all big picture on you, for life. You don't have time for all of that training and practice, because you're too busy getting out there, getting after it, doing it. You saw the climb, you wanted to climb it, so you did it. In your life, you see what you want, and you just do it.
So, get better and get your ass back here for a spell. We are waiting here patiently for you, ready to belay. You can add your accident to your list of excuses on why you're out of shape for climbing. But personally, I won't buy it.
Lots of love, my dear friend.
Justin
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Wendy Cortez
climber
Cody
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Jun 21, 2007 - 12:33pm PT
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Bobby, Faith and Family:
It is amazing each day to read all the notes on this site to Bobby and your family, he has made a huge impact in many people's lives. Bobby keep on fighting, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers each day!
Love
Wendy
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J. Lehman
climber
Fort Collins, CO
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Jun 21, 2007 - 02:07pm PT
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Tiffany and my prayers and best wishes are with you, Bobby. I don't know you that well, really, just of you. I've always been kept abreast of your doings, however. Your mom tells my mom who tells me. In that way, you have always inspired me. I love hearing of your adventures.
I remember the first time you made an impression on me. I was eight or nine years old and in my Sunday school class. My mom was the teacher. You were in the older kids' class and politely entered our room. You asked my mom for some paper and a stapler. She grabbed them and handed them to you and asked what you needed them for. You graciously accepted the items and responded, "We're making spitballs. Thanks!" And you left the room. Man, you were cool. I really wanted to be in your class. I still wonder to this day, what the hell did you do with the staples? You'll have to let me know.
Get better, Bobby, you have many more adventures ahead of you.
Josh and Tiffany Lehman
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Charlotte
climber
DC, Turks and Caicos
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Jun 21, 2007 - 08:37pm PT
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Hey Bob-Meister,
Just heard from Faith, who sent an email at something like two in the morning SA time (hey, you know her better than anyone ...) and she confirmed that you are getting these messages every day. I'm not sure who benefits the most from them, you or all of us who apparently check the web site dozens of time each day in the hope of hearing how you are and to hear from others who love you as much as we all do. I'm afraid you're going to have a fair bit of explaining to do when you wake up ... (and, Bobby's childhood friends, PLEASE keep the stories coming!!!)
It sounds like you are surrounded by the best people, and there have even been some reports from some of the (cute) nurses who claim that you may not be completely asleep and who swear that you check them out when no one is paying attention. Knowing you for the gentleman that you are, I know these dastardly rumors to be untrue but, just a friendly advice, you may want to be more discreet in the future ...
I called Julie in Nairobi and she and Eduardo are well. We talked about their wedding and the fun you all apparently had. Great, now I feel even worse that I missed it! I know they are all waiting for you to get back and I will hold you to your plans to be in Kenya for the year's end holidays (this year or the next, it doesn't really matter).
Otherwise, all is well (and boring) in DC, I'm actually working a lot these days but hopefully it won't last much longer. I'm definitely planning on going back to Madagascar in the fall and, as you know I always "have" to fly through NBO, so hopefully I'll see you and Faith there.
OK, bud, that's all the news for the day, you take good care of yourself and hug everyone for me,
Charlotte
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Matt
Trad climber
State of Mind
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Jun 21, 2007 - 08:52pm PT
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unbelievable thread here on the taco-
must be an unbelievable guy, this bobby feller.
(did i type that wyoming accent correctly?)
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