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Charlotte
climber
DC, Turks and Caicos
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Hi everyone, this is my last post from New York as I am about to head back to DC, but I wanted to give you the latest on Bobby and the whole Model clan. Bobby is still in the Neuro ICU and he seems to be really taking to his surroundings. The nursing care here is exceptional and the doctors have shown tremendous empathy. One of Faith and Bobby’s cousins is a resident at Mt Sinai so he is getting extra support and TLC. One of the nicest things is that someone is practically constantly at Bobby’s side, and everyone takes turns talking to him, updating him on your posts and messages (I made a point of recounting in great details the most embarrassing of his childhood memories … BUSTED!), holding his hand, rubbing his arms and generally letting him know that he is not alone. We all think that he seems to be reacting in small ways and we have definitely noticed that he looks better by the day, calm, resting, very much at peace.
The nurses are definitely getting the hang of Bobby. As I was standing by his bed, they started discussing what a big guy he is (his arms and legs are still incredibly muscular and I’m pretty sure he was trying to flex his muscles when he overheard them) and one of them asked how tall Bobby is. All I could answer was something to the effect of “yay high” with my hand way above my head, but then another nurse jumped in and answered that he is 6 ft 2 in. Apparently, she had checked on him and already knew the REALLY important info on our big friend. Then they were all excited to report that following the publication of the article in the NY Times a complete stranger had called the ICU to check on him, “just because they had been following his progress.” Now the nurses are all convinced that our Bob-Meister is a complete rock star – WHICH HE IS!!!!
The other thing I wanted to share with you is a taste of the love and affection that have surrounded Bobby and Faith here in New York. A host of cousins, aunts and uncles are providing a constant source of visitors and both Bobby and Faith really appreciate the visits. Big Bob is here (and yes, we DID have our little conversation, we still disagree on some issues but appear to agree on most …), spending time with Bobby and Faith, and overall being an awesome father. Today, the family of another patient asked him if he had just flown his son in from Africa. Bob said that yes, he was the one, and he was tickled when they said that they had just read about Bobby in the NY Times. Word travels fast on the 8th floor at Mt Sinai … On top of this, Faith has a small posse of Loomis alumni (Loomis is the high school they all attended) who are constantly at her side or a mere phone call away. It is clear from seeing their concern, love and affection that they are much more than Faith’s friends, but rather that they have incorporated Bobby in their circle as the vicarious older brother they have long admired and now watch over. Helen, Liz Kohn and Kilby were at Mt Sinai when the ambulance pulled in from the airport and someone has been with Faith ever since. Liz Romig has also come to visit, all of which has made Faith visibly stronger. Anne is flying in from Wyoming today (Sunday), and I know that this is going to strengthen further the circle of love, strength and support on which Bobby and Faith depend so much. In other words, Faith and Bobby are clearly in very good hands. Of course, they could ALWAYS do with more thoughts, messages and prayers, so do keep them coming!
On a final note, Faith sends all her love and thanks to everyone. She’s still not able to respond individually to all the messages and emails you all have sent, but she really appreciates each and every one of them.
OK, you are now completely up to speed on how our friends are doing. All the best to everyone,
Charlotte
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gradyphoto
climber
Washington DC
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Great to know that Bobby's surrounded by not only his amazing family and loved ones, but great, caring doctors. Very good to know.
Keep holding on Bobby..in your own time...we're not giving up on you.
your friend Liz
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John & Pam Feeley
Social climber
Cody
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Bobby, I don’t remember where I saw this, but I read this the other day and thought of you.
It’s hard for everyone to deal with what’s happened to you, especially the way it happened; but maybe all of us, the ones who admire and respect you, the ones who think your absolutely nuts, and the ones that love and adore you, can find some comfort in knowing this is who you are, and you’d never do it any other way.
TO RISK
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken because
the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing,
has nothing… is nothing.
He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or live…
By William Arthur Ward
We want to see you soon, and I know you’re ready to get out of that bed! We miss you and are sending positive thoughts and endless prayers for you and the family.
Johnny & Pam Feeley
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Katrina
climber
Roseburg, OR & Cody, WY
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Bobby,
Welcome back to the good ole U.S.of A! I just spent an hour catching up on the last weeks posts. All the stories make me wish I had the chance to get to know you more than I did! The only story I can conjure up involves the 4th grade Box Social at Eastside Elementary. You "bid" on my decorated boxed lunch and had to eat lunch with me. I recall you and Tyler Chambers only being interested in seeing who could shotgun their soda faster and burp the loudest afterward. I was mortified at this boyish behavior and embarrassed that you wouldn't even try to eat any of the food my mom had packed for the occassion. After the lunch we had to square dance with people (after spending the whole week practicing in PE) and I remember having to dance with Tim Barrus. Another mortifying moment in my life. Apparently this whole thing was traumatic enough that I remember it vividly all these years later! I always wonder if you remember it too. :)
I just spent a week in Cody enjoying the 4th of July festivities. I spent a day and 1/2 in Yellowstone taking pictures of all the incredible wildlife and if my photos turn out even a small fraction as good as yours, I'll be damn happy!
I truly hope you are hearing and feeling all the love and support everyone is sending your way! Every one of us reading these posts can only hope to get a small fraction of the kind of love and support you are receiving if something of this nature were to happen to us.
You truly are a role model and I wish you a speedy recovery! If you're going to be climbing The Dollar in cowboy boots again, I really want to witness that this time, so make sure I'm invited! ;)
Get well soon,
Katrina Krause
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Tripp
climber
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I am not big on publicly posting personal stuff to groups, but I know a lot of people all over the world are closely tuned into reading this thread so I'll give it a try mainly because I was tremendously inspired by Joe Maxwell's words from SA and I have really enjoyed so many stories from Bobby's friends, some of whom I know, but many of whom I only know through stories Bobby shared over the years.
I got to spend some time with Faith, Big Bob and friends this morning and then Faith and I visited with Bobby. As many of you know, Bobby is so amazingly blessed to have had Faith by his side through all of this, her commitment and bond with Bobby is and always has been so much deeper than most sibling relationships. It was tremendous being with Faith and watching how she cares for and communicates with Bobby.
Faith let me know right away that Bobby heard us and as we joined hands with him it became apparent. While he is not conscious in an outright state you could clearly tell, as Joe Maxwell has said, that Bobby is right there, just below the surface, itching to respond. I could defnitely feel his energy and his awesome strength while just standing with my hands on him, I really got the sense that he seems close to getting up, shaking himself off, making a couple of strides of the Model swagger and walking out of the building to get on with life.
All of that good mojo out there is definitely feeding and fueling Bobby so keep it coming, keep believing. Take care for now - Tripp
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Somerton Manor
climber
Somerset West South Africa
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Hi Bobby and Model Family & friends.
We are all thinking and praying for you here in South Africa. It’s great to read that you are having such a great support team. It was a privilege to meet your family and friends here in Somerset West. As I can read you are also charming the nurses there in NC. It is going to be a hard clime for you but as far as we can see you are the one how will concur this one as well. Your support team is amassing and this shows what a great man you are.
We at Somerton Manor and Vergelegen Medi- Clinic are missing you and hope to see you do well.
Lots of thanks & hugs to friends and Family.
Antonie and Somerton Team.
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tals
climber
VIRGINIA
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Bobby and Faith,
Good Morning-
It was nice to start my day out with a laugh re: you and Tyler shot-gunning sodas in the 4th grade and frightening the girls. It's always nice to hear a memory. I laugh, I cry, and then I laugh again.
My mom recalls an afternoon- Ty had just walked home from school and was telling her about his new friend Bobby. Mom asked if you were a nice kid.. He said "yeah... yeah, he's a good kid, but he flipped a cop the bird through the fence at recess". Game over, you were the best of buds from then on.
I know without a doubt that Tyler is right there with you in spirit- If he were here, he'd be by your side to support you and Faith every step of the way. He'd be one of your biggest fans, although I can see him torturing you into waking up by prying your eyes open or something only he could think up-There was nobody quite like him :)
My two oldest Aubrey and Tanner know of their uncle and bless Tyler's friend Bobby every night at their bedsides.
Chris and I send all our thoughts, prayers, and energy your way.
Faith, don't forget to take care of you.
Rest well our friend-
I love you both-
Love to the rest of the family.
Peace
TCK
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Heather Merten- Cowden
Social climber
Hagerman
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Hi Bobby,
I've got another training peak for you. This weekend was Johnstone Creek , elevation in the 9,000 range but a spectacular view of Ketchum, Sun Valley, and all of Baldy. This peak sits just across from Hyndman, Old Hyndman, and Cobb . The access initially has a well maintained path until you come to the cross path for Pioneer Cabin, then you just start hiking saddles and peaks about 5 in all until you reach the highest of them all. The high altitude wild flowers on this hike are fantastic. It is definately a must do. Beautiful yet rough enough to be a challenge.
Have a great day Bobby! Miss you.
Heather Merten Cowden
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Mees
climber
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Hey Bobby,
It was early May, the truck was packed, goodbyes were said, merely 1000 miles or so stood between us and Yosemite Valley. So many thoughts and dreams rushed through our heads. Had our few years of groveling up the walls of Shoshone Canyon prepared us for THE greatest MOST intimidating climbing area in the world? Well, you were certainly wasting no time to find out. Before I knew it we’d put the Nevada desert behind us (quite beautiful at night) and found ourselves driving through the most switch-backed narrow paved road I think man was capable of creating. It reminded me of an I love Lucy episode I’d seen where Desi and Lucy tried to take a camping trip pulling a gigantic trailer and seem to take every road they shouldn’t have. I’d almost bet money they had to have filmed part of it on that road. We’d gotten closer and were counting down the 1/10ths of miles and were just about ready to crawl out of our skin there was so much anticipation and excitement to catch the first glimpse of The Big Ditch. We arrived at one of the western park entrances and still had a ways to go to get to the valley proper. The last 20 miles seemed to take longer than the first 1000! Finally, we rounded a turn and there it was in all it’s glory Yosemite Valley! Words of course fail when trying to define or describe what laid before us.. El Capitan on the left, Bridalveil falls on the right and Half Dome lurking in the distance. One would be hard pressed to find a more heavenly view on this earth. Holy moly!, Bobby we need to pull over... About 20 seconds later we had pulled over, you had managed to drain your coffee, get your tripod set up, camera mounted, metering the light. Other tourists saw your whirlwind and just kind of got the hell out of your way. After you had snapped a roll or two we were ready.. or were we? We drove the valley floor loop a few times with our jaws on the ground, and headed to the Mountain shop to get a guidebook and hopefully some good advice for our first climb. The helpful climber working there suggested Central Pillar of Frenzy on Middle Cathedral Buttress, for a first introductory climb and it just happened to sit right across from El Capitan. WoW, great! So we set out, you were driving and I was sizing up the climb based on the description in the guidebook.
Pitch 1 Offwidth! “Uh Oh” I said to myself, “that pitch is Bobby’s”. During the ride out I’d heard many stories about the OW’s at the VOO (Vedauwoo outside of Laramie) and how you had even managed to befriend and climb with the OW master himself Bob Scarpelli. I chuckled to myself thank God I have a rope gun because I’m about as good at OW as I am at reading Mandarin.
Pitch 2 hands/finger crack that ones mine.
Pitch 3 Fist crack roof… Another chuckle silently to myself, “My this is working out nicely” another wide crack and it just happens to be Bobby’s turn to lead again.
Pitch 4 hand crack YES no OW no problem!
Pitch 5 manky chimney OW to the max. congratulations Bobby
So I finally suggest, “want to take the first lead Bobby?” “Sure why not, let’s get it on”. I smile both at my ingenious tactical maneuverings and your innocent bravery. We hike up to the climb and a 25 foot high snow drift sits in front of the climb with nearly a 4 foot wide gap between it and the rock. Looking down at the gap from the top of the snow drift we noticed a dark mote that one just probably shouldn’t fall into if you know what I mean. Looking up Middle Cathedral seemed to just go on forever, “We Ain’t in Kansas anymore Model!” You sized up the first pitch and instantly saw there was a wide section guarding the top of the pitch. You weren’t impressed, to say the least. I cheered you on and reminded you of all the chicken wings (not food), arm bars and how Scarpelli would chastise you if you didn’t go up and crush this pitch. Well true to form you went up and with moves that were part inch worm, part mule you styled (that might not be the right word here as I’m not sure styling an OW pitch is technically possible) to the top and signaled your safety and disgust. The second pitch was an amazing clean hand/finger crack as advertised, I was almost laughing out loud as I got towards the top and saw the fist roof crack looming above on pitch 3. You seconded the pitch and like me were blown away with the quality and flow compared to the drudgery of the first pitch. I looked up and tried to sound surprised when I said you “might” want to take a couple of larger friends for that wide roof above. You started to catch on to me I think at that point. “HUH, another OW pitch what the hell Mees!” Trying to contain my laughter I reminded you that you were the man, Vedauwoo etc. etc.. Off you went chugging along until you came to the roof and somehow managed to get over it with equal parts , pain, ribald Wyo slang and true grit. The pain and blood were quickly forgotten when you got to see me grovel through that roof with eyes larger than saucers complexion dimming with each foot gained spattered with my timid squeaks “watch me” “how’d you do this” “awesome lead bro”. Your condescending laughs always were inspirational to me though and somehow I managed to get through just to spite you I think and steady myself for the next beautiful hand crack above us. It was hard to believe such benign graceful climbing could be part of the same route as the pitch we just completed. It was so easy compared to what you just did and I was almost in tears with laughter by then when I looked up and saw the rotten chimneys of pitch 5. Your lead Bobby! You were on to me for sure then, and were giving me hell for sneaking those gnarly pitches on you. We had a good laugh and I thanked you for being such a good rope gun. We looked over at the sheer majesty of El Capitan, as we had the perfect view of it from our perch directly across the valley from it. I knew we didn’t really have the experience to give it a go that trip, but I knew in my heart that when we did you would be at the top of my list for partners as you always have been. That month went way too fast, SO much good climbing and adventure, mountain bar shenanigans, dinner at the Ahwahnee (thanks Anne!) Snake Dike and the amazing redwoods of the Mariposa grove to name a few of the highlights , oh yeah you took a few pictures to. Love ya man thanks for that trip. I still gotta do El Cap (pretty sure you already have) I sure as hell still need ya for the OW pitches man, no better at them now than I was back then, so heal up, tape up and strap that camera on, I’ll be waiting with the rack in hand and OW above us, we got a lot more laughing to do.
Pat
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Toma Knapp
climber
Laramie, Wyoming
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Hey Bobby, were glad your back in the US. It is so amazing how many people write to you. You have a lot of great friends and family that care about you so much. Also it is neat to see all of the people writing you that we went to school with. Beau and I are praying for you everyday. Keep fighting Bobby, your friends Toma Knapp and Beau White
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Jill McMillan
climber
Colorado
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Bobby and Family,
What Toma said is so true! You may never know how many people are out here thinking about you, but we hope you are feeling it! Everyone I know who has any connection to Cody is now checking this site daily and sending more and more good thoughts your way. We're all glad you're back in the US and are in good hands at the hospital. Thanks to everyone who is keeping us up to date!
Jill McMillan
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Mark Jenkins
climber
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Faith-
Would it be possible to explain in medical terms how Bobby is doing? He's clearly surrounded by love from around the world, but I find myself wanting to know specifics about his condition. Hope this isn't too much to ask.
We're all pulling for Bobby.
Mark Jenkins
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Angi
Social climber
Cody
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Jul 10, 2007 - 12:46am PT
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Faith, hang in there girl. You and Bobby are amazing individuals. Faith I am truly blessed to know both of you. I do have a couple angels up there that are taking care of the good ones down here, so they are taking care of Bobby. My prayers are with you and your family, God Bless and I hope to see both of you soon.
Angela
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himills
Social climber
Filthydelphia, PA
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Jul 10, 2007 - 10:30am PT
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Hi Faith, Bobby, Annie, and company,
The Chapmans up and down the East Coast are all praying and pulling for your well-being. Bobby, it has been over twenty years since I saw you (I think it was when our families saw ET in the theater), and you certainly have been up to some amazing things. I know Ashley loved seeing you last fall in New York. Faith and Annie, I wish you peaceful mindfulness amidst the storm.
Also, even in the worst moments there is a place for humor, so I went and collected some good jokes for you:
http://www.lotsofjokes.com/dirty.htm
http://www.the-jokes.com/listjokes.php?id=Best
http://www.rd.com/content/50-funniest-jokes/
http://jokes.siteuri.ro/jokes.01.html
Peace, Mills
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Charlotte
climber
DC, Turks and Caicos
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Jul 10, 2007 - 11:57am PT
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Hey Bob-Meister,
Well, I'm sorry to report that I am back in DC, where the temperature has finally hit the three digits range (38 degrees C for all of us Euros and scientists) and where it's so miserable that the last thing one wants to do is go outside and play. I think I'm going to stay safely indoors and wait for dusk to go for a little walk once it's decent again. Fortunately, I had brought my guitar to New York (until I realized that Duh! it wouldn't be cool in the ICU, but never mind ...) and had the strings changed and tuned so I have picked it up again. Which is good news (for me, for my neighbours, not so much ...) as it gives me something to do while I'm locked in. I've been playing some of the songs we had played at Peg and Steve's in Portsmouth after Jessica's service and others that I know Faith really likes. These are all songs Faith, Jessica and I used to sing with our students in the Turks and Caicos and the funniest is one on which Faith has put her personal twist, basically chiming in at the wrong spot so that it sounds like echo. I swear, I can't play that song with a straight face anymore, as soon as I hit Faith's "echo" part my face cracks up in a big smile and, believe you me, it's actually hard to carry a tune when you smile from ear to ear...
There is also a beautiful song that I like a lot, called Easy Silence by the Dixie Chicks. It's my new favorite song because listening to it reminds me of the fact that we cannot hear you right now but hope, nay KNOW that you can hear us, in your own way. My favorite part goes:
When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind
Busses, cars, and airplanes leaving
Burning fumes of gasoline
And everyone is running
And I come to find a refuge in the
Easy silence that you make for me
It's OK when there's nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay
I'll try and email the song to Faith and maybe she can play it on your iPod. I'm also trying to teach myself the chords so hopefully when you are better I can play it for you.
All right, Bud, that's is it for now, but never forget that everyone is rooting for you. We are waiting for you Bobby, and we will keep waiting for as long as you need.
Hug everyone for me, and an especially big hug to Anne,
Charlotte
PS: when I was in NY we talked a lot about that crazy New Year's in Cody and Montana two years ago - good times my friend! (And a big hug to Molly, Sharon and the rest of the gang back in WY)
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ashley
climber
NY, NY
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Jul 10, 2007 - 12:44pm PT
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Dear Bobby, Faith, Anne and Bob-
I hadn't seen Bobby and Faith since we rode big-wheels in my driveway 20+ years ago, but I'd heard so much about them both from Uncle Ben & Aunt Pat over the years. Last winter, I finally got to meet up with Bobby during his visit to NYC. (Faith, I was sorry to have missed you then.) It was amazing to reconnect after so long and compare our very different paths in life.
Bobby - I've been so inspired by your countless adventures around the world, and I know you that have many more to come. I'm finally learning how to use that camera you suggested I buy, and I look forward to using it when visiting you guys in Kenya next year. After all, you promised you'd show me around, and I'm holding you to your promise. You better recover soon!
We're all cheering for you, every hour, every minute.
Thinking of all of the Models and hope to see you while you're here in New York.
With love,
Ashley Chapman
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mark musser
Social climber
cody, wy
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Jul 10, 2007 - 04:11pm PT
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I just received this email and thought I would post it here for all....
I think it says alot about Bobby!
Three things in life that, once gone, never come back -
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
--Bobby made the best use out of these 3
Three things in life that can destroy a person
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness
--I dont' think Bobby had any of these
Three things in life that you should never lose-
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty
--Bobby has all of these...
Three things in life that are most valuable -
1. Love
2. Family &Friends
3. Kindness
--The comments on this forum says it all about Bobby!
Three things in life that are never certain -
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams
--Bobby made sure they were certain!
Three things that make a person -
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work
--Bobby is an expert here!
Hang in there Bobby!!
We're waiting for you to return to Cody soon....
mark & shelley
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Penlop
climber
NY, NY
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Jul 10, 2007 - 04:11pm PT
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Dear Bobby, Faith, Mr & Mrs Model - Hello,
Ashley Chapman is one of my closest friends. I distinctly remember the first time she mentioned Bobby and Faith and shared his website with me. It was on December 14th, 2006. This is the email she sent:
"have been thinking of you as i went to dinner the other night w/that photographer i'd told you about a while back - he shoots for national geographic and is based in Nairobi. He lives w/his sister over there who is an aid worker in the Sudan. It was fascinating to talk to him, he LOVES Nairobi - by the end he'd convinced me to visit there, if not move..."
I told Ashley a few weeks back that I was moving to the Rift Valley in Kenya, in September, and she had mentioned - she thought it would be a great idea to put me in touch with Bobby. Its for this reason that Ashley discovered last week the shocking news of what had happened to Bobby in Cape Town when she went on to his website.
Ever since Ashley told me this - I've asked her to keep me updated and this morning she shared this blogspot and the NYTimes article. I only just finished reading this entire string at 3:02pm today ... I'm at work but whenever I had a quiet moment, I read on to learn about about Bobby's progress.
I feel compelled to write although we've never met to let you know I am praying for Bobby and your family. Praying for his speedy recovery. From everything I've read - he has a strong spirit, a fearless personality and many many friends from far and wide who have shared so many funny and loving stories on this site, deeply love and support him and want to see back on his feet.
Bobby - I truly hope that when Ashley comes to visit me in Kenya during my time there - that you will have regained your strength and have returned to Kenya so I can finally meet this wonderful and fascinating individual that she's told me so much about! Perhaps you'll have time to show us Nairobi and the other parts of Kenya that have inspired you so much!
I will continue to read this blog and check in daily.
Sending and wishing you all much energy, hope and continued strength.
Much love,
Penny Killebrew
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Jul 10, 2007 - 05:20pm PT
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hey there, to ashly and your family of chapmans... my brother and i, and our siblings, and folks, are west-coast chapmans... (from relative in ohio that none of you folks would know)---i just wanted to say how neat it is to know that there are others chapmans out there praying, too...
when we were growing up, we never ran into any other chapmans... i'm a gonzalez now...
this is amazing, as other folks have said, how so many folks can be drawn together to pray for one young man--meaning--there far-reaching ways that the good lord chooses to bestow love on those that such terrible accident has stuck...
god is bestowing treasure from heaven, for bobby and his family... in far-reaching ways... and THIS part, is NO accident...
i have learned so much about just one national georgraphic photographer, out of who knows the total, than i would have ever thought possible, when i first picked up my very first magazine, from my mothers house...
all this is being done, as a gift for this one young man and his family---how speicial is this---it is heaven sent
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Soaring Eagle
Boulder climber
Grand Forks, ND
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Jul 10, 2007 - 08:04pm PT
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Hello Bobby's Family, I'm keepin' Bobby in My Prayers! God Bless!
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