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inhisfootsteps
Sport climber
the heart of WY.
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Aug 22, 2007 - 11:56pm PT
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Still in our prayers.
♥
Becca
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Aug 23, 2007 - 12:36am PT
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Never met you, Bobby, but of course I know of you through mutual friends who only speak of you with great love and respect. Get well soon.
-Jeff Lowe
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Shaya
climber
Flagstaff, AZ
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Aug 24, 2007 - 02:18pm PT
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Hi Bobby & Faith,
You may not remember me but I met you both through the Rohrbach family in Cody.
Bobby-- I met you years ago (10?) when I was in Wyoming for my cousin Sara Rohrbach's wedding. I remember well because we went climbing just outside of Cody (I can't remember the name of the spot but it was just before you go through the tunnel at the reservoir dam). That was my first-ever experience climbing, and even still I think of that day when you introduced me to climbing.
Faith--the last time I saw you was a few years ago at Nick & Morgan's wedding in WA, although I do hear updates from the Rohrbachs every once in a while.
I was in Cody earlier this summer and heard about the accident and have kept your family in my thoughts and prayers since. I frequently check this blog for updates and am happy for the good news of progress!
I just wanted to say hello and let you know I'm thinking of you with well wishes for a speedy recovery.
Cheers,
Shaya
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BrenDA
climber
Green River, WY
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Aug 26, 2007 - 02:05pm PT
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Hey guys I just wanted to touch base and tell you that all of you are in my thoughts daily. I loved the Slide show from Matt, Thanks for sharing. I am a massage therapist now and ever since I heard about the injury I close my eyes when I'm working on a client and pretend that I am giving Bobby a massage. I hope you are feeling my loving touch. I have photos of Bobby all over my office and I get a lot of questions about him. I love telling peole about how wonderful you are and they walk out telling me that they are going to add you to their prayers. My kids on the other hand are getting jealous because I have more photos of Bobby than them!! Ha Actually, They can't wait to meet you Bobby. I talk about you and the rest of the Model crew a ton.
Stay safe and I hope all is well, Brenda
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Mallamo
climber
NC
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Aug 27, 2007 - 07:01am PT
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Hi Everyone,
Since Bobby’s accident most of the messages I have posted on this forum have been for him. This one is for all of you. I just returned from visiting our man up in NY, with brothers Steve and Jeff Bechtel, and have to say our visit really re-freshened my outlook. Like the rest of you I have been anxiously reading Faith’s dispatches and totally relying on those to form an image in my mind how Bobby is doing. Trying all the while to keep up the positive vibes. But, at the same time, as each day passed the impatient part of me that wants to hear progressively better news and more of it was slowly starting to win the game of tug of war being played out in my mind and heart. As that game was being fought I was starting, on a very small scale, to lose a little bit of hope. For that I am sorry.
Now, having seen for myself, I tell you all that our friend is very much here with us. When we arrived Friday he was still pretty sedated but the staff was slowly weaning him off those particular meds. Still though there were moments that his left eye was wide open (his right eyelid was closed due to the injury but his eye underneath moves and his right lid blinks in unison with the left which is a good thing) and there was no doubt in my mind that he was aware and looking right at us, from one of us to the other. When Jeff walked in the room there was even a little smile on Bobby's face. It felt so good to see that recognition. Yesterday was the same way, with moments like the day before that convinced me even more that Bobby was slowly coming around.
This morning I stopped by the hospital on my way to the airport for one more visit before I left. It was early, before 7 am, and Mariella had told me that early morning was his best time. For the first half hour he was asleep, but as I spoke to him and rubbed his arm all of the sudden he opened his eye. And maybe it was because I was the only one there, but I had Bobby’s undivided attention and he was totally aware that I was present and talking to him. I would walk from one side of the bed to the other and his eye would follow me. When I had to leave I told Bobby I wasn’t saying goodbye but that I would see him soon and that I loved him and I squeezed his hand. He squeezed back and he held on. I know in my heart it was him squeezing and not just a reaction because as I let go to leave, after a few seconds, he let go as well.
I also want to assure you all that Bobby is in the best hands that he could possibly be in, and I am not just talking of the hospital staff. He has these two beautiful guardian angels looking over him constantly. Faith and Marialla are always talking to him, massaging him, assuring him and are there with him. They monitor his stats and know more about all the machines he's hooked up to than some of the staff! Seeing those two care for him the way they do was a warm and amazing thing and I cannot thank them enough for all that they are doing. It is truly inspirational and their strength is simply awe-inspiring.
Keep up the positive energy, the prayers and mainly the hope. I think I can speak for everyone who has seen Bobby when I say it is undoubtedly working. And if you are able to, go visit him. I highly recommend it. It will do wonders for Bobby and probably for you as well.
All the best,
Peter
BoMo, Steve and myself below Haystack in the Wind Rivers
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tals
climber
VIRGINIA
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Aug 27, 2007 - 07:30am PT
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Thank you for sharing your story Mr. Mallamo. Very touching.
As always, to Bobby and the rest- We send all our love, hope and prayers your way every day.
The Kenney's
Chris Talia Aubrey Tanner & Tyler
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gradyphoto
climber
Washington DC
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Aug 27, 2007 - 10:49am PT
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Peter,
Wow. Thank you so much for your honest and moving account about visiting Bobby. When I heard you guys were there last week, I was telling a friend, I felt this rush of calm all of a sudden. That day I sent out an email to all the NG photographers, with a picture of Bobby attached, to remind them that he is still fighting with such inspiration. Photographers who don't even know him were writing back in support. And those who do were grateful to be reminded of him.
And you are right about the way Faith and Mariella care for him. They do it with strength and grace and it is amazing to watch.
Having visited Bobby in July I can say I felt that same awareness coming from him. I wasn't lucky enough to get a hand-squeeze but it didn't matter. :) What matters is that Bobby is gonna come back to us all, I can really feel that now. Like you I have to admit there have been days I've not been as hopeful as I should but your email reminded me we all need to keep that hope going because Bobby is in there and he wants to survive--and he will!
thanks again--Liz
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Charlotte
climber
DC, Turks and Caicos
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Aug 28, 2007 - 08:29am PT
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Hey Bob-Meister,
OK, here's the deal, I'm basically in paradise right now, on a small island in the Caribbean. The ocean is so blue you can hardly believe it, the people are friendly, the sun is hot and the (frozen) drinks are cold. In other words, it's all good. Best of all, I found a wifi connection so I am able to check on you. And now, I just got Peter's latest (thanks Peter, you the man!)... Goodness Bud, you DO make my day, you know!!! Only you could make a perfect setting even better. I was SO chuffed to hear how well you are doing and I am taking Peter's word for it, I too KNOW that you are coming closer to us. I just love it that you are being looked after by everyone, that Faith is still there with you day in, day out, and that, as a result you are getting better. So, I'm hereby sending you a bit of sun, lots of fresh, salty air and all my renewed hope and energy, as well as a good dose of Caribbean lovin'.
I know you already know this, but remember, we are all here for you, pulling for you and ever waiting for news of your progress.
And, as always, I hold you close in the back of my mind,
Charlotte
PS: I'm playing what I now consider "your" song as I write this - can you hear it, Bud?
And I'll hold you close in the back of my mind
It feels so good, but damn it makes me hurt
And I'm scared to know how I feel anymore
La Cienega just smiles and says I'll see you around
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elemental
Gym climber
Lander, Wyoming
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Aug 28, 2007 - 10:29am PT
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It is so hard to stand next to Bobby and watch him struggle to heal. We all want so desperately to help him, but it is his own long road. All weekend, we were privileged to sit with Bobby Model and told stories, asked questions, and let him know how important he is to us. I was exhausted at the end of three days. I can’t fathom how Faith, Mariella, and Bobby’s family have had the strength to do this for almost three months straight.
I was wracked with the thoughts of how fortunate I am for the wonderful times I have had with Bobby and how badly I want more of them. It was also totally apparent that one is either on board with Bobby, or not. It is so easy to look at him lying in bed for the eleventh or twelfth week and think that the task of healing is too great. The size of this effort is overwhelming.
It would be an easy road to take to be the naysayer, to declare that all is hopeless and that we should all just move on. To invest oneself in being part of Bobby’s team, signing up to stand by him and believe in him is not the easy road. It is not the road for the weak or the impatient or the selfish. We have got to understand that this is something one does not “snap out” of, that this is a years-long process and that now is the time to start really being friend to Bobby Model.
To hear that he’s responding to voices and tracking with his eyes seems like such a small step. On Sunday morning, Bobby was able to hold up two fingers, three separate times when asked to do so. This is another small step toward a faraway summit. To look always toward that summit is wrong; instead we must look toward the next step. The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination. I believe that my friend Bobby has that kind of determination.
Get on board with the team. Do what you can. Write a letter to be read to Bobby. Post pictures here or send them through the mail to him. Send music. Think about him. Remember that every day, as we make our way through our easy lives, he is facing the longest of odds. Next time you are exhausted and can’t imagine doing anything but sitting on the couch, get up and do something to help him, or at least go do something with Bobby in mind.
If we do nothing else, we should learn from this man. Instead of pursuing easier lives, perhaps we should instead try to be stronger people.
Steve Bechtel
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Aug 28, 2007 - 10:38am PT
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I hope those litle incrimental changes eventually add up to a solid recovery. Should I have so many friends as Bobby. The man is blessed, though his situation is untoward - but maybe, God willing, for just a while longer.
Kind and healing thought to you, Bobby.
JL
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Mees
climber
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Aug 28, 2007 - 11:03am PT
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Glad you guys got out there to visit BoMo I'm sure it helped all of you. When I sit back and consider such a traumatic injury I start realizing how Bobby is taking all the small necessary steps towards recovery, this is a full blown expedition style injury and these things take lots of time 1 small step at a time.
It's difficult to be patient and steadfast in our vigil, patient for Bobby and patient with ourselves, we live in such a face paced world these days. It's an opportunity to slow down a bit every day and offer what you can.
For a perspective think back a few months when it seemed like Bobby was holding onto just a sliver of hope, now he holds onto his friends hands and there are buckets of hope to embrace.
It will not snow until it's ready, the elk won't drop it's horns until the perfect moment, the drunken naked skier won't wipe out until he reaches top speed :P
Keep up the good fight man!
Pat
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The LG
Sport climber
Lander, WY
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Aug 28, 2007 - 02:10pm PT
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Dark Bo,
Sounds like you had a good time with Bechtel. Kenny's coming to see you in a week or so, he's super excited to climb in the Gunks and eat lobster. Lindsay and I are still coming out east, our trip is just delayed a bit. I'm excited to see the New River Gorge and climb in the steep south. I remember the time long ago when we were woodying at your moms place with Nathan and you told me that steep climbing was where it was at. I scoffed at you and swore up and down I'd NEVER climb anything past vertical and harder than 5.11. Guess I was wrong that time too. I found some music you might like, I'll try and send some back with Dad, there's a band called Hird you'd dig I think. I'll throw some Deadbolt in there too, I've been listening to Tiki Man a lot lately trying to get psyched up for the journey. Heal up my friend, remember that e-mail I sent you after Todd died, stay strong and keep moving forward, I believe in you! We'll talk again soon. Adios Amigo!
Leif
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bunnypoo
climber
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Aug 28, 2007 - 02:17pm PT
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AUGUST 28 UPDATE FROM FAITH!
Dear All,
I hope this email finds all of you enjoying the last few days of August with many occasions for joy. I'm happy to report that Bobby really seems to be finding his place in the drivers seat of his recovery and has been making encouraging strides this past week. Not only has he been essentially infection free since his last surgery, but he is showing increasing signs of
alertness--showing two fingers on command several times in a row and on different occasions--that have brought all of us (including docs and nurses)to rowdy cheers of support. Although he is resting a great deal--which is so important--he is also in the best shape he's been in since the accident and
I believe he is on the high road to recovery.
I really apologize for not being more consistent with these updates! But as ever, we are soo incredibly grateful for your enormous support and faith throughout these past few months. I don't know what we would have done without all of you...
With thanks and love always,
Faith
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Matt
Trad climber
always on the lookout for ed's 5.10 OW van
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Aug 28, 2007 - 02:54pm PT
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showing two fingers on command several times in a row and on different occasions
wow- that must be incredible to witness after all that your family has been through. i don't know bobby and i don't even think i know anyone that knows bobby, but i regularly get clammed up reading this thread about his progress and his condition.
sounds like bobby is on the way back to being bobby!
here's to continued healing and eventually, hopefully, a full recovery.
all of us randoms who had never even heard of you are pulling hard for you all (btw- 2 fingers and a thumb and you'll be able to hold a cold beer...)
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Jakeb
climber
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Aug 28, 2007 - 03:41pm PT
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That update raised the hair on my arm and brought a tear to my eye!! Keep it up, dude! You can do this!
Jake Beaudrie
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gradyphoto
climber
Washington DC
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Aug 28, 2007 - 04:13pm PT
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hi Bobby,
We are all so proud of you and we know you are in there and on the road to recovery. It was so encouraging to hear from your great buddies, and then from Faith today.
Thought I would post one of my favorite quotes which I believe Faith still has posted in your room. It is by Lewis Carroll : "There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."
I dare say Alice has never met you, either :)
Keep up the good work, you're doing a fantastic job, Bobby.
xo
Liz
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Lambone
Ice climber
Ashland, Or
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Aug 28, 2007 - 04:35pm PT
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yay! I have been waiting and praying for this update. come on Bobby!
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Lyon Davis
Social climber
Cody, Wy
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Aug 28, 2007 - 06:02pm PT
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If anyone can climb out of hole this deep, dark & nasty it's Bobby Model. They say that everything happens for a reason, it makes me wonder what Bobby's purpose from now on is. It's something greater than being a photo journalist, that I know. He's really gifted in areas not many people in the whole world are. I have never seen such drive and tenacity in anyone. Bobby has this powerful low-key energy about him, just below the surface, you might not notice it when you first meet him, but get in a touchy situation and it comes right out. He's on my short list of people I would want with me in times of trouble. I've seen this in him since he was just little, always giving more than his best, almost to the point of being obsessed. Remember his deal with chainsaws & tools? When he was scouting cliffs up North Fork to jump off on his skiis? He is that way in everything, skiing, climbing, photography you name it. He has always put in the time and effort in when he wanted to be the best and it's sure got some results. I would like him and you (Faith) to know that this whole situation has really changed my views on a few things. One of them is that Never Ever Give Up, never lose hope, not on your friends, yourself or a situation. If you keep going at it only good things will result. If you give up, that's where you are. It's unacceptable. Bobby has been gifted, that's for sure, but his greatest gift I think is yet to be realized. There is something else going to come from this guy, something truly meaningful. I feel it in my bones! He's setting the stage to blow all of our minds once again. Give him a squeeze for me!
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Cruiser
Mountain climber
Cody
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Aug 28, 2007 - 10:13pm PT
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OK Bobby, two fingers and a high five to you!!! What wonderful
improvement and good news to all of us. I'm off to the tetons with the boys this coming weekend and will be thinking of you constantly. I've had some outrageous times in the high country this summer and am trying to stretch the good weather to the max. Fall is in the air and the cool evenings remind me of bouldering on Cedar mountain. Keep up the strong fight that only you can do. From everyone here, keep on the sharp end of the rope.
Kirt Cozzens
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Aug 28, 2007 - 10:32pm PT
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hey there faith... say, thanks for the wonderful news of an accomplishment!!... now, for sure, we know we are pressing on, praying in the right direction!... many more days of success can come your way... just keep praying for more open doors!.... and insight as to how to approach and open them....
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