Astro Dog

When we reach the car we instantly realize that our stopping was indeed necessary. Rob and Robbie quickly begin canvassing the area for bodies as someone had heard that there were three people in the car. Fortunately this turns out to be a miscommunication. Hearing anything is extremely difficult as the radio is blaring an annoying mix of static and Top-40 wailing. This coupled with the poor woman trapped upside down crying for help make for a chaotic scene. As I blindly grope around the dashboard for the radio, I happened across the keys and was surprised to find that the car was still running. After cutting the ignition, the next 45 minutes are filled with a lot of crying, consoling, frantic phone calls, and pleas for help. We do our best to keep the woman calm and assure her that cars can be replaced and broken bones heal. 

As I look back on the images now, I am struck by the sense of calm that seemed to preside over the three of us. While the other motorists had that ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ look, Rob and Robbie calmly went about the business at hand. Climbing is a pretty pointless pursuit, but it can teach you how to remain objective in the midst of a storm. I was convicted of how lucky I am to have a partner that I trust implicitly with my life. Whenever it does hit the fan, it is encouraging knowing that Rob is tied into the other end of the rope.  Odd what flashes through your mind. Once the paramedics arrive, we load back in the car, but not before I jettison my favorite pair of jeans which are pretty well covered in the woman’s blood. We drive along in silence, each of us deep in our own thoughts until we regain cell coverage near Fruita. I call my wife and let her know how much I love and miss her. I assure her that we’re being careful and driving slowly, and for once, we actually are.