I asked Dr. Peter Wall – Director of Climb For Kids, maternal medicine physician, kick ass climber and loving father to put up a quick post about his experience on our recent trip to the Alps. Peter was the incredible doctor who helped out my family when were dealing with the trauma of TTTS. He will always have a special place in my heart. The photos from his camera are here, and the additional photos from his Mont Blanc attempt are here. Here’s his post.
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Back from our Alps adventures – Matty arranged a great trip, with fantastic guides.
In the course of two weeks I learned that I love rock climbing much more than glacier slogs, that European alpine huts are phenomenally better than American (especially when compared to the shack on Mt Rainier); but that nothing really changes the experience of dormitory-stye, high altitude sleeping. (as the Navy Seal we met at the Monch Hut said, ” I’m breathing, but it’s just not working”). I learned from Matt Farmer (guide extraordinaire) that fashion IS safety, and from Zoe (also a guide extraordinaire) that sometimes you just have to say, “Oops, sorry” and move on.
And I relearned from Matt K, that the love we have for our children is precious beyond words. That it persists through death and the distances of time and place, and remains a powerful force for change.
Emma was especially in my thoughts as I attempted to summit Mt Blanc, as Matty and I had talked about her the day before. (I refer you back to his posting of his first Mt Blanc summit – Note from Matt: I swear I’ll get this reposted after burning man). I thought about her, and the other babies I’ve cared for – and the quiet desperation of their parents as they deal with the uncertainties of complicated pregnancies.
I’m proud to know Matt, and deeply respect his charitable instincts – he really does serve as an example to us all (though I know he’ll be embarrassed to read this, and attempt to shrug it off with some self deprecating statement!).
Peter
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Thanks Peter. And Thank YOU for all the great work you’ve done, the lives you’ve saved and the families you’ve helped.
