Soon after Phil's accident, over a year ago now, we knew that we wanted to go back down to Moab and revisit what happened there. A few months we decided we were going to do it and started to make preparations to go. Phil got in contact with the commander of the search and rescue team and I got in touch with the families who were helping that are from Grand Junction. As the date got closer, anxious feelings started to creep up on us, especially Phil. He was not looking forward to going.
We arrived in Moab, early evening and grabbed a quick bite to eat before headed just south of town to the search and rescue head quarters. Jim, the commander told us to come a little bit early so we arrived about 6:45. We met Jim and few other members who were very warm and seemed happy to see us. They usually don't allow people to come to their meetings, but made an exception in his case. Jim and another member took us on a little tour of the building, all through the warehouse where they keep all the equipment, including, boats, rafts, 6-wheelers, ATV's and snowmobiles. The kids were in heaven and they were allowed to sit on some of the machines. I talked to Jim, who Lola was fascinated by and Jim held her most of the time, and filled him in a little more on his recovery and how he was doing. We asked about the helicopter and they showed us where is was, covered up, out back. They let us go outside and take a picture in front of it. The feeling was strange for me, knowing that this huge machine helped save Phil's life, but the connection was missing.
At about 7 we headed back in to the meeting room and sat together while the meeting began. After a few minutes, Jim introduced our family, read Phil's report from his accident, listed off the ten members that had been involved and then let Phil take the floor. He shared his story, explaining his injuries, time in the hospital and journey after that. To close it up he thanked everyone for their sacrifice and expressed his gratitude. It was sweet and heartfelt. I then took a minute to thank everyone as well.
It was really good to have that over with and I think everyone appreciated our effort to come all the way down to say thank you. I hope they felt our sincerity. One member expressed how nice it was to learn what happened to Phil, saying that they usually never hear from the people again, not knowing if they lived or died. I also learned that these people are just like us. Phil wasn't a burden that day to them. They are happy to help. Jim said, "We do it because we want someone to come help us if we ever end up in a situation." That was really eye opening to me. As I looked around the room I saw a bunch of people who live similar life styles to us. They are all active and love the outdoors. I was glad to have learned that bit of insight.
After our part, we left the meeting so they could finish and headed to Grand Junction. The drive gave me anxiety. Every road sign, exit sign, felt heavy and it brought back a lot of the emotions of having done that drive by myself. Thankfully darkness soon came and the landscape changed to unfamiliar. The kids were in heaven at the hotel. In the morning, Brewer was the last to wake up, despite Phil working and taking phone calls. The continental breakfast was Boyd's dream, where the food and options never run out. While Lola had her first nap I took the boys down to the pool to swim, which is always a highlight for them.
When we were ready to head out we stopped by the hospital real quick and left cookies and a not for both the ER and the ICU. We couldn't go back to where Phil was in either place or see anyone who had helped, which in all reality was probably good. Next we stopped by Linde and Mark's house to take them some cookies and chatted with them for a 1/2 hour or so. They were so kind and it was good for everyone to meet and feel a closer connection. It was nice to hear their side of the story, which proved even more that God was involved in helping preserve Phil's life. We are so grateful to them.
When were done visiting, our next stop was to have lunch with Amy and Steve, who were also camping with Amy and Mark. Steve is a police officer and member of the colorado search and rescue. When Chantz came in to their campsite, Steve gathered up supplies in a backpack and ran down the trail to help. It was so easy and natural with them. There was an immediate connection and friendship borne almost immediately entering their home. They were very gracious and kind. Our kids played well and while we all ate lunch, Phil and Steve shared their stories. It was healing in some ways to hear it all, adding more pieces to the puzzle. We could have stayed for hours, getting to know them, and did spend time after lunch continuing our conversation about other aspects of life. I imagine we will see them again and carry a lifelong friendship. Maybe even next year we'll go with them into the canyon and spot of Phil's accident. =)
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