Sunday, September 19, 2004
Ralston tells of epiphany: 'Amputation was the best idea,' climber says
Aron Ralston says his mother used to tell him he didn't have enough common sense. But it may be common sense — in the face of seemingly impossible odds — that saved his life 16 months ago.
Ralston experienced instant fame after his right arm became wedged between an 800-pound boulder and a rock wall while climbing in Utah's remote Bluejohn Canyon. After five days of trying everything he could think of, in desperation he cut off much of his arm. Then he rappelled down the canyon and walked seven miles before encountering other hikers and being spotted by a helicopter rescue unit.
Now Ralston has written a book about his ordeal — "Between a Rock and Hard Place."
"I am an introspective person," the 28-year-old engineer said during a telephone interview with the Deseret Morning News. "It's part of my nature.
"Since I was 5, my mom has told me I don't have a lot of common sense, so I try to learn from my experiences. It stems from the analytical side of my personality. It's what made me an engineer, and my high school training in speech and debate also helped me to learn to think on my feet."
Ralston readily admits talking to himself during his five days trapped in the slot canyon. It happened after he quickly drank a third of his water supply — then panicked.
"I said, 'Calm down! You will kill yourself with this behavior.' I didn't panic again until the end — just before I gained my freedom. It was the catalyst to help me realize I could break the bones in my arm. Afterward, I was euphoric."
Ralston demonstrated a rare talent during his predicament — that of coolly analyzing his situation and carefully considering various alternatives. He thinks of himself as a problem-solver, accustomed to "brainstorming, gathering information, prioritizing and executing a solution."
"By the time I executed the amputation, I had made three unsuccessful attempts. Each time I learned something. [...]
He just knew it was something he had to do. "Amputation was the best idea. It would help me get my life back. Ultimately, I liberated myself. I will never feel that kind of exhilaration again. I went through a kind of resurrection in that canyon."
[...]Ralston believes his "perspectives on spirituality" were confirmed by his release.
"The experience in Bluejohn Canyon was a spiritual experience. The hardship and suffering I went through — one of my friends said Bluejohn was my 'Calvary.' When I saw visions of my mom and my friends, I was comforted and sustained, knowing that there were people who loved me. I prayed while I was there — in direct, out-loud appeals and also quietly, looking for guidance. I believe the epiphany I felt that allowed me to break my bones was divine interaction."
[...] "I want people to understand that this was a miracle. A person without water usually lasts two to three days. You need a gallon of water a day in the desert. It's phenomenal that I survived six days. It's also miraculous that I didn't pass out while cutting off my arm. I probably wouldn't have gained consciousness. There are greater spiritual energies than us in the world — and there are times when we connect with them."
[...] As a person, Ralston said he has been changed in two fundamental ways.
First, he said, "I have to obey my passions. If I ignore them I get grumpy and unhappy. So I will continue my adventures in the outdoors. I've realized that my life and passions are more important than mortgages and paychecks.
"Second, I have a greater appreciation for my friends and family. Being around them is a more profound pleasure, because we all feel we almost lost each other."
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