I continue to climb for many reasons: because I love the outdoors, because I love being in God’s creation, because I love the sense of accomplishment that comes from achieving a challenging goal, and because it fits the way I’ve been wired—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And perhaps most of all, I climb because I love sharing outdoor adventures with other people, helping open their eyes to the awe I have experienced myself at high places.
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One year after my summit, JoAnna planned a family picnic at a park near our home with a great view of Mount Si, Mount Baker, and the Cascades. I’m not the type who likes days that are all about me—I’d rather celebrate other people’s special occasions and fly under the radar for “Brian days”—so I was glad this was low key, a special moment to spend with my three favorite people in the world.
The kids had grown a lot in the past year, and they’d gotten used to Daddy being a topic of conversation in the media and on TV. But they didn’t see anything different about me—to them I was still just Daddy.
That day we went on a nature hike and then ate lunch. JoAnna explained to the kids why the day was special, but we didn’t go into much detail about it. After our picnic, I lay on the blanket, taking in the moment and hugging my kids until they broke loose to chase bugs. In my mind, I drifted back to my accomplishment on Everest and everything I’d endured a year before. Knowing the other scenarios that could have happened, I felt so blessed to be there with my family in that moment.
When I recalled being in my office recording that good-bye message for my family before I left, I never could have predicted what lay ahead and how God would work. I felt truly blessed that JoAnna and the kids never had to sit through that video.
This is what JoAnna wrote, reflecting on the one-year anniversary of my summit.
May 15, 2012
Today we celebrated that Brian is home and safe with us one year after Everest. I planned a family picnic at Snoqualmie Point Park. It was a simple thing, but it was so nice to be in the sun together, enjoying a meal as a family. I’m so thankful for all that Brian has accomplished, but even more important, I’m thankful he is alive and here with us.
Looking back, I can’t believe all we’ve been through. If I’d known ahead of time what Brian would have to endure on Everest, I never would have agreed for him to go. But despite all the challenges we faced during and after the climb, I wouldn’t change anything. Our faith grew tremendously through this experience, and now we know that with faith, anything is possible. We have seen God’s faithfulness firsthand.
I am amazed at the way God works and how Brian’s story continues to reach so many people in different ways. It has been a blessing to hear him tell his story, emotional as it is. We have both worked at overcoming our fears—he even went back to climbing that same year. Brian amazes me in so many ways, but I’m even more amazed at the way God has worked in both of us through this and the story he has given us to share.
•
If there’s one question I’ve gotten more than any other since returning from Everest, it’s this one: “Did you make it to the top?”
And while that’s a worthwhile question, it’s not the ultimate one. Summit or not, there’s so much more that goes into a big goal like this one. As with any aspiration in life, you get more out of the knowledge and experience you gain along the way than you do from that moment of completion. In many ways I returned from my Everest expedition the same man I was before I left. But in other ways, I’ll never be the same again.
I always knew that I was physically and mentally tough, but you don’t know how tough you really are until you’re put to the test. I never would have chosen to go through something like this, but it was gratifying to get to the other side and know I’d passed. I learned that I can be determined and focused enough to fight for survival in a crisis situation.
One of the biggest changes in my life after Everest has been a deeper faith in God. For much of my life, I’ve taken credit for my own accomplishments (whether that was legitimate or not), but I don’t deserve any of the honor for what happened at 27,500 feet. I was given life and energy that I didn’t have in reserve. I can’t take credit for what happened in that moment—it wasn’t from me, and it wasn’t from this world.
Another way my life has changed since climbing Everest is that I’ve been given chances to share about Christ as I tell my story. I’ve always been pretty private about my faith—not that I kept it hidden, but I certainly never had the opportunity to talk about a miracle of Christ onstage, on the radio, on social media, or on TV. I’ve been interviewed by people who weren’t coming from a religious perspective, but I can’t tell my story without including the parts about how God worked. So whether I’m talking to a group of 30 people or a crowd of 70,000, I always share the whole story.
I’ve accomplished something that the majority of people have never experienced, let alone imagined, and my body and my mind have endured something that nobody else on record has ever accomplished. Most people don’t get the specifics of my journey, but then again, they’ve climbed mountains of their own that I can’t fathom.
Whether your mountain is a literal one or not, I believe that God has put each of us on this planet to live a life that is beyond imagination. I don’t recommend the death zone for everyone, but I do recommend that whatever spot you find yourself in, you discover and climb your personal Mount Everest.
Maybe for you the goal is running a 5K after years of saying you can’t run. Or maybe you want to get into good enough shape to play with your kids or grandkids. Or perhaps your battle is more of an internal one—you want to heal a fractured relationship, or you’re trying to overcome mental and emotional damage you’ve been carrying with you since childhood.
Whatever your mountain is—no matter how impossible it seems at times, no matter how many obstacles you face along the way, and no matter how many people tell you it can’t be done—it is possible for you to summit.
My parting words are simple: live life. Create goals, and then chase after them. When you do, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to alter your goals when unexpected changes come up. Don’t be afraid to fail, and always keep the faith. Whatever it is God has put on your heart to accomplish, I encourage you to push your limits—you never know what you’re truly capable of, and you may just surprise yourself.
When you get discouraged along the way, take confidence in these words from Scripture: “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God” (Mark 10:27, NLT).
And when people ask you if you made it to the top, remind yourself that summit or not, that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is who you are becoming along the way.
So when people ask me if I summited Mount Everest, my response is simple. I tell them, “I survived.”
Acknowledgments
I’M SO GRATEFUL for my wife, JoAnna, who puts up with me every day. She is truly a wonderful wife, mother, and best friend (and she is also superhot). Without her, I would be nothing. My children, Emily and Jordan, are my strength and my motivation during times of struggle. I am so blessed to have them in my life, and I cherish every day I’m able to witness their spiritual and emotional growth.
I’m thankful for my time in the US Navy and the extensive training I went through to become an air rescue swimmer. The Aircrew, AIRR, and SERE instructors were tough, but they made me tough, and I credit them with preparing me to do what it took to stay alive and never consider quitting. I also want to thank those who have served our great country to ensure our continued safety and freedom.
During my expedition, I witnessed the remarkable effects of the power of prayer. Church on the Ridge is filled with amazing people, and I’m so thankful for the prayers they offered when I was in need. I want to give special thanks to Pastor Charlie Salmon, who gave me a much-needed mental boost halfway through my journey when I Skyped him from base camp.
Funding a mountain
eering hobby can’t be done alone—not for me, at least. I couldn’t ask for cooler sponsors than Presidio, partnering with Cisco Systems, NetApp, and VMware. They helped make my dream a reality. I’d also like to thank Cisco Systems for supporting my unpaid time off to climb. It’s great to see a major company that puts a priority on living out your dreams.
I also want to give recognition to my Sherpa crew, who were some of the most selfless people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. I have a lifelong friend in Pasang, and I feel confident I’ll see the rest of the team in the future. I also want to give thanks to the team that helped coordinate this life-changing experience for me.
I want to acknowledge several people who made Blind Descent possible. First, thanks to my close friend Tony Russell, whose prayers and personal connections helped me develop some important relationships. Thanks to Scott Brickell for inviting me into his home to share my story with his wonderful family in Franklin, Tennessee, and for his warm introductions to specific folks in the entertainment industry. It was cool to be backstage with the Rock and Worship Roadshow bands and have the chance to share my Everest experience with MercyMe before they hit the stage—especially since their music was an inspiration for me during the actual climb.
I’d like to extend a huge thanks to Bill Reeves and the Working Title Agency for the friendship they have brought to me and my family. Bill is the real deal, and he spreads the word about Christ through the unique stories of others.
I owe a special bit of gratitude to the professionals at Tyndale House Publishers. I’m sure I drove Carol and Stephanie crazy with my straight-to-the-point personality and my constant humor. I put utter importance in maintaining my voice throughout my writing, and Tyndale always respected my wishes without trying to change who I am. I couldn’t ask for better publishers or editors.
And most important, I want to thank our Creator for watching over my family while I was gone, for giving me the strength and ability to achieve great heights, and for delivering me from almost certain death on the top of the world.
Notes
[1] Nick Heil, “The Worst Disasters on Everest,” Outside Online, April 26, 2012, http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/climbing/mountaineering/everest-2012/The-Worst-Disasters-on-Everest-1-1996.html.
[2] Ashley Strickland, “Everest Climbers, Widower Recount Deadly Traffic Jam on Top of the World,” CNN, May 28, 2013, http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/25/travel/everest-2012-anniversary.
[3] Jesse Greenspan, “7 Things You Should Know about Mount Everest,” History.com, May 29, 2013, http://www.history.com/news/7-things-you-should-know-about-mount-everest.
[4] Brian Dickinson, “Brian Dickinson: Reader Blog 2,” Climbing, April 1, 2011, http://www.climbing.com/climber/brian-dickinson-reader-blog-2.
[5] Brian Dickinson, “Brian Dickinson: Reader Blog 8,” Climbing, April 14, 2011, http://www.climbing.com/climber/brian-dickinson-reader-blog-8.
[6] Brian Dickinson, “Brian Dickinson: Reader Blog 14,” Climbing, April 28, 2011, http://www.climbing.com/climber/brian-dickinson-reader-blog-14.
[7] Taken from Dennis Broadwell, “Everest Expedition 2011 with Mountain Gurus: Final Dispatch #25,” Mountain Gurus (blog), May 22, 2011, http://mountaingurus.blogspot.com/2011/05/mountain-gurus-everest-expedition-2011_22.html.
[8] Brian Dickinson, “Brian Dickinson: Reader Blog 16,” Climbing, May 17, 2011, http://www.climbing.com/climber/brian-dickinson-reader-blog-16.
About the Author
BRIAN DICKINSON served for six years as a US Navy air rescue swimmer before he moved to the Pacific Northwest to get his MBA and pursue his passion for extreme sports and mountain climbing. He has climbed in expeditions on the highest peaks of the seven continents, including Mount Everest, with the majority of climbs in the Cascade mountains, near his home. He uses his climbs to help raise money for charity and as an opportunity to share his faith with others around the world. Brian, his wife, JoAnna, and their children, Jordan and Emily, live in Snoqualmie, Washington.
April 1, 1997, San Diego, California. Saying good-bye to JoAnna before flying out to the USS Constellation aircraft carrier for a six-month deployment.
In the Persian Gulf doing some aerial gunner training during Operation Southern Watch (1997).
Getting lowered into the Pacific Ocean from the SH-60F Seahawk (1997).
April 1, 2011, Bangkok, Thailand. Rolling 200 of pounds expedition gear (mine and my climbing partner’s) to the check-in counter to get our tickets to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Flying from Kathmandu to Lukla in the Khumbu Valley. I was surprised to see the main pilot reading the newspaper instead of watching the 20,000-foot peaks surrounding the plane.
In Lukla, Nepal, trekking toward Phakding, the first village we stayed in during our trek to Everest base camp. Notice the animal photobombing in the back with its tongue out. It’s called a dzo—a cross between a yak and a cow.
In Kathmandu, Nepal, handing out toys to the children of the Early Childhood Development Center.
Lama Geshi placing a white silk scarf around my neck for good luck at the end of a puja ceremony.
Taking an acclimatization hike during a rest day in Namche Bazaar (the village is below me).
On April 11, nearly two weeks after leaving home, we finally arrived at Everest base camp (17,500 feet), our home away from home for the next couple of months.
On April 21, Pasang (pictured) and I climbed through the Khumbu Icefall to reach Camp I (19,700 feet) before descending back to base camp as part of our acclimatization process.
Crossing five ladders over a crevasse in the Western Cwm.
On April 25, Lakpa and I climbed up to Camp II (21,300 feet), where we had lunch and then descended to base camp to rest for a few days before heading up to Camp III.
I took this shot on May 14 while ascending the Geneva Spur toward the South Col. The arrow indicates climbers who were descending from a summit attempt. Most climbers turned back near the South Summit that day due to high winds.
Relaxing at Camp III (23,700 feet) the day before my summit attempt. Small shelves are cut into the side of the steep Lhotse Face to anchor tents to the mountain.
May 14, halfway between Camp III (23,700 feet) and the South Col (26,000 feet). I took this selfie after retrieving my dropped goggles. Notice the crack down the center of the internal lens and the condensation and ice that started to form between the layers.
This panoramic shot was taken from the summit of Mount Everest (29,035 feet) with a view of Lhotse (the fourth-tallest mountain in the world).
I took this selfie on the summit of Mount Everest moments before going snow blind. Below is another picture I took more than seven hours later, after reaching the South Col. My eyes were pretty much swollen shut and completely useless throughout the descent. They wouldn’t return to normal for another month and a half.
This map shows my final summit push and descent routes.
JoAnna, Emily, Jordan, and me in the Canadian Rockies in June 2013.
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