Sunday, January 17, 2010

You only live twice

" You only live twice: Once when you're born
And once when you look death in the face.”
-- Epigraph from 'You Only Live Twice' by Ian Fleming

As a sportsman, climber and insane driver I've had several moments where my life flashed past me in a second as I came tantalisingly close to snuffing myself out. At the same time, these very moments have been the pinnacle of my thrill-seeker alter ago. However, there was one moment.... nay 3 days when I stared death constantly in its face and have lived to tell the tale.

Caught in a snowstorm, 200m short of the summit, the three of us sought refuge underneath an overhang that provided some refuge from the blowing snow and howling wind. Between us, we had a couple of bars of chocolate and stories of cars, girls and travels that kept us going. The rest of the climbing party had no option but to leave us to our fate and retreat to the comfort of their tents, their camp meals and a sleeping bag.

Three days later, we staggered our way back, exhausted, numb, frostbitten and almost dead but yet alive. That day I vowed, I would live each day as if it were my last, and more so today since the two others NK and VM are not there anymore.

There are other ways to die as well.........

2 comments:

Santosh said...

well all i can say that "Thank God." hope you are fit and your condition stable.

Nothing less than a story but as it goes "Facts are always stranger than fiction." Bravo for your spirits.

Sidhusaaheb said...

Way to go! :)