Summit Confirmation! Top of the World.

I heard from Kyle.  As we thought, he made it to the summit!  After that, he headed back to Advanced Base Camp while most of the north side climbers were still pressing for the summit.  He passed lots of people on his way back down.  It was both an exhilarating and sobering experience.  The summit was hard, but he never felt over matched.  Contrary to most of the reports I had seen, the weather was bad and it made the task more difficult, but Kyle thinks his team was the first to summit on the north side after the ropes were in place.  In my mind, a notable accomplishment in addition to making the summit.  In addition to seeing the fallen climbers from the past, he saw some current climbers who were not doing so well and one that did not make it.  Perhaps more information than you needed to hear, but it is a reality of the experience.  All the more reason to be thankful that Kyle made it and that he is now safe!

Special thanks to Max O'Meara.  Kyle told me to tell you that he appreciates everything you have done these last few weeks.  He will contact you as soon as he can.  Max, please don't take this the wrong way, but you are a special kid!

Also, thanks to my co-clerk Nathan Bryant who kept me calm and let me talk his ear off about Kyle's daily progression.  You were very sweet to constantly pull up Kyle's coordinates and show me where he was on the mountain.  Friday, your wise counsel (when Kyle's tracking device erroneously showed that he had fallen off the mountain) was much appreciated.  You're a good kid, too!

Last, but not least, Kyle wanted me to tell family and friends that he appreciates everyone following along on this incredible journey.  There will be stories and pictures to follow.

Good news for Boden and I -- Daddy's coming home and sooner than expected!  We are thankful today.

Jill