TOLO, FRIEND

You cannot imagine the emptiness you leave in all of us. We were so close to save you, but this cruel Annapurna had given you an accurate mortal stab.  All the effot made by Dawa, who went towards you with oxigen and food was useless. You were too high, and you could not go down even one meter. The snow fallen during the night did not help either. The following morning we flew the area where you were again and again and the only thing we could see was a white cloak. Your life turned off smoothly after the last communication the night before. You could not resist any longer, my friend. Also useless was Horia's solidarity, who bore up in camp 4 with Juan and myself after reaching the summit, assuming an extraordinary risk. We gave it all, but it was not enaugh. We are now full of sadness. As leader of the expedition I had to speak to your wife and tell her the worst thing I could have ever told her. She is shattered, but with the time she will feel better, she will remember the dreamer and brave man you were, and your children will grow up proud of your adventures and stories that everybody will tell, for sure. You were not a normal man. You were a warrior, a life fighter and a man full of dreams. In all the expeditions we shared, I really enjoyed your company. Loyal, kindhearted... Not scared of making a mistake, I think you have been the most kind and good person that I have met around these mountains. Strong and determined, in The Himalayas you found your right playfield according to your qualities. Remember that I told you: you will get caught of it. You used to say, no, races are my field. For you, same as for us, we want to follow targets which are almost impossible and also, to achive them. From them we get all the energy for our lives and that is why we are the way we are, and that is why Marga fell in love with you one day. I want to send her all my encouragement. Marga, although now everything is black, the sun will shine little by little and in the end, you and also us, we will keep the part of Tolo that corresponds to each of us, the part we loved more, and he will keep living inside us. Tolo, little by little started growing his popularity in The Himalayas, being known, making friends, behaving with honor, and this made everybody know about this strong Majorcan who decided to bring to his home the history of the great mountains in the world. Mallorca had a great ambassador, difficult to repeat. Marga, you enjoyed a wonderful father and husband. We have lived big moments with Tolo. But he does not go forever. His memory, his smile and his goodness stays with us. We love you Tolo, therefore, wait for us wherever you are, we will soon meet.  

Carlos Pauner