"On our next return to base camp, and after the best night's sleep I had had since arriving in Nepal, I decided that I would call home on the satellite phone. At $3 a minute, I had not yet used the phone. I had enough debts already at this point. I'd originally intended to save my phone call for when and if I had a summit bid. "Mum, it's me." "Bear? It's BEAR!" she shouted excitedly. It was so good just to hear the voices of those I loved. I asked for all their news. Then I told them about my narrow escape in the crevasse. "You fell in what? A crevice?" Mum questioned. "No, in a crevasse," I enunciated. "Speak up. I can hardly hear you, darling." She tried to quiet everyone around her, and then resumed the conversation. "Now...what was that about your crevice?" "Mum, it really doesn't matter," I said, laughing. "I love you." Families are always great levelers."