Aron Ralston says his mother used to tell him he didn't have enough common sense. But it may be common sense — in the face of impossible odds — that saved his life 16 months ago.
Ralston experienced instant fame after his right arm became wedged between an 800-pound boulder and a rock wall while climbing in Utah's Blue John Canyon. After five days of trying everything he could think of, in desperation, he cut off his arm. Then he rappelled down the canyon and walked seven miles before being spotted by a helicopter rescue unit.
Now Ralston has written a book about his ordeal — "Between a Rock and Hard Place." (He'll be in Salt Lake City at 7 p.m. Friday to sign copies of his book at The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East.)
"I am an introspective person," the 28-year-old engineer said during a telephone interview. "It's part of my nature.
"Since I was 5, my mom has told me I don't have a lot of common sense, so I try to learn from my experiences. It stems from the analytical side of my personality. It's what made me an engineer, and my high school training in speech and debate also helped me to learn to think on my feet."
Ralston readily admits talking to himself during his five days suspended in the slot canyon. It happened after he quickly drank a third of his water supply — then panicked. "I said, 'Calm down! You will kill yourself with this behavior.'
"I didn't panic again until the end — just before I gained my freedom. It was the catalyst to help me realize I could break the bones in my arm. Afterward, I was euphoric."
Ralston demonstrated a rare talent during his predicament — that of coolly analyzing his situation and carefully considering various alternatives. He thinks of himself as a problem-solver, accustomed to "brainstorming, gathering information, prioritizing and executing a solution.
"By the time I executed the amputation, I had made three unsuccessful attempts. Each time I learned something. I learned the capabilities of the blade I had, I learned how severe the pain would be — and that breaking the bone would be the most difficult challenge."
During the fifth night he realized he could die at any moment. "When I etched 'Rest in Peace' on the canyon wall I had reached my low point. Then, while I was cutting the next morning, I felt an ease that comes with courage, a lack of fear. When I came to the epiphany that I should break the bones, I didn't hesitate at all. I just used a very direct approach. I separated the filaments and fibers as I cut, watching out for the arteries. I felt every bit of the pain, but I was detached."
He just knew it was something he had to do. "Amputation was the best idea. It would help me get my life back. Ultimately, I liberated myself. I will never feel that kind of exhilaration again. I went through a kind of resurrection in that canyon."
Growing up in a family of United Methodists, Ralston believes his "perspectives on spirituality" were confirmed by his release. "The experience in Blue John Canyon was a spiritual experience. The hardship and suffering I went through — one of my friends said Blue John was my 'Calvary.' When I saw visions of my mom and my friends, I was comforted and sustained, knowing that there were people who loved me. I prayed while I was there — in direct, out-loud appeals and also quietly, looking for guidance. I believe the epiphany I felt that allowed me to break my bones was divine interaction."
Ralston is still amazed when he recalls that when he was breaking his bones, it was 10:30 a.m., the same time authorities discovered his truck, which was well-hidden "in one of the most remote spots ever. I got released from the rock, got down on the ground and made it to the spot where a helicopter could find me. If I had arrived a half-hour earlier or a half-hour later, I would have missed the helicopter and bled to death."
His faith has been strengthened. "I want people to understand that this was a miracle. A person without water usually lasts two to three days. You need a gallon of water a day in the desert. It's phenomenal that I survived six days. It's also miraculous that I didn't pass out while cutting off my arm. I probably wouldn't have gained consciousness. There are greater spiritual energies than us in the world — and there are times when we connect with them."
In the meantime, Ralston has adjusted to the stares at his prosthetic arm — a high-tech arm — one he designed. It is three arms, actually, with eight different hands. So far he has proved he can do vertical mountaineering and ice climbing and "it works quite well." It still needs some improvements.
In any event, he considers himself fully recovered — enough that he can climb with the same proficiency he had prior to the accident.
As a person, Ralston said he has been changed in two fundamental ways: "I have to obey my passions. If I ignore them I get grumpy and unhappy. So I will continue my adventures in the outdoors. I've realized that my life and passions are more important than mortgages and paychecks.
"Second, I have a greater appreciation for my friends and family. Being around them is a more profound pleasure, because we all feel we almost lost each other."
E-mail: dennis@desnews.com