Friday 27th May, Ottawa

Thank you from Seamas and Anna

It has been over a month since we heard the news of our father's death. We were in shock and were overwhelmed by the news. It wasn't long before our family and friends rushed to comfort us, feed us, and take care of us. Thank you Charlie and Robynne Eagan for watching over us when we first heard of the tragedy in the early hours of April 29 and thank you for watching over our mom while we were gone. So many of you have helped us in this time of sadness and mourning. We would especially like to thank everyone who was involved in tracking down my mother in Spain. The Canadian embassy in Nepal was also so helpful and compassionate in assisting us in the sending on of our father.  After such an experience we would like to strongly encourage all Canadian travelers to register with the Canadian consulate before traveling. Your country will take such good care of you in your time of need.

We hope that Annie and Gabriel are well.  Annie was a shoulder to cry on for the terribly long flight to Katmandu. She was comforting and a sincerely beautiful person. Congratulations to Gabriel who has just summited Everest and was carrying a picture (and possibly ashes as well) of our father. We were proud of our father for his attempt and we are both so happy that a part of him made it to the top, although I'm sure he was already there in spirit. We also send our love to all our new friends in Nepal. They have shown us how incredible the Nepalese people are; Kili, Lakpa, Sagra, and everyone associated with Mountain Madness were absolutely outstanding. For anyone planning on a trekking or a climbing expedition to Nepal we would highly recommend this company as they were irreplaceable in our time of need. We hope to see all are friends from Mountain Madness in the near future.

Our adventure in Nepal was unforgettable. We have acquired a very strong appreciation for the mountains and the sherpas. Our ceremony in Katmandu will always be in our memories. It was beautiful and unforgettable. We know our father would have been proud of us going to Nepal. He raised us to be strong, and he wouldn't have expected any less.

The second part of our journey led us to England and Ireland. We were welcomed with a huge Egan smile by uncle Ollie and cousin Helen at Heathrow airport. Ollie, Maureen, Helen and baby Jennie thank you so much for your generosity and love. Paddy, Mick, Tommy, Mary, Kathleen, Larry, Anne, and all your families, thank you! Our ceremony in Ireland was remarkable.  We were blown away by the support in the community and touched by the kind words of our Irish family. We hope to see you all very soon. We were thinking maybe we should start planning the cousins' reunion in Spain!? Just a thought! We love you all so much. We miss you, and are always thinking about you.

Thank you to everyone for their e-mails and letters of condolence and Reg Gamble for all his help in making our service back home so much easier. Your letters and thoughts on our father have been so comforting. A special thanks goes to some very close friends of our father, Kenneth Hossik and the Kesyans.  Zare, Ann and Sam thanks for always being there for us and Kenny thanks for looking out for us both.

Finally, Uncle Terry and Uncle Harry. You have been with us every step of the way. A million thanks would not be enough. You have truly touched both of us. We can't wait to begin planning for the Child Haven School and our return to Nepal. Just like our father you two are both incredible men. We have listened to people tell us how much our father has changed their lives for over 20 years now.  You two both have the character and leadership to keep his message alive and we know you will.

It's strange how a tragedy can bring people together but if you knew our father you'd know that he wouldn't want anyone sulking around feeling sorry or him. Seaner (as he was referred to by ourselves and our friends) would want you out walking, cycling, playing and just doing anything to keep your body and mind healthy.  Keep Smiling Everyone! And keep Seaner's message alive by supporting the numerous charities being started in his name.

Seamas & Anna Egan