Experiences of an Elder
by Carlo Alberto Antonelli
 

    I was born in 6/7/1914, I am a musician, I taught at the Conservatoire of Rome and at the Pontificio Istituto di Musica Sacra [Papal Institute of Sacred Music]; I am retired since a few years.
    As I've never had an active life, and my job was sedentary, you can imagine what shock have been for me taking part at the X Course of Speleology if 1969, when I was already 55 years old.
    I must confess that I did not go there because I wanted to know the earth cavities, but I was anxious to know in what kind of adventure my son embarked as, since he was a kid, he has always been reckless. After one year of anxiety for me and my wife, it was necessary to find out personally what was speleology, how people go on in the caves, why my son wanted to go there, and it all was only to have reassuring answers!
    During the Course I found that they all observed stricted rules for personal safety, materials were of good quality, instructors infuse tranquillity to their apprentices. Of all the trips that I got over with fatigue, the one at Frasassi Cave has been the most hard and exciting: the fabric of my ski jacket increased the friction of the snaplink and I was thirsty because I ate some salty sausages before entering the cave.
    I was reassured by this experience because I learnt how to face the danger and find the strength to overcome it, though I must confess that the best moment was when I reached the exit and I felt secure in my usual environment.
    In spite of this Course me and my wife still were anxious everytime our son went caving. Like all the parents we were always afraid he could find danger and accidents. I think it is natural to feel that way because we have a son.

© 1998 by Carlo Alberto Antonelli. - Translated by Emanuele Cappa (2001)

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