The Climb

They said I couldn’t do it. They said I was too weak. They told me it was too soon. They said that I’d never be able to make it to the first check-in, let alone the top. They told me that I shouldn’t even try, that I should just give up.

But I didn’t listen. I climbed to the first check-in with no problem. It was not a struggle at all. It was like the accident hadn’t ever happened, and I could still do anything.

So I continued. I climbed on up to the second check-in. By this time, I was a little winded, but I was still excited. I knew I could do this. It was just going to take some work.

I took a short water break. Then I climbed on up to the third check-in. I was starting to struggle. I should go back. It’s great that I made it this far.

But no. I refuse to give up. Preparing my gear and checking my ropes, I prepare for the last of the climb up the mountain. This final stretch is the most arduous. It is dangerous and laborious. It tests my strength to the limits.

I’m so unsure that I will make the top. But I will never know if I don’t try. So I keep going. Taking longer than I have ever taken when making this climb, putting out more effort than ever when making this climb.

Finally! I arrived at the top! The feeling of victory coursing through my veins. I sit and enjoy the feel of a successful climb. The electric sense of adrenaline courses through my veins as my second wind kicks in, and I prepare to descend the mountain and return to the lodge.