Reflection

After returning home from my climb, having pizza for the first time in months (I gave it up as part of my training), and getting some sleep, I've had a chance to look back on this past weekend and the climb and truly appreciate everything around it.

From my training with Raymond, to the support of so many friends and family, this climb was about more than just climbing a mountain. To some, they may have seen me taking this trek as a way to push my limits of strength and fitness, while for others, they may have considered this was a way for me to raise awareness and funds for something that is so personal to me.

Both of those would be true. And I have to say, that was all I thought about this climb until this past weekend and I was on the mountain. That's when it hit me. I get it.

If you had to have an analogy for cancer and what a person who had been diagnosed with cancer goes through, then an analogy of a mountain climb makes for a pretty clear picture and pretty logical sense.

Consider the mountain to be cancer and the person climbing to be the individual diagnosed. The mountain will be challenging and it will take time and commitment and strength like you've likely never used before, but you can be successful in beating it. Just like a mountain climber can be successful in reaching the summit. With every step a climber takes toward the summit, they are one step closer to victory. The physical and mental challenges faced are extraordinary whether climbing a mountain or battling cancer but those challenges can be overcome.

If you asked me two years ago if I thought I could climb a mountain I would have laughed at you and said you were crazy. I would have also laughed at you nine years ago if you would have said my mother would be diagnosed with and die from breast cancer. And I definitely would have said you were crazy a year ago if you told my my dad would be diagnosed with cancer and I would be preparing to climb my second mountain...

A lot can change in a person's lifetime.

The experience of having a loved one diagnosed with cancer is life-changing. Climbing a mountain is life-changing. And celebrating victory to both is life ALTERING!

So no matter what you do in your life, challenge yourself to do something life-altering. Trust me, you won't regret it...


(p.s. This past May we learned that my dad claimed victory over cancer! THAT made this climb of Mt. St. Helens so much more memorable. Love you Poppy!)