"Climb The Mountain".
Naming this blog was important to me as it relates to my attitude and approach to my recent diagnosis of cancer. Through tears, talk and questions, there comes a quite stoicism and unwavering inner strength to fight. Not for one moment do I think I cannot win!
So, what's in the name you ask? Are you climbing a mountain as a fundraiser for research funds? No. I simply equate this journey in life to a mountain climb.
In May of 1983 with a group of youthful students in the Alpine Club from a local community college, we climbed Mount Rainier (14,410 ft.). We trained all year. I ran hills in my neighborhood (the U District), hit the gym and the weights, learned about gear, equipment, practiced falling down steep snow covered hills and arresting with ice axes. The arduous training culminated in one of the most significant events in my life (most significant being the birth of my daughter! Hey Savan!). Throughout the training we were surrounded by people teaching, helping and sharing their knowledge where ultimately, on the mountain, our lives depended upon one another's.
On a glorious Sunday morning with the sun-in-a-sky-so-blue-you-thought-God-colored-it-with-a-crayon-out-of-the-box-of-64, fourteen of us reached the summit.
That will be my battle against cancer. A team is assembled as I write: oncologist, surgeons, nurses, technicians, social workers, and my blessed family and friends. Prayers are being sent up from synagogues, baptist churches, catholic churches, christian churches- anywhere the power of prayer holds the belief that in our most human of struggles, we are never alone and shall overcome. Thank you all for your help in my climb.
