Half Dome Hike
My Mom and I just came back from hiking Half Dome in Yosemite. This hike is 8800 feet, 17 miles long and 12-14 hours to climb. We did it in a day. Climbing the mountain with my Mom (that’s her in the photo, on the edge) was one of the greatest days of my life. I saw a strength and will in my Mother that I didn’t know she had. She’s 61 years old and the only female over 30 to hike Half Dome that day. Just amazing to witness. Words can’t describe how difficult hiking for 14 hours with a 30 pound pack in 90 degree weather with almost no sleep is. Still, that was nothing compared to the last part which was downright terrifying. The harrowing steps and infamous cables stopped one hiker after another dead in their tracks. I saw men and women come down sobbing because they were so shaken. There’s no way to be prepared for the disappointment of not getting to the top after climbing 12-14 hours! It’s the ultimate let down. I know because I was one of the people who couldn’t. But my Mom did. She was beyond exhausted but her determination was like a Fearless Warrior. I have never been more proud of her than that day.
The next morning we were packing up our hotel room and, I don’t know if it’s because we were tired or what, but somehow hurtful words were exchanged. I can’t really remember a time when we’ve ever been in a “fight” but there we were. Of course, we’re okay now but the “point” of the pain around our fight was profound. Feeling the fear of heights is nothing compared to the fear of loving. What I got was how afraid people are, especially in a close relationship, to disappoint each other – so they aren’t honest. We have to be so brave and emotionally mature for a relationship to work. Moreover, we must trust and allow the connection to naturally unfold, unattached to an idealized outcome. And, that’s who I want to be in the world.
When we got home she sent me this Rainbow piece. Not too long ago, I had emailed it to her because it’s beautiful. She said she was re-gifting it back for both of us.
The Most Beautiful Rainbow
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn’t supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it’s harder every time. You’ll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You’ll fight with your best friend. You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did. You’ll cry because time is passing too fast, and you’ll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you’ve never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you’ll never get back. Don’t be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.
September 29th, 2008 at 12:34 am
Michelle,
You don't know me and I don't know you. I am shelled from a hard weekend of swim, bike, run and was facebooking. Your story of Half Dome hit me right in the heart. When you wrote about the fight with your mother and not wanting to disapoint the ones we love and the fear involved in that, that is me. Way to reach in. BTW I know of Tory Haslinger through Adrianne.
Nathaniel Tollefson