August 23, 1996 – my dad started a new tradition – as the eldest, it started with me. When each kid turned 12 years old he took them on an overnight camping trip to climb Longs Peak. Most Coloradoans are familiar with Longs Peak, but for those of you that aren’t it isn’t just a leisurely stroll through the forest. Longs Peak is one of Colorado’s 14ers (a mountain over 14,000 feet above sea level). It is a pretty difficult hike – made up of trails, boulder fields and scree.
Before our early morning began my dad said that at any point I could turn back, if it became too difficult or exhausting it was okay if we didn’t make it to the top.
We hit the trail around 5:30 a.m. soon the sun was up and we were above timberline. Soon enough we were looking across the vast boulder field. My dad asked if I wanted to continue. “Of course! We’ve come this far!” So we kept our pace climbing the boulders to the Key Hole. Once at the Key Hole again the question was asked, “Do you want to keep going?” My response was the same, “Of course! We’ve come this far!” That same dialogue continued as we made our way to the summit. By 1:00 p.m. we had done it … we summited Longs Peak!
I knew that he really did want to make it to the top and he wanted me to make it to the top too – because it is indescribable and even unbelievable – but he wanted it to be my decision. If at any point I would have said that it was too tough and I wanted to turn back, I know that it would have been okay. He was supportive of me – whether I wanted to turn back or keep going.
It was a huge feat for me – a persistence that I had never knew existed within myself previously. And I did it with one of my biggest supporters – my dad! He has played that role in my life so many times over the last 24 years. He has always been excited and supportive of the many crazy ideas I’ve had. And yet he keeps me grounded when I need to be reeled in a bit.
So from half way around the world I want to give a little tribute to my dad on his birthday! Here are a few things I love about him …
- I love how he has shown me what a relationship with the Lord is supposed to look like – everyday he strives to be more Christ like.
- I love that he always puts others before himself – he never complains.
- I love when he calls me kid.
- I love that he is still young at heart.
- I love how he knows when I’ve had too much time to think.
- I love how he understands my crazy adventures.
- I love his grasp of reality.
- I love that he knows when I want to drive his truck – and he lets me. 🙂
- I love going to the grocery store with him – we turn it into a sprint – getting everything as fast as possible.
- I love when he would call at 7:00 a.m. just to tell me to have a good day – and that’s an order!
April 20, 2009 wishing my dad a happy birthday! LOVE YOU!
