Climb Every Mountain

My husband and I just got back from Jackson, Wyoming and spent a great deal of time hiking in Great Teton National Park. Beautiful, stunning views of the Tetons inspired me to write a letter to my children. The backdrop of the Tetons, although beautiful, belie the fact that the area itself can be a challenging and difficult place. In the fall, the changing of the leaves, the closure of many of the park’s visitor centers and the native animals (especially bear) eating their fill around the clock are warning signs that winter is coming.

As is usual for me, songs go through my mind on a continual loop. One of the songs that just would not leave me alone was “Climb Every Mountain” written by Rodgers and Hammerstein for the musical “The Sound Of Music.” :

Climb every mountain.

Ford every stream.

Follow every rainbow,

Till you find your dream.

For three hours, over and over again, I sang this in my head. I told my husband, and sang the verse for him. He just rolled his eyes and shook his head.

I thought of Ryan and my daughter as I sang this song. They have both had difficult mountains to climb. I want to share a bit of my thoughts that I want to share with them, about how I feel about them and their mountains that they climb. I hope that you will find inspiration for yourself and your loved ones in these words. (Posted by permission from Ryan)

Dearest children,

Life can be a crazy roller coaster. It may seem to you that life is unfair. That some people that you see and many close friends that you have grown up with have had things handed to them on a silver platter. Many of these people you no longer have anything in common with, and the ties that bound you have become unbound. The reasons for this may be many, whether it’s jealousy, the unwillingness of some to accept you as you are, or just normal growing apart. I know that you hurt for what once was and that growing up for you two has been difficult.

You both have your challenges, emotional, mental, physical, and educational. But – what you do have is two parents who love you, who are your champions, who have and will continue to be your champions. You have extended family and lifelong friends who love and support you. You have your faith in God and you are both so resilient and have incredible fortitude. I have watched you climb your mountains, followed your dreams, fallen, gotten back up, fallen again, and gotten back up.

I know there have been times when you have wanted to give up. There have been some incredibly low times when we have spent time crying and railing against it all. But again, you have picked yourselves up and continued on.

Many times, you have given up on some of your dreams. Then you’ve developed new dreams. The saying that iis so popular, “ that you can do whatever you want” isn’t always attainable. Dreams need to be realistic. But once those dreams are realized and possible, then they CAN happen! With a LOT of hard work. You have both found that this road is incredibly difficult. But the rewards are so worth it!

I am proud of you and all that you have accomplished. I am proud of you even when you fail. I am proud of you when I see the compassionate and loving young adults that you have become. What I ask in return is that you are honest and give whatever it is that you are trying to accomplish, your best. I will continue to help when you want, to be your champion, to love you. Please know, that if you feel that you have disappointed me, it is nor that I am disappointed IN you, I am disappointed FOR you. Sometimes, I may say things that you may not want to hear, but know that they are always said in love.

You are right, life isn’t fair. And I’ve told you both that the sooner you realize this, the better you’ll be. Life isn’t the great equalizer that many people think it is, or people think it should be. If all was easy, then life would be boring. What would be the point of working hard? What would be the point of having dreams? What would be the point of climbing the mountain? Adversity makes one strong, if you choose to work through it. It can make you compassionate when you see others who struggle as well. It can give you a spirit of giving to those who need help, like you have both needed help.

Climb your mountain, ford your stream, follow your rainbow, and find your dream.

I am right there behind you, every step of the way.

Love,

Mom