Climb has been a central focus of my life for a very long time. I credit this one activity with so much of my personal growth as well as bringing to me invaluable friendships. But, as of late, it had been slipping away just a bit.
My belly has gotten a bit more robust and my grip strength has not followed suit. The summer slipped away quietly and with it my climbing season. I was feeling quite silly looking at my Mohonk Preserve Annual Pass which was quickly becoming a very, very, very expensive DAY PASS (having only been used once back in April).
Over the past several weeks, Renu had been planning a celebration for my birthday. And, on the anniversary of my debut on this planet, I found myself on a ledge. Renu and I climbed one of my favorite routes, Three Pines. It was a glorious day...one where the temperature was so perfect, the World around felt like just an extension of my own existence. The hawks soared, and clouds drifted by. And, sitting on that ledge next to me was Renu, who, with her generosity of time and spirit, reminded me of the truth I sometimes forget...the greatest importance lies in finding our place in the Universe while maintaining the connection with those loved ones who make this search worthwhile.