Climb

The verb is climb. A simple word, with a simple meaning-in short it means to go up. Sir Edmond Hillary laid the foundation for those who must obtain the top; gathering all his strength, will and determination to crest the highest point on earth-Mount Everest. Those who followed his footsteps would speak his name at their final moments of their journey, scaling the near vertical surface to the peak called the Hillary Step.

Upon his return from Everest, Hillary was doubted by many of his successful climb. The pictures taken of him at the peak didn’t match up with others who also succeeded in tackling Everest after him. For years he defended his name, leaving many still in doubt.

There’s a saying the people of the Himalayas say, “It’s not about the reaching the top, it’s about the journey.” It is about the journey but it’s also about reaching the top. Those who climb know that’s all there is. And if you stop half way up and decide to turn around you’ve been defeated; if you walk away forever you’ve lost completely. There’s a lot to learn on your climbs and even more after you’ve reached the top and come back down to tell the story.