This morning, I watched a much more significant climb. Shortly after we learned Cathi had cancer, she told us that as soon as she regained her strength from chemotherapy, she intended to climb the large rock hill our fair town is named after, Castle Rock. This was not only important because of Cathi's victory over cancer, but Cathi HATES hiking! So the kids and I were thrilled several weeks ago when Cathi set today as the special day for this momentus event!
Not only did my beautiful wife hike this morning with a big smile on her face, she is finally summiting the most difficult challenge of her life with the positive attitude and determination characteristic of the girl I married.
Earlier this year on February 15, Cathi picked up a phone and learned she was diagnosed with aggressive, grade-three breast cancer. Since that dark moment, she made the decision to undergo a double mastectomy. While still recovering from this difficult surgery, she spent several days worrying that the cancer had spread to her lungs. To our relief, another surgery confirmed that the spots shown on the MRI were NOT cancerous . . . yet creating another permanent badge of honor at the bottom of her neck to remind us how lucky we are to still have her around.
On April 12, Cathi began the first of six rounds of the most aggressive chemo therapy options she was given (including "the Red Devil"). Every third week, Cathi would go to the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center at Sky Ridge Hospital, usually driven by one of her wonderful church friends.
On July 26, Cathi received her last treatment . . . finally so close to the peak and feeling the hope that comes just before the end of a long, tough journey. Then Cathi was advised she should begin six weeks of daily radiation. While this has turned out to be a "walk in the park" compared to chemotherapy, her initial realization that more "climbing" was required to reach the summit was disheartening (which, so often, is the case on a long mountain hike).
This morning was the beginning of a beautiful, cool Autumn day. As we ascended Castle Rock, we felt joy as the view of our quaint, little town became clearer from an increasingly higher point of view. With each step, we reflected on all we have experienced since that dreaded day in February. We talked about the increased perspective we've been given as we have turned to the Lord and learned what faith really means . . . as we've shared our experience with others and gained so much strength and love in return.
Watching Cathi summit Castle Rock was, for me, no less exciting than the first time I watched (from a dark theater) as Rocky Balboa reached the top step of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But this morning, the individual that was the MOST thrilled about this great feat, was Cathi herself. She had finally made the climb she visualized seven months ago!
In 1975, after becoming the first woman to climb Mount Everest, Junko Tabei said, "Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others . . . it rises from your heart" I am married to a woman who has done something no less incredible than climb the highest mountain in the world. But Cathi will be the first to say that her willpower was inspired by something far beyond herself. Thank you for "loving" Cathi through this . . . we'll never forget the kindnesses that have been shown to our family over the past several months.
