9/2001 ushered in my retirement as a high school counselor. Despite the ill-omened events of that month, the following years offered abundant growth opportunities, all of which fell into my lap. I got my NYS life insurance license, began teaching at the International High Schools overseas, and became a nationally certified personal trainer; all the while taking courses in painting and writing. Stolen moments were devoted to my garden, traveling with husband Sam, and seeing Amy (NYC) and Baird (still in college) as much as possible.
Then there was a shift in the wind.
The goal of climbing Kili for cancer has already eclipsed many of my other activities and fortified me with renewed hope. In the wake of my recent and intimate associations with cancer: my own, my mother’s, and last year the death of my very dear friend, I have been shrouded by a feeling of powerlessness, and to some degree, misdirected values.
Always foremost in my heart have been family and friends, but some of the ways I have apportioned my time since retirement have needed to be realigned. Choosing to climb Kili for cancer has made that happen. I value taking charge of my health to the best of my ability, showing others that they can too, and harnessing the power of community to ease the burdens of the world.
Now, there is an opportunity for me to gather the amazing positive energy of people I have been blessed to know throughout my life into a force so strong that it can conquer a mountain. Whether literally on the trail with me, or on the quest with me in spirit, I know I will be accompanied by many of you who will rejoice in the symbolic gesture of joining forces against this challenging disease.
Thank you to the many who comforted me during my own encounter with cancer, and more importantly, as I said goodbye to loved ones. I honor you, as well as those who have been stricken, with my effort.
