“It can’t be done”

Today is my father’s birthday. If he were still with us, he would be 98 years old. An important thing you should know about Dad is that he never believed people when they told him, “It can’t be done.”


Many a Friday evening when we were growing up, Dad would come home from work and gather us kids together for a grand adventure. We’d pack the car and drive into the night, finally pulling into a campground and curling up in our sleeping bags for a few hours of rest before dawn.


Even before I saw the first light of day, with my head still tucked deep in the warmth of my bag, I would awaken to the sound of his breath gently blowing on a few twigs, then the crackle as he coaxed a blaze, and I knew that soon there would be what is still my favorite treat, a cup of piping hot cocoa.


On this particular day, Dad, my two older sisters, my older brother, and I planned to hike up Mt. Whitney. I was ten years old, and not very big, as you can see in the photo, but Dad always told me I could make it if I just kept going. 


We passed a park ranger who took one look at us and told Dad that there was no way these kids could make the climb, “It can’t be done.” Dad smiled and thanked him, we set off, and, as you can see, we made it.


You might think, well that was just a hike in the mountains, but it was so much more than that. Step by step, Dad was teaching me to believe in myself, to take a chance, try a new adventure, spread my wings and soar, even when others might look at me, tell me I was shooting too high, and say, “It can’t be done.”


I always knew Dad believed in me, and not just when I got to the top, but all the way along the path. It didn’t really matter to him how far up the mountain I got. He was teaching me the importance of having dreams and plans and of being willing to tackle the challenges of the grand adventure of life.


Thanks Dad, and Happy Birthday!


Here’s to more resilient wins at home and school and beyond,


Anne 


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