I Wish I had Legs Today

When given the choice, do you take the stairs or the escalator?  Be honest. Ever think about climbing a mountain?  Scaling a mountain is something that most of us have never done.  Sure, maybe we climbed Mt. Baldy at the Indiana Dunes State Park or climbed the stairs inside the Washington Monument.  Spencer West scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro this past July – Africa’s highest point at 19,341 feet.  Only 50% of people who attempt this climb make it to the summit.  Spencer West did…on his hands. You see, Spencer West, now 31 years old, was born with a genetic defect which resulted in both of his legs being amputated at the pelvis when he was a small boy.  He climbed this with a few friends, friends who were able-bodied.  Spencer West did this on his hands. Toward the end of the climb, the party began to experience pain beyond belief and two of his fellow climbers were vomiting profusely.  Between spewing episodes, they climbed.  In time, they reached the summit covered in blood, sweat, tears, and puke.  Spencer West’s first reaction to reaching the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro:  “I wish I had legs today.  I would have literally carried my friends who were struggling.”  Are you reading that?  Mercy, this guy is a leader!  He defines himself not that he has missing legs, but by what he does – his actions. His climb redefined what was possible for him but also served as an inspiration for others to overcome obstacles and challenges of their own. 

It’s not what you have.  It’s what you do with what you have.  At the end of the day, what do you wish you had?  Why do you wish you had it?  If you had it, what would you do with it?  Would you choose more technology?  How about a smaller class size? (okay, really dumb question) Perhaps parents who returned your calls?  Maybe a different group of kids?  The point is that this is our lot, what has been given to us.  We can look at what we don’t have and fixate on the perceived lack.  That only leads to further disappointment.  The other side is the same side that Spencer West took.  He chose to accentuate the positives that he had.  He let his actions define him.  All of you have positives that can be used to enhance what you do in the classroom.  You will be defined as a person by what you do, not by what you have.  Your actions will always speak louder than your words and in the very end, your heart will be judged.  Use your gifts now!  Do not hide your light under a bushel – it is meant to be shared with others.  Be an inspiration for the kids around you.  You may get to the top of your personal mountain, but know that life will also have valleys.  It’s the climb up that will define you.

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We are heading to Cleveland this weekend to see the Browns take on the Buffalo Bills.  I suppose “Buffalo Bills” is what you get when you buy a lot of buffalo…just a thought.