When I was 20 years old, I learned one of the most valuable lessons I have ever had in life, which was the value of family. Like so many times in our lives, the lesson came when I was in one of the most painful times in my life. I had just returned home after being kidnapped by rebels in Kyrgyzstan. It was hard to see any clarity, or even discern up from down, but the one thing that did make its way through the darkness was the appreciation I had for family. At a time in life when most people find themselves rebelling from their parents and childhood, I was desperate to return to them and their safety. // When I was 25, fresh off a free ascent of The Nose, I stepped back from my own goal-seeking climbing ambitions and invited my dad to go hiking with me in Patagonia. My husband at the time, @TommyCaldwell wanted to climb in the famous mountains and I had zero interest in snow climbing. But I did want to see the wild Patagonian expanse. During the days, Tommy climbed and my dad and I hiked and explored. We picnicked on granite boulders beside turquoise lakes. We napped in the sun. We cooked around a small camp stove. We had a bonding experience that I only sort of appreciated at the time, but somehow knew would be a valuable gem later in life. // There were days when I hiked ahead, growing slightly impatient, knowing I could have hike twice as far on my own, but reminding myself I was with the person who originally taught me the beauty of these wild places. // This summer, my dad went through some major health issues. It made that trip all the more valuable, that we both seized the moment and made it happen. Looking back I wouldn’t have traded any FA for those days in Patagonia with my dad. // We all have things in life that we know are important, but we postpone as we chase more “urgent" matters. I do it all the time. A work deadline, a good weather window. But I'm glad that I still have that little voice inside me reminding me to take the pause, visit my grandmother, hike with my dad, because at some point, I won't be able to postpone what is no longer there.

bethroddenさん(@bethrodden)が投稿した動画 - 2018/10/31 04:30:18