The Incline
My oldest is a beast.
Seriously.
I have always been impressed by how freakishly strong and brave she is and this just further proves it.
A friend suggested the incline at Manitou Springs - 2768 steps up the side of a mountain.
No, not like steps on a trail.
Steps as in stairs straight up the side of the mountain.
Physically, I think most of my family could do it if we took our time. But y’all. There are no handrails and this climb is steep. Like really steep. And if you’re like me and afraid of heights, you’re going to be sitting down curled up in a ball 10 minutes in.
Unfortunately (or not), Embry was still not feeling well, which gave the rest of us the perfect out and allowed Justin and Aubyn to have at it.
I gave Justin my mom instructions on keeping Aubyn safe and even used my “I’m serious voice and face” so he knew I meant business. This is my baby girl we are talking about here and this is an intense climb.
Justin is such a good husband, but he’s an even better dad. He’s always been the one to push our kiddos a little more than me, but always as safely as possible. And by push, I mean he lets them be adventurous and explore things that scare me…which turns out is a lot of things!
Gratefully, he sent me updates throughout their climb and neither look fazed.
At the top of the stairs, Justin texted “Sent it!” with a video of Aubyn doing the last few steps.
My heart burst. Not only was she safe, she had completed a really difficult challenge that her heart was set on doing. There is nothing as uplifting at seeing your daughter beaming ear to ear after accomplishing something not everyone can do.
Even her mom.
And that’s okay. I find joy in her happiness. It’s contagious.
Now to get Embry feeling better and all will be well.
