We’re on top of the world with our lad
There is a first time for everything isn’t there? Some firsts mean more than others, however.
This week saw me do some “Wainwright” bagging with my wife Sarah and son Ollie. A Wainwright, if you didn’t know, is the name given to 214 fells in the Lake District in honour of Alfred Wainwright who wrote many books about his travels to them all.
While Sarah and I have bagged a few before, this was the first time Ollie had done it, and it was a joy for both us proud parents to be with him when he reached the summit of each one.
Not only that but we took on, among others, Helvellyn, the third highest peak in England.
For someone who has not done much hill walking before, Ollie did so well, as the gradient and near constant unsure footings would be enough for anyone. He never complained and just sucked it up all the way to the top.
So that’s where the real proud moment came for me, because seven years ago when I was told I may be dead within two years from prostate cancer, I never believed I would be here to spend this week with my son, let alone climb his first mountain with him.
You may think “it’s just a mountain”, but now it’s done, the experience and achievement can never be taken away from either of us.
In years to come when I am no longer here I hope he will recount this week to people close to him with fond memories.
Of course once you do something once you may get the bug, so who knows how the Wainwrights may have inspired Ollie for times to come.
I hope you too take opportunities to do “firsts” with others, as they may never forget that day and the memory could last a lifetime.
Until next week, Kev
Now it’s done, the experience can’t be taken away from us