Saturday, August 14, 2010

#1 Summer Get Healthy goal accomplished


Yesterday evening I accomplished the one goal I have had since I started this Get Healthy journey.


My family and I hiked all the way to the top of Multnomah Falls!!!


I have to give you some history. For several years, once a Summer, while I am off doing something for church or shopping or just hanging out at home alone, Jason would take the kids on a Father-Child date and hike to the top of Multnomah Falls. The kids loved it. It was an annual tradition for them. I wasn't excluded for the hike I just couldn't join them because I couldn't even walk to the middle bridge. I was huffing and puffing usually just getting myself to the bottom view point. It was quite sad!


So when I started Take Shape for Life. I told Jason my #1 goal is to be able to hike to the top of Multnomah Falls with my family by the end of Summer.


It was a tough climb!! We started late in the evening when the weather had cooled down a bit. Jason packed lots of water in a backpack for all of us. He said I zipped along but that is not true I was awfully slow but determined. He said we could stop at the bridge but I wanted to go on. I didn't realize just what I was getting myself into. I hadn't been to the top since I was 20 or so.


At Multnomah Falls they have markers at every switchback. 1 of 11, 2 of 11, 3 of 11, and at 4 of 11 I cried. I didn't want to give up but I didn't think I could make it. I continued on with Jasons gentle encouragement and slowly we made it all the way to the top. One wonderful woman told us as we passed her on her way down that once you got to switchback 9 it was downhill. I really needed to hear that. Praise the Lord for that switchback. We made it all the way!!! It was dark when we reached the top viewpoint, the lights were on down below and we had the platform all to ourselves. What a GREAT moment!!! We took lots of pictures and then headed back down. Jason came prepared with a flashlight so we had no problem with the trail being dark. I even called my parents from the top, they have been such a great source of encouragement for me. I wanted them to share in my accomplishment. They were both excited.


What a night!!! I am so thankful I was able to make it to the top with family. It is exciting for me to show the kids how much Mommy is changing. Emma was an expert guide holding the flashlight and Jacob was my companion keeping me safe, holding my hand. I remember somewhere along the way down he asked if when I get healthy could we have a piece of Chocolate cake. I have to laugh at how a 9 year old boys mind works. I said sure maybe for one of our birthdays. Getting healthy doesn't mean giving up special things it means making them a special treat not an everyday indulgence.


I have a long way to go still but I am so happy about this accomplishment. Now I have got to think of a new #1 goal. I don't think I will ever forget this one though. How amazing, I thought as I stood at the Top last night. How Amazing!!!


May God Bless You on your journey!

3 comments:

  1. Congratulations! I love that you are wearing a superwoman shirt :)

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  2. Sarah,
    I am so excited for you! And it is so wonderful that you have tons of support from your family. Having the support of family definitely makes the journey easier and much more gratifying. That is how I felt graduating from college.
    Way to go superwoman!

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