Most days I get to observe an intrepid climber of cliffs.
Over the years she has raised herself up from the clouds that shroud the lower levels, escaped the clinging dankness, found real sunlight at new heights, to dry, to warm, to illuminate the road ahead.
And those that held tight the threads, and strengthened the support, are there, and are uplifted by how far she has come.
The progression, the ascension, is her right, and also her achievement. She is human, so there are moments, but the growth, the broadening of horizons, the setting of new and exciting targets, are all medals of honour to her spirit.
I know many incredibly talented, unique and totally individual cliff climbers, each with their own escape paths from the valleys below, each at a different place, and with a different pace, but all looking up.
But the closer you are to mountaineer, the more detailed the hand and foot holds that have brought her to the current heights.
And life has its way of throwing boulders at the brightest and the best. And there have been a few rock falls of late that are unnecessary, unwarranted and entirely mean spirited. And they elicit anger, and sorrow, and fear.
But there have also blazes of light, brighter than any shadowy depth, that have lit up the days and brought balm to the bruises.
And I revel in the bravery of the bright lights reflected out to us all, and cheer as each new target is surpassed, and admire each new one added to the list.
And silently howl in anger at each attempt from life, or more prosaic elements, to diminish all that she is, and all she can still be.
And mostly, I am in awe of the determination of a life force that has given all who can see the truth of her a reason, and a purpose, for their own climbs.
cherokoffdotcom 