I've always been fascinated with adventurers. I love to watch documentaries on river runners, hang-gliders, ultra-light aircraft pilots, base jumpers, and climbers.
I have dreamed of doing these activities, but I'm not brave enough. I've stood at the top of Francis peak near Farmington, Utah and helped launch a few hang-glider pilots. And I once stood on Perrine Bridge at Twin Falls, Idaho and watched base jumpers leap toward the Snake River tossing their parachutes into the wind. As I watched both activities, I would think: Could I do that? My adrenaline would build then fall as I realized the desire to participate is not strong enough to combat "my" fear.
My wife and I went to see renown mountaineer Jeff Lowe's "Metanoia." It is an amazing documentary film about Jeff's life as an alpinist. We watched the premier showing in Ogden at Ogden High school. Jeff has had an amazing life climbing hundreds of rock and ice faces on many of the world's best and most challenging mountains. Many of his lines and climbs are firsts for Jeff. Some have been repeated by other climbers but many have never been climbed again even after repeated attempts.
Jeff has lived to climb. I won't get into the details. If you want to know more about Jeff you can visit his website www.jeffloweclimber.com. Right in the middle of Jeff's career as a climber, he started to have problems with his balance and muscles. Nothing could be more debilitating for an outdoor adventurer, particularly, one of Jeff's caliber when it comes to climbing. Jeff was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but now it is suspected it is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's Disease.
Jeff is amazing. After the showing of "Metanoia" they brought Jeff onto the stage in his wheelchair. The crowd gave a well deserved standing ovation. Jeff is unable to speak, He is able to use his hands and arms a little, but not in total control. He speaks through a computer generated voice, by typing his message. I was amazed at his humor and outlook on life. On Jeff's last climb--the face of the Eiger--on a line that no one else has ever climbed, Jeff had a spiritual awakening of sorts, what he calls Metanioa (a transformative change of heart or spiritual conversion). This change has helped him in his "new climb" as he lives the life he is now given. I'm sure he wonders "why me" periodically, but I could sense that he doesn't think that way often. He is about living the life he has. His "awakening" is based on a new perception of what it means to love. I won't profess to know his actual mind, but I could tell that a transformation has taken place with how Jeff feels about the natural environment, the human race, and "all" challenges we are given. He has accomplished so much, and continues to accomplish much even with the disease.
Did I gain any bravery after watching "Metanoia, or after listening to Jeff talk and witnessing Jeff's ability to "see" purpose in any and all life? Yes and no. I'm not going out to climb the Eiger, the Tetons, or base jump off Perrine bridge, or hang-glide off a mountain top. But I am going to love my life more. I can find more joy in the life I have to live. I can see others as unique and special. I can treat others better. I can conquer some fears.
This year, long before I had heard of Jeff Lowe and "Metanoia," my wife and I decided to finish something that we stopped just short of doing two years ago. We came within one mile of the summit of Mount Timpanogos in Utah County ( 11,752'). There were three reasons for stopping: 1) We hiked with others who had a time restraint. 2) I was afraid of the last mile because of its height and the angle of the trail. 3) I was satisfied with making it to the saddle and the view it presented.
I don't know if we will hike it this year or next year. We are training to do it this year if possible. Maybe I can make the summit. Maybe I can conquer the fear from two years ago. Maybe I can have my metanoia.
