A Matter of Life and Death

Determination's route from resolve to choices is certainly more perilous than I ever imagined. While the vistas from the top and the satisfaction of the achievement are probably glorious beyone measure, there are so many places where the location of the next toe hold is not apparent, or what you thought would provide a solid grip and hold your weight crumbles in your hand. Injury is a given and falling a real risk. You periodically find yourself question the wisdom of continuing.
The only hope lies at the top. To return to the valley is to choose death by suffocation. To fall along the way is at least death in pursuit of life. And, who knows, it might be life as well.