"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me" ~ Jim Valvano

Dads impart lessons to children in ways that aren't always obvious. In reality, they teach lessons in life through their actions and leadership. Today, I was reminded of a day when my father left me with five important life lessons.

In the spring of 2010, my son and I planned on hiking up to the top of Daisy Mountain just to the north of Anthem AZ. We have been up a few times and have a game plan that when we push ourselves (son Ryan always says afterwards “Dad, that sucked”) we can round trip the summit in just under 2 hours. It’s demanding in terms of physical endurance, stamina, and mental acuity. One misstep and you've got a life flight off the mountain.

So in the spring of 2010, Mom convinces Dad that at 74 years old, he’s not going to have many more chances to go to the top of Daisy Mountain so this is the year that he’s gotta join son and grandson to the top. I’ve got a couple of reservations about it but Dad is still athletic and in good shape so we round-up youngest brother Marc and we plan our route to the top.

Dad grabs a walking stick, put a hat on his head, grabs a water bottle and off we go on a beautiful 80 degree desert morning. The terrain at the base is mostly flat with a slight incline but literally the first mile of the 3 miles up is walking on a two-track dirt path. Dad is asking questions about the route and plan, making sure we have thought out not just the next step, but the 12,000 steps that follow.

Lesson One: Always Have A Plan

Make sure you have a plan and know where you are headed. You don't need to be perfect but you better be directionally right. As it's been said with the 5P's "proper planning prevents poor performance'.

This is the part that the biggest worry is a snake or stepping in burro crap. You keep looking at the top of Daisy and find yourself saying “it doesn’t look like we are getting any closer” for about 15-20 minutes. Dad’s confidence builds. The trail after that first mile begins to change and so does the tone of the hike from the 74 year old. I start getting a sense that the tune goes from “hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to…” to “ok, time to bear down, focus on the goal”

After 30 minutes or so, the footing gets a bit more tricky, especially for Dad but he’s an athlete, he’s got balance, he’s going to take his time and keep going.  Every once in a while, we stop so pops can catch his breath but within an hour or so. we can see the flag at the summit of Daisy Mountain. It was a bittersweet moment for Dad. It’s cool that he can see the flag and know that he’s getting closer but it’s also just a speck in the distance and we have another 500 or so vertical feet to hike up. 

Lesson Two: Size of Your Faith Equals Size of Your Capacity

If you have faith and believe you can, then you can. The size of your faith equals the size of your capacity. The little engine that could summed it up as "I think I can, I think I can…"

Son Ryan who runs cross-country and plays lacrosse as a sophomore in high school, has no problem racing to the next peak with this uncle Marc right behind him. I’m staying with Dad as he watches his footing and slowly ascends the last few hundred feet of the mountain. As one would expect on a crystal clear day, the view of Anthem and the surrounding area is amazing.

At last, the final push up is steep and you arrive out of breath for sure, Your heart starts to race as the flag at the summit gets closer and closer. As you reach the top, you are completely winded but the feeling of accomplishment overtakes you and you forget about the fact that your calves are on fire, your heart is pounding out of your chest, and your lungs are burning. You made it! We made it! Dad made it! Three generations ranging from 14 to 74 year old stand on the top of Daisy Mountain. Viva la McNamara!!

Lesson Three: Take Time To Recognize Your Accomplishments

Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishments but remember it's not the end of the journey, it's only a transition to the next chapter.

Ok, so fun over. Now we have to get down and the old man’s legs are tired. We climbed up the west face of the mountain and we decide to go down the longer but less steep east face. This is where footing is critical and you have to keep your wits about you. I know as I just about-face planted into a 20 foot saguaro half way down. Dad definitely is a bit freaked out and he slowwwwly moved down the mountain. His knees and ankles are swelling and becoming more and more sore as he goes.

Lesson Four: Always Be Humble

Life is a roundtrip and be humble on the way up because it can be a long painful journey on the way down.

So how cool was that?! Three generations trek up and down Daisy Mountain one March morning. It wouldn’t have happen had Mom not been the inspiration and challenge all of us to make sure that before my Dad got a day older, he was going to say “I was at the top of Daisy Mountain”. Dad, you’re awesome!

Lesson Five: Great Things Don't Happen Without Friendship and Fellowship

Our greatest rewards and accomplishments always come with the love, encouragement and support of others.

These aren't the only lessons I've learned from my Father. He has taught me how to be kind and thoughtful of others. He taught me to do the right things right, and doing things the right way is the only way. He has demonstrated that when you put quality in everything you do, everything you touch will be better for it. This is my Father's Day tribute to the nicest man I know and all those other fathers that are there, 24/7 making a difference in the lives of their sons and daughters.

Update March 21 2016....Rattlesnake!!!

Dad is now 80 years old and he did it again this weekend. Made the 6 miles round trip, took slightly longer and not without some blood, sweat and tears, but certainly he can hold his head high accomplishing something people 1/4 of his age rarely even attempt. It was not the prettiest thing to see but we did marvel when we encountered a woman and her teenage daughter who had stopped 3/4 of the way up. They refused to go further, until.......they see an 80 year old man coming down the mountain after reaching the summit (#embarrassed).

If I was to add anything to this post that resembled another lesson, it would be that grit and perseverance can be the difference between success and failure, maybe even life and death at the top of a warm Arizona desert mountain. After an hour and forty five minutes of ascent, the summit within 100 yards........pppsssssssshhhh. Yep, my foot is 18 inches away from a now coiled up and ready to strike western diamondback rattlesnake. As I damn near pushed my Dad off the mountain in retreat, he calmly starts for a large rock. My intent is flight, his intent is fight. Calmer heads ultimately prevail and we work our way across some nasty terrain to avoid an encounter and a bite that would result in a life-flight off the mountain.

Even at 80 years old, he's got going to give up an inch. So proud of you Dad! 

Share Now

Comments