Stairway to Heaven

(Cover Photo: Mt Fuji)

Hi everyone,

I was reminded of this when I read Gail's post:

https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/gail-uk/blog/accept-lifes-twists-and-turns-as-part-of-the-journey

In July of 1983, I along with other U.S. Marines individually hiked up Mt Fuji in Japan.

We arrived at 11 pm at a site at the base of the mountain where we were going to rest until the morning. Way too many mosquitos!

So a few of us got permission to start hiking right away before midnight. Normally tourists would start at Station 7 which is just above the tree line. We were at the base and in the trees.

A few hours into our Trek and I pulled a muscle in my groin and I would be in pain the rest of the time at Mt Fuji.

I was maybe 3/4 of the way up Mt Fuji when another Marine asked how I was doing.

I told him that if this is the stairway to heaven that I would rather go straight to hell.

I just blurted it out. I didn't even think about it. It was actually a shock to me.

But what I said stayed with me up and back down Mt Fuji.

Similar to what Gail was talking about, we don't know what life is going to send our way.

Sometimes we just react. More often than not, we should think about how we are going to react and find a more positive response.

My going up Mt Fuji was not going to stop my hurting even if I chose to quit. That would just add regret and humiliation on top of the pain.

They have cabins along the way where hikers can sleep and our company of Marines rested near the summit. Most woke up early so they could finish the climb up and witness the sunrise from the summit. I opted to sleep in and rest more and I continued my way up a little later.

The walk down

Nearing the Summit

The Summit with Snow inside the Crater in July

I am so glad I chose to complete the climb. Apart from the pain, it was an amazing experience, but even the pain was a valuable lesson about life and continuing onward and Never Giving Up.

Even at my age now, if I ever get back to Japan during the summer, I would love to go up Mt Fuji again.

To Our Success!

Mel Waller