19,341′

November 19, 2013

He was standing, if you can call it that, under a sign that made him smile.  “Congratulations!  You are now at Uhuru Peak.  Africa’s highest point.”  He trained for 12 months and it took him a grueling 7 days to get there.  The first documented ascent to the top of this behemoth was in 1889 by Hans Meyer.  Since then, there have been thousands of people who challenged this geologic beast.  Most of us are content with our mundane, vanilla lives.  Most of us are very comfortable not challenging ourselves at all.  Spencer West was different.  He wanted a challenge.  He wanted to make possible what most thought was impossible.  He is different because of his drive, determination and perseverance.  However, he is also different because he has no legs.

Spencer lost both his legs, just below the waist, at the age of 5.  Most of the things that able bodied people take for granted were impossible for Spencer.  Doctors made it clear that he would not lead a normal life.  He would not accept that.  Not only would he have a normal life, but he would do something that many other people would not even consider.  Most of his 12 month training regimen was focused on making sure his arms and hands could withstand the journey.  He wobbled hand to hand all the way up the highest peak in Africa.  Nothing would stop him and no obstacle was too big to overcome.

This is an intense example of grit and determination.  It shows that the human spirit can dominate any circumstance.  It shows that anyone can overcome anything.  When you doubt yourself, think of Spencer West.  When you encounter an obstacle that you think you cannot overcome, think of crawling on your hands and climbing 19,341 feet.  No deadline, no job, no circumstance is too much to overcome.  You will get to your highest point.  When you get there, let them know that Spencer West sent you.

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