Our granddaughter went on a hike. Not just a jaunt around the block, mind you. On her own still-relatively-new-to-this-world feet, Olly ascended a 768 foot mountain in Maine. 

 

She did it. 

 

Still her success is couched in the context of two parents who walked with her, encouraged her over the steep parts, brought a water bottle and snacks, and celebrated with her at the top. 

 

When I consider my own accomplishments, there are similar support systems in place. If I look for them, which it turns out I tend not to. 

 

I made a quilt! 

 

This is technically true, and is part of a larger story including the video I watched that gave me the instructions, the fabric I bought which was designed and printed by people I will never meet, and the generosity of a group of friends who gifted me with the sewing machine four years ago. 

 

The curious part is, one reality does not negate the other. Olly did in fact put one foot in front of, or in some cases above the other, in methodical persistence. She participated in the accomplishment that meant she could see the view not possible if she had stayed put at sea level. 

 

Yet it seems impossible that she would have ascended the rocky ledges without the presence of two loving parents who believed she could do it. It is a good scenario, really. We give our sweat equity, which is more than met by people around us. 

 

The whole interdependence is represented by the human body. No self respecting stomach would flaunt his or her achievements in nourishing the body, without a nod to the blood flow from the heart, and the muscles that push along lunch. 

 

But all subplots aside, it is my joy to see Olly at the top of her very own mountain.