More than a memory, it was a milestone.
I was born different. Not a girl with exceptional talents but just the opposite. Born with a chronic ailment which may or may not be cured in the late future. Either way, I don’t really care now. This so-called ailment does not allow me to run, climb and sometimes not even walk.
During school days, others of my age often seemed way more energetic than I ever thought I would be. All those dance competitions and athletic meets, which I was never a part of, bothered me so much! I always had this desire in me to do something that will make me believe in myself and stop thinking so low of myself.
In 2010, my father decided to voluntarily retire from his 20 years of service in the Indian Air Force. Instead of going straight back to Kerala, he decided to give us a family vacation. I was asked which place I wanted to visit and with impeccable joy I screamed saying I wanted to climb hills. As expected, his reaction was not so compelling. I pretended to be sad for two days (we all know that trick) and guess what, it worked! My mom wanted to visit a temple and I wanted hills. My dad being a true game changer, found the most accurate spot, a temple on top of a hill.
Vaishno Devi Mandir is a cave temple Katra located in Trikuta mountains in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. 5400 ft. above ground, 14 km uphill trek is what it takes to reach the abode of Maa Vaishno Devi.
A girl who could hardly run is off to trekking. Sounds ironic, right. Back then I was not really mature enough to understand my condition. I was just a silly, stubborn girl who dreamt about climbing hills, about achieving something others of her age could not.
Once we reached the foot of the mountain, I looked up. 14 kms was a long way to go. They offered helicopter service as well as horses to take us to the top but mountains are meant to be climbed. I brought up my sad face again and dad had to agree to his princess. When we began it appeared like a cakewalk but as we climbed uphill, the higher and more, I started experiencing cramps. It felt like even the double amount of oxygen would not be sufficient for me to breathe. Mom suggested we take a horse ride but we already covered 7 kms and I couldn’t just give up. I wanted to cover the next half all by myself. The moment I decided I won’t give up, I don’t know how, I felt an energy boost. I assured my dad that I’m fine and he let me do the rest of the trek myself and got a horse for my mom and sister.
It was a tough journey. Once I reached the hilltop, standing in front of a large cave leading to the temple, I took a moment to look back. I stood looking down, I could see the whole of Katra. That moment, standing 5400 ft. above the ground, I forgot what it feels like to be out of breath. Metaphorically, it was a breath taking moment.
Walking into the cave, I saw this deity that people were worshiping. I’m not deeply religious but I do believe in the presence of an Almighty and I must say, one can definitely feel a kind of positive energy in there.
Athletics and dance competitions had nothing to do with me but how many of you girls had the chance to go for trekking at the age of 10? Life is a race that can have its finish line anywhere. During the time you are here, realise your potential and start moving rather than worrying about what you cannot do.
Now I’m here, in 2021, super energetic, totally alive and still climbing hills. It is that memory of a 10-year-old girl that gives me the will to live. That 5400 ft. gave me the courage to dream big. It’s not about a long life but living your short life to the fullest. Live, enjoy and let live!
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Like Snowflakes. Part one: | by Hisham Hashir | PaperKin | Jan, 2021 | Medium
