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Excerpts from Chapter 1

Gramps paused at the door of Tommy's bedroom, and looked at him as he lay sleeping. Gramps thought about how he had raised the boy since his childhood accident. He reflected on the bond of love between them.

Gramps gently closed Tommy's bedroom door, walked quietly to the living room, and settled comfortably into his favorite chair. The moonlight streamed in the big bay window and illuminated the room. Gramps' silver hair shone in the soft evening's light, and his brown eyes twinkled as he reflected on the wonderful days he and Tommy shared. Mental images of the two of them talking, hiking, and playing basketball together filled his heart with joy. Shadow, Tommy's collie, rested quietly near the fireplace as Gramps reminisced.

He noticed a blue spiral-bound notebook laying on the end table next to his chair. The notebook contained a story Tommy had written entitled "The Rope Climber." Gramps had no way of knowing how important the story was for his grandson or the part it would play in his life. Before satisfying his curiosity and reading the story, he placed the notebook on his lap, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and reflected on how he had raised his grandson from early childhood.

When Gramps opened his eyes he became aware of the spiral-bound book on his lap. He put on his reading glasses, picked up the notebook, and glanced at the title, "The Rope Climber."

Several days ago Tommy had gone to a vocational guidance counselor to take some tests. Tommy recently celebrated his seventeenth birthday, and he wanted to make a decision about his future career goals and whether or not to attend college. One of the vocational tests consisted of a series of pictures and Tommy was asked to write a story expressing what he thought was happening in each picture. Gramps now remembered Tommy telling him about a picture of a muscular young man who was holding a rope that was dangling from the ceiling. "Evidently," thought Gramps, "this picture triggered Tommy's article." He adjusted the lamp on the end table for better lighting and began to read.

The Rope Climber By Tommy Hudson

Joe Danton always wanted to be somebody. He longed to accomplish something that he would feel was important. Deep in his heart he felt he would succeed at reaching an important goal someday, although at times he had his doubts. He knew the pursuit of this goal would be a long and difficult struggle filled with many disappointments. However, Joe also felt that he must never give up hope and he held on firmly to his dream of accomplishing something great. Joe ached to do well at something. He tried different jobs and participated in a variety of college courses without discovering what he wanted to do with his life.

One day Joe went into a gym and noticed a rope hanging from the ceiling. He felt a sudden urge to climb this rope and he imagined a crowd cheering him on. It was difficult to climb but he made it to the top using both his arms and legs. He decided to practice every day. After many heartaches and defeats, Joe succeeded in climbing the rope with only the use of his hands. He continued to practice every day for several years. Finally he became an excellent rope climber.

An opportunity of a lifetime came when rope climbing was reintroduced as an Olympic sport and he was chosen to represent the United States. Joe and nine other young men, each representing a different country, successfully completed the Olympic trials and qualified for the finals. In the finals a young man from Russia was the first to climb. He was an awesome sight to behold, with rippling muscles on top of muscles. The Russian climbed to the top quickly and gracefully in only 5.2 seconds. The others followed, but no one could beat the Russian's time. Finally, it was Joe's turn. His girlfriend and his parents were in attendance, and they anxiously watched as he concentrated in preparation for this great moment. Several times he went through the climb mentally. The opportunity he had hoped for, prayed for, and worked his heart out for had arrived. Joe was ready. He went for it with all that he had in him. Victory! 5.0 seconds! A new world record! A gold medal! The crowd went crazy! A new Olympic hero! A dream come true!

Years later Joe realized the significance of this Olympic accomplishment. It symbolized the struggle of life as one attempts to climb to the top and attain one's goals. Joe learned that we can make a dream come true if we really want it, if we are willing to work for it, if we are willing to reach deep within ourselves and pull out the best we have to give.

Gramps was deeply moved. A tear of joy glistened in the corner of his eye, and his heart welled with pride when he reflected on the depth of Tommy's insights. He placed the notebook on the end table and thought further about the article. "How interesting that Tommy would write this type of narrative," he mused. "I have been trying to instill in him the desire to become the finest person he can be. I've always encouraged him to bring out the best in himself." Gramps was wise enough to understand that Tommy identified with the rope climber. "What is significant," thought Gramps, "is that Tommy created a character who eventually succeeded. Perhaps he visualizes his life as one that will be filled with struggles, failures, hard work, heartaches, and obstacles, but deep within himself Tommy believes he will overcome and succeed.

Excerpts from Chapter 2

"Sometimes I wonder if all of the struggle will be worth it, Gramps."

"It is if you are struggling for something worthwhile. Every effort, every step counts if it is in the proper direction. Struggle has a definite value, Tommy. I lived on the farm in South Dakota when I was a boy. We had lots of chickens. At a young age I was taught never to help a baby chick break out of an egg. It was tempting but it would only weaken the chick. Chicks need to struggle and fight their way out of the egg. Through struggle they become strong and healthy. Life for us is much the same. Struggle can make us stronger because it builds our mental muscles. A weight lifter grows stronger by pushing against heavy barbells, and we gain inner strength by pushing against obstacles. If a man put his leg in a cast and didn't use it for several months the leg would grow weak and thin. A leg needs to be used to be strong. Your mind needs to be used too. Without struggles we become soft inside, then when a tragedy or a major problem comes along we may not be able to handle it. If we succeed in the small struggles we will be prepared for the larger ones."

Copyright 1997, 2007. Raymond Gerson . From the book, Reaching for a Dream.