My thoughts about this undertaking
Ashley Curry:
I have been asked frequently about the "risk" of injury throughout Anna's lifetime. We have certainly had more fractures than we ever imagined, but I also realize that her "unconquerable spirit" is a product of having faced these orthopedic challenges. Consider the poem "Invictus", by William Ernest Henley:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbow'd.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Henley, at the age of 12, became a victim of tubercular arthritis, a disease not fully understood at the time. At the age of 18, he had his left foot amputated and the amputation of his other foot was recommended in order to preserve his life. He refused the second operation and persisted in seeking other medical remedies. He wrote this poem in 1875 while hospitalized and struggling with his own orthopedic issues.
A copy of this poem hangs on the wall in Anna's room and has been a source of inspiration to her. Her "unconquerable spirit" is the driving force of this endeavor and her whole life for that matter.
I am the proud father and her number one "fan".
Comments
| 2. | Jennifer Neff | Tue Jun 30, 2009 @ 09:15AM |
My prayers are with you and Anna for the journey ahead. Anna sent a beautiful thank you note. I cannot begin to know how proud you and Marga are of her. Invictus is one of my favorite poems. Only just learned the background from your post. I'll be a sounding post for Marga- the heart "beneath the climb" She is an amazing mother and friend. Roots and wings. Jennifer Neff
| 3. | Tracey Jowers | Thu Jul 02, 2009 @ 01:41PM |
I love the poem by Henley. I can relate as I have a 7 yo son with O.I. His spirit is amazing. I have never met anyone stronger in my lifetime. Our family's love and prayers are with you and your daughter on this awesome journey! I hope your toe gets better soon. Sincerely,
Tracey (mom to Christian)
| 4. | David Sutton | Fri Aug 07, 2009 @ 05:49AM |
i can relate to that poem, having survived a battle with pancreatic cancer some years ago, i will be climbing mt kilimanjaro with the kiliwarriors on 18th sept 2009, i wish you both all the best in your endeavours, and trust that with faith and determination you will achieve your goals, i cant remember who said this but it goes something like this "do not go where the path will lead but rather make a path for others to follow" best wishes and kind regards,
Suttoh
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