Farthest behind walked a boy. He was clearly struggling, smiling bravely, but not a word of complaint. I knew. All of us adults knew that the boy had a serious muscle disease. His muscles may lose their strength. But with aluminum rails well hidden under his trousers, he staggered with his wobbly stiff steps after the others.
Up at the top there were cheers and loud joy. The students dropped heavy bags onto the ground, drank from thermoses and rested against the stone cairn that stands up there. Finally! The top!
At the very back, well behind the others, a small body with a rucksack waddled slowly towards the top. Two accompanying teachers ran to meet the boy with helping arms stretched out for support... They knew.
Then I heard the words I can never forget. The boy persistently waved the help away and said clearly: - "No!" He gasped for breath. Then he said in explanation: -"If I only get to get to the top of a mountain once in my life, then I want to know that I have gone there without help!" The teachers followed the boy with silent admiration up the last few meters.
I can never forget what this fine young lad said. Oh, that taught me: Never should we people complain about little things in life!
This one mountain trip was enough for our friend, but I have never experienced the likes of his will and strength. I have often told this little story, it is about wanting and achieving the impossible.
Principal Audun Myrvold