We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We're brothers, and sisters, all
Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
We are brothers, and sisters, all
Every new rung just just makes us stronger
Every new rung just just makes us stronger
Every new rung just just makes us stronger
We are brothers, and sisters, all
Yeah, we are climbing Jacob's ladder
Yeah, we are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are brothers, and sisters, all
-Pete Seeger
According to my 87-year-old neighbor Jim, life is nothing more than a series of ladders we climb. Once we reach the top of one, there is always another to scale. The other day he shared this metaphor with me as we finished the last of what was another fantastic meal from Pizza Pie in Altoona—make sure to try the Grandma’s pizza there.
Now, our conversations are not always this deep, but he was undoubtedly sensing I needed to hear these words as an era is coming to an end in my life, which they inevitably do with the passage of time. This weekend kicks off the celebrations of ladders successfully scaled by all three of my daughters with my eldest’s senior day celebration tomorrow before she and her teammates take on Lipscomb University.
Our time on Earth is filled with beginnings and endings—probably millions of them when you think about it. Sometimes, that final buzzer, bell, or song brings with it an incredible sense of relief—as the experience was not a happy one. We figuratively try to push the fat lady onto the stage in order to belt out those notes of finality, hoping to end the misery. Other times, we are standing in the way, trying to hold that large woman back with all of our might so she cannot signal the end of what has been a source of joy and happiness. It’s quite the dichotomy.
It’s often the circumstances that ultimately shape our reasons for being either sad or relieved when an experience ends. I can certainly attest to the fact that I was the exact opposite of crestfallen back in 2012 when my tribulation of running the Cleveland Marathon was over. Yet, every time I drive back to the good old 814 from the beautiful 216—especially after an awesome time visiting family and friends back home—I’m usually bummed that the trip went so fast. No doubt the conditions and places we find ourselves in not only affect how long we stay on certain ladders, but whether or not they will be fondly recalled or quickly forgotten.
Maybe nothing defines the various ladders of life as much as the people who we make our way up with. Some help us enjoy the climb and take in the view. Others serve as the ultimate motivation to get to the top as quickly as possible. No doubt we are graced with the presence of both. Sometimes those we wanted to escape were placed on the same rung as us for reasons we didn’t realize at the time. I’m sure we have played that role for others as well.
According to Thomas Huxley, “The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man’s foot long enough to enable him to put the other one somewhat higher.” Throughout our lives many of these rungs end up setting us up for something greater down the road and it’s only looking back that we realize it.
Over the next few months, I will be watching my girls hop onto new ladders. What makes it hard for both them and me is they will all be reaching the end of an era that—while not perfect—provided moments the four of us will remember forever. The time each has spent pouring their hearts into their climbs became a labor of love. All three will be moving on from places that have unquestionably formed them because of the good and bad things they experienced along the way.
To all of those who either joined in the climb, or encouraged them to keep reaching for the next rung when they felt as though they couldn’t make it another minute, thank you. I hope all three understand what each of you did to help them reach the top, and that they will return the favor for others when their lives grow difficult. I hope they see that many hands did in fact make their work lighter.
As parents we often ignore conquering our own personal ladders and fixate on how to best help our children clamber up theirs. But this is not always a good thing because sometimes they need to fail or experience let-downs on their own. Sometimes all we can do is let our kids know we love them and encourage each to continue their trek upwards. I have been blessed with guidance from many of you who read this weekly blog on how to be a better parent when it comes to this and for that I am incredibly grateful.
The Book of Genesis tells the story of Jacob’s ladder. The narrative represents a connection between Heaven and Earth, God and us. The great singer and songwriter, Pete Seeger, wrote about this in a tune of the same title, and Bruce Springsteen performed the song in his Seeger Sessions album a number of years ago. At one point, the lyrics read that every new rung just makes us stronger. I think it’s safe to say Mr. Seeger couldn’t have been more correct, and that’s something we should all realize up until our climbing days are through.
-Tommy O’Sionnach
Thanks Brauner! I appreciate it!
Thanks my friend!