72 - THE STEEP HILL

THE STEEP HILL

17 ½ x 10 ¼ inches

(Hill south of our lane)

This steep hill welcomed our family as we turned south at the end of our long lane. Without bicycle gears, the daunting hill was impossible to climb on a bike, yet thrilling on the way down. My oldest sister had a severe fall coming down the hill too fast. Her bloodied legs were covered with gravel, and her deep wounds took a long time to heal.

Although the speed’s thrill was exhilarating, her crash taught me to be cautious and avoid going too fast downhill. My oldest sister often absorbed the steep hill’s bumps for the rest of us; birth order indeed influences children’s adult lives significantly.

If approached with wisdom, steep hills offer valuable life lessons. The steeper the hill, the more we grow. When facing tough times now, I embrace the challenges of steep hills—they become lessons that make me stronger.