Yes, my dear and wonderful forum friends, I have just scrambled up the last few stony feet and have arrived at the summit cairn and let me tell you, the view is to die for. When I look one way I can see right across those sunlit uplands that Max likes to talk about and to a distant range of mountains beyond. I think there's a lake down there somewhere and I can certainly see where the land ends and the ocean begins. When I look another way I can see the path- twisting and turning as it climbs- which I have been following all these months and which has led me to this wonderful place.
So- was it hard work? Yes, at times it was. But even those steep, rocky parts were surmountable how ever difficult they seemed. And was it worth it? Oh yes. That view kept on expanding and the slope started levelling out and before I knew where I was I had arrived at the summit plateau. When I started out, way down there in the valley (I can't see the exact place which is in shadow now but I can remember what it looked like) the top of the mountain seemed impossibly far away. But with every passing day it grew just a little less distant and when i stopped to catch my breath and look behind me I never failed to be surprosed to realise how far I had already come. That kept me going and the further I climbed the easier it became.
One thing's for sure though- I wouldn't have made it here to this exalted spot without you. I therefore hereby extend my heartfelt thanks and love to every single one of you. Your collective wisdom, your humour, dedication and determination (often in the face of considerable adversity) has in turns awed, inspired and humbled me and I know I would have fallen long ago if you hadn't been there, both in front of me to encourage and beckon me on, or behind me to shove from the rear. Gentlemen and Gentlewomen it has been a pleasure and a privilege to share the journey with you.
So- the only thing left to do now is to drink the remnants of the (rather luke-warm) coffee in my flask, eat the remains of my last (rather battered) sandwich, take one last look at that amazing view and turn in the one direction I haven't yet turned where stand the portals of the Mighty Penthouse. I can see the gates are opening at the top of a flight of rather impressive stpes (covered with a red carpet I do believe!) and I could do with a glass (or six ;)) of something bubbly and a soak in a very hot bath, so I shall pick up my rucksack, brush myself down (so as to look vaguely respectable) and take that last, glorious walk upwards.....
Written by
nsd_user663_60964
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I am totally THRILLED that you have arrived, Sam! I had promised you a cup of tea and a mince pie when you arrived, but I see that you are on the hard stuff!
Fags are SO last year..........here's to a fresh and fragrant future, filled with pride at this massive, massive achievement.
Had no doubt that you would be here Sam - the last of the November/December all through. Many congratulations to you and have a great party my friend xx
I can't tell you how touched I am at your kind messages. I don't deserve it and I can only thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Please accept huge collective hug to all of you from me. You're blinking wonderful, you really are....
I can't tell you how made up I am. What wonderful people you are. Smokefree, you're but a whisker behind me and your day is coming so very soon now! I shall of course be holding the door open for you. You'll love it here I can tell you. Kat- what can I say? Without you & Max who knows where I would be (not here that's for certain). I can't quite believe I'm in such exalted and revered company actually :o. Dolores, I don't doubt for a moment that we shall be cheering you home next October, just as we shall certainly be cheering dear Sand home in less than 5 months time- the blink of an eye. If I have been an inspiration to anyone, and succeeded in giving a tenth of what I have received from the forum back, I shall be truly happy.
Sam that is one of the loveliest posts I have ever read on this forum, I would just like to say that you have been a rock for so many on the forum myself included and you always have a kind word I have never heard you moan you have just got your head down and got on with the task in hand, I wish I was more like you and I truly mean it, you have become a forum legend and you are truly a wonderful lady and someone I definitely consider to be a friend, I am sooo so proud of you for achieving your place at the penthouse, it is thoroughly deserved and you are a beaut, I hope you have something nice planned to celebrate? Much love and hugs to you my friend.
My lovely Sam what a great day. You have quietly moved thru the rooms, left no mess lol and got on with it. You have been here day in day out and helped us all. I couldnt be more pleased for you. Your post really moved me, you are so lovely. n699716
Well how wonderful, am so happy to share with you the huge success of you year quit. Not only have you quit, but have supported so many on the journey you took.
It's a marvellous and happy occasion the crossing of the water, to a greener, and fresher land.
Brilliant so happy for you, I do hope many many celebrations are planned you are indeed a wonderful, lovely lady.
I'm sitting here wiping the tears from my eyes at your lovely and wonderful responses. I know I keep saying it, but you lot are the greatest (just like Muhammed Ali :D) and as far as I am concerned, you're the legends rather than me. I really wouldn't have made it without you all and I feel so very lucky to have met you. It was one of my best ever decisions when I joined the forum and I have no intentions of b****ering off any time soon. Please accept this as a general thank you to every one of you (including Katy, whoever she is!) for your good wishes and kind words.
Kat, I think Smokefreeme is next (on 20th December) followed by the Hogmanay Three. How exciting!!
A huge well done, great, inspirational post. I hope the penthouse is perfect, reading the posts it sounds like you more than deserve it. Brilliant 😃
Thank you Jenninegs (love the Supersam logo! :)), Andrew (very kind) and Isolde (I still can't quite believe I am in such wonderful and exalted company...)
Hey Skiddaw, I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on your acheivement, brilliant stuff!!! Fron one Readingite to another I doff my cap to you and you really do deserve a lovely room in the penthouse with a great big bath for relaxing in after all those awesome walks. Well done you
Doofus, us Readingites must stick together. I'm still intrigued by the thought of the free beer at the Nags Head for runners in the half-marathon by the way....
Laura, I am indeed enjoying the bubbly (or will do anyway- a bottle is earmarked for tomorrow night as I have Friday off and we're going out for a slap-up meal :p).
They're just tinishing tiling the en-suite luxory bathroom in your suite by the way. I poked my head around the door when I was passing earlier. I think you're going to like it....
A tad late on this one but hey, better late than never! Great achievement Skiddaw, I guess you're rightfully proud and deserve to be, and what a lovely post to mark the milestone. Welcome to the penthouse, and what a view eh? So clear you can see for miles! Lovely stuff and hearty congratulations!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
