Upon our arrival at the Sleepy Bear Dunes climb area in northwest Michigan, it was rather hot and I had no plans of attempting the climb to the top of the dunes. With the 8 week old baby strapped to my chest, we set out with the boys to show them the largest pile of sand they could play in that they might ever see in their lives.

Rather then setting their little toes in the sand and digging in to build sand castles, the boys instantly started exploring the climb. So as the dad of the family, my masculinity inclined me to start the climb with them. Landshark (2) quickly tuckered out and decided to run back to momma. Bug (4) started the climb, but his shoeless toes in the hot sand became a little much, and soon turned back. However, at that point, I decided well lets just see if I can do this.

The climb to the top of the sand dunes became a personal challenge that I had not set out to conquer. While no one was able to tell me exactly how high the dune climb was, I have seen estimates of anywhere from 200-400 feet high. With my eight week old son’s love at my side, and his sleepiness curled into me, I began off on a journey to show him the world.

Within about 15 minutes, we had reached the top of the dunes, with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. I was proud of my accomplishment and began the decent back to the bottom.

Upon my arrival to the bottom to greet the rest of the my family, I was told Bug ultimately decided to climb up the dunes after me, and made it to the plateau about 75% of the way up. As a father, my heart was warmed to know that my four year old son set out to conquer the dunes all by himself. Mama, or grandma or grandpa, and not even his dad was there to escort him on his journey.

While I did not get to see his accomplishment, I felt an instant sense of pride that overwhelmed me, and meant way more than my own accomplishment.

Has your child ever made you so proud while traveling that it overshadows your own accomplishments?

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Source: InACents