Thoughts on my Thoughts VI

That night, visions of him reaching the top first and claiming the prize sore through his mind. The glory will be his. There is nothing in the world that he can't handle when it comes to mountain terrains. He can make this final climb to the summit alone.

When his companions are asleep, he puts on his climbing gear and heads towards the summit on a clear moon lit night. His confidence soars until a cold winter storm develops, visibility drops to zero, and he can't turn back. He slips on some loose rock, slides over a cliff, finds himself dangling in midair, and can't locate a foot hold.

He is hanging from a rope in the dark, wind blowing in his ears, with little or no hope of not freezing to death. When all else has failed, he cries out "Oh dear God in Heaven, please help me!" Suddenly, from above he thinks he hears a voice say, "Cut the rope" two times. Was it from confusion caused by his body freezing? Was it God? Would he (or you) cut the rope?

Walter R. Hoge received his master's degree and doctorate in veterinary medicine from Purdue University before practicing small animal veterinary medicine. In 2024, during his 51st year of practice, he retired. He has published several scientific journals and written a book called Easter: McEaster Valley and Thoughts on my Thoughts I, II, III, IV, and V. A proud father to five grown children and 17 grandchildren, he lives in San Jose, California. Drwalterhogebooks.com