Apr 17, 20151 min read

Prayers on the Great Wall of China

As I tackled the Great Wall, a monstrous 4-mile stretch taunted me. Clambering up those 15" tall stairs, my Roller derby knees begged for mercy. But I pushed on, determined to conquer the daunting ascent. As I gazed around, I noticed little old ladies alongside me, awkwardly crab-walking down like lost souls. I didn't want to join their feeble retreat.

Yet, reality slapped me hard. My knees screamed in rebellion, threatening to leave me crawling down like a pathetic toddler, reduced to cautious steps on each stair. Frustration surged within, but I couldn't risk further damage.

Defeated but not broken, I retraced my steps to the bottom. There, a somber prayer garden awaited. Scribbling my deepest longings on a wooden tablet, I hung it on the tree of wishes, where countless others had poured out their hearts.

Amidst the breathtaking views, I found solace in the shared struggles and hopes. The Great Wall might have bested me, but my prayers now soared among the whispers of the winds that carried the dreams of countless souls before me.