This is the final episode of the Story Behind the Story.
Our Last Climb
January in Puebla meant winter had blanketed Izta with fresh snow. Terry and I had completed our five-year commitment as National Team Leaders in Mexico, and this would be our final ascent of the giant sleeping lady. One last time, we’d guide friends and adventure seekers up her slopes to say goodbye.
The nostalgic drive up the pine-lined dirt road felt different this morning. At the park entrance, I paid 25 pesos for those yellow plastic bands that jokingly looked like toe tags. The humor somehow eased our tension, but it was a dark reminder that unprepared climbers had met their fate at Izta.
The Snow Made Everything New
We drank homemade lemongrass tea and honey and followed our now familiar route through the slog, second and third passes, and the mystical “Eye of God. ” Then, we refueled at the refuge before the steep 1000-foot slope.
Each climb brought meaningful conversations, challenges, and breathtaking views. But this time, it carried the weight of finality. And the snow! Deep, fresh powder from our first steps at the trailhead all the way to 16,500 feet. The image burned in my memory: Terry at the top of that slope, snow up to her waist. That’s as far as Izta would allow us that day.
Lessons that Last Forever
Though our route stayed the same, each of the five summit attempts was unique – different weather, snow conditions, conversations, and people. Each climb reflected the people experiencing it and taught lessons that changed us.
Each day back down in Puebla, we could look up at those snow-covered peaks and remember each pass, section, person, and life-changing lesson the mountain taught us.
The Real Summit
Years later, those climbs and countless conversations with leaders across continents became woven into my novel, The Summit Within. The real transformation wasn’t pursuing more knowledge or leadership skills – it was overcoming imposter syndrome and finding courage to live wholeheartedly through grace. God’s grace, experienced through vulnerability in community with other imperfect sojourners needing that same grace.
Goodbye, Izta and Popo. Your lessons remain forever in my heart. I’m certain there will be mountains in heaven.
Get your copy of The Summit Within: Embracing the Beauty of Imperfection on Amazon and begin your own summit journey today! Available in Spanish and French languages also.
Steve Morgan
stevermorgan.com 
You used your climbs to do more than reflect–you and Ter grew as people longing to be more than those walking through life. You challenged yourselves and, in some respects, your relationship with the Lord as He walked and climbed with you on these summits. You should feel amazing for what He has done through you.
Thanks for reading Dayle, and for your encouraging comments. I miss those challenges of the climb and the camaraderie of the group on the ascent. Every trip was unique and we always learned new things from the climb and from the people.