A note on grades - Six years ago, I underwent reconstructive shoulder surgery. One year ago, after extensive rehab and retraining, I was on the cusp of climbing at my pre-surgery level when I injured my other shoulder in a work-related accident. I was devastated. Surgery is not currently an option for the new injury, and my rehab efforts seem to have plateaued. I have started climbing again; I'm learning to work around the painful movements. Maybe I'll never climb another 5.13. Maybe there's a different plan for me. But who says 5.10 isn't beautiful anyway? I began climbing to experience a sense of oneness with my natural surroundings, to push through self-doubt, to revel in exposure, and to explore movement. This is still what I love about climbing. Numbers notwithstanding.