Upon learning of her disease, Lynn dropped into hopelessness as she planned her suicide. After an unsuccessful attempt, she decided to look at life differently trying to find small glimpses of joy. Through this initial perseverance, she discovered painting, an outlet where she could process with each brushstroke the frustrations, joys, and emotions of trying to make sense of the events in her life. After the kind generosity of an anonymous donor, Lynn went on to become an accomplished artist with oil painting, an art teacher, an author, and an inspiring role model for others.
Polio eventually took Lynn’s life in the 1980’s but it never took her spirit. She felt blessed with the opportunities in her life and she passionately lived each day with gratitude and purpose. Through sharing her story, her life, and her talents, she inspired many to seek the infinite possibilities, to give back, and make a positive impact in the world.
By sharing my intent to climb Kilimanjaro, I received the touching gift of Lynn’s story from my mother-in-law, Lynn’s cousin. Lynn’s artwork and memory spans the walls of my in-laws home in Texas to the Oklahoma building in Washington DC. And her legacy of perseverance, passion, and purpose continues in far reaching ways. Just as she leaned into the trials of life with polio and discovered new meaning for her life, we can lean into life’s challenges and discover new possibilities. Climbing Kili will surely present the challenges of an enormous mountain and I will carry her story with me as I climb.
Please join Rotary and myself in putting an end to polio! Click to conveniently and securely donate online: http://rotary7680kiliclimb.org/index.php/climbers/4-debra-corbett
