Even the strongest oak leans in a storm.

There’s a saying my mom always loved: “Even the strongest oak leans in a storm.” It's one of those little nuggets of wisdom that really sticks with you over time, especially when you’ve seen it in action. I remember the time we took my 98-year-old great-grandma to the zoo — just my mom, my sister, and I. We were excited to see the polar bears, but there was one problem: to get there, we had to climb a steep hill. Now, my mom, being practical, suggested we call a zoo staff member for a ride up. But my great-grandma, in all her determination, wasn’t hearing it. “I can walk,” she insisted. And off we went, up that hill, one slow step at a time.

Of course, about halfway up, she fainted. We ended up at the zoo hospital, making sure she was okay — but her spirit? Unshaken. She was determined to do it herself, and while that kind of grit is inspiring, it also taught me something important. My great-grandma showed us the power of willpower and the strength that comes with pushing forward, no matter the odds. But she also showed us something else — sometimes, even the strongest among us need to lean on others. That’s where my mom’s proverb rings true. The oak may be mighty, but even the oak has to bend when the storm is too much to face alone.

Looking back, I see that day as a perfect example of how strength doesn’t always mean doing it all yourself. Determination can take you far, but there's no shame in asking for help when you need it. My great-grandma’s perseverance will always be a reminder of how powerful the human spirit is. And my mom’s words? They remind me that there’s wisdom in knowing when it’s time to lean, just like the oak in the storm. Because sometimes, the strongest thing we can do is let someone help us get to the top.