Rick - Your parents knew. They just hoped to live long enough to see it. They may have been surprised at the number of other people who "turned out fine" or improved noticeably just by knowing you.

Now I'll probably be accused of sucking up to god or some such nonsense.

Little Neo - I read "Into Thin Air" and was shocked at the number of people who attempt Everest just because they can afford to. People die there. Having very little to worry about these days, I jumped at the opportunity to obsess over your potential climb. Back to reality...