It truly seems impossible that 3 months have passed since Zach left this earthly life. I rely on so many things to sustain me—all of which I hold near and dear to my heart. It seems the littlest of things crop up and stir memories of that son of mine.
We recently took a trip to the Grand Canyon to get away with Aaron & Katie. Aaron and Mark decided what hikes we would take and I blindly went along!! We arrived Thursday afternoon and went to the rim to watch the spectacular sunset. Friday, we embarked on a “fairly easy” 7-mile hike. We had 2 camelbacks and four adults—3 of who are in extremely great shape—& 1 who was just going along for the ride (ME!). As we began our decent, we had to traverse rocky switchbacks, which led us down and on our way to Dripping Springs. I had made about 3 miles of the hike when I knew that if I didn’t turn back—I would not make it back before dark. Mark had long gone ahead of the 3 of us and I told Aaron & Katie to go on for Mark (little did I know that they wanted to turn around with me as well). I began hiking back all alone on this trail—fearful of making any wrong turns. I finally made it back to the switchbacks that would take us to the top of the mountain. At this point, I was in need of water and kept hoping the fam would catch me. Mark caught up with me, watered me, and then left me climbing at my turtles pace. Aaron and Katie finally caught up with me and they watered me—Aaron hiked on and Katie hung back to encourage the old woman every step of the way! Good news is that we finally made it to the top and I don’t know if I ever want to do that again!
Now, I say that as the next day Aaron & Mark decided we would embark on yet another hike—only 3 miles—one of the most popular ones on the South Rim. Although every muscle ached, I was determined to enjoy family time. So, we all traversed the steep switchbacks that led us to the “Ooh Ahh” point. Breathtaking. Beautiful. Peaceful. Then, it was time to hike back up—to say I hated my life at that moment having to go back up that mountain would be an understatement!!! But, I went at my turtles pace. I believe I only stopped to rest 3 times the entire way up—much better than the day before. The moment that made me smile the rest of the way up was when a large Hispanic woman passed. She was wearing a heavy coat and had no water. I am guessing she was close to my age. I was looking pretty wrecked at this point—red faced, hot, and sweaty! She looked at me and said (with a thick Spanish accent), “I know what waits for me on the way back up!” She knew she would hate the climb back up. As I approached the top, Mark, Aaron and Katie were all cheering me on. I was only 30 minutes behind Mark and 20 minutes behind the kids—not bad for a swimmer!
Obviously, I had a LOT of time to contemplate life and its vicissitudes! I am grateful for the beauty of this world and the many creations God has made for us to enjoy. I am grateful for people who showed me kindness along the trail—even though I was carrying a camelback, many stopped to ask if I needed water (yup—I looked that bad!). I am also grateful for humor and for that cute Hispanic lady who made me laugh all the way back up!
Last but not least, today, I heard a LOT of jet noise and opened the door to see the “Blue Angels” soaring through the sky. I confess I wasted about an hour+ watching them fly in formation, upside down, and right over my home. They were magnificent!! I thought how much Zach would have enjoyed watching them. I pictured him standing by my side watching them with me—my angel son probably was.
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