The leaves have turned to brilliant colors of red, yellow and orange and continue their journey to the earth aided by gusts of wind. There is a sprinkling of snow on the mountain tops like a bridal veil while temperatures drop below freezing at night. Family conversations have turned to Thanksgiving preparations: what to eat, where to go and when to celebrate that we are all still together and remember those who are with us only in spirit. This time of year marks the end of my first anniversary of my amazing journey. It will soon be Thanksgiving, an appropriate time for giving special thanks and reflect upon so many blessings in our lives. My list is long.
It took me a year to assimilate the fact that I had actually taken this trip and begin the process to write about it. It became important for me to share my trip with family and friends in a way I could not share while travelling alone. What was so amazing was not only that I left and returned in tact but the lessons learned continue to reveal themselves slowly and visit me every day as I see the wonder of God's gifts, big and small. There was the majesty of the Rockies, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Zion to the wonder of the smallest grain of sand on a beach, the ebb and flow of waves in the surf and a single little flower growing alongside a busy road. Once my spirit was free and my heart open, then all things were truly possible.
I can pick up my journal now and relive my journey again and again whenever I choose to do so and not worry about forgetting anything or anyone.
Much has happened in the past year, both happy and sad. Just an update on the people you met in my journey.
- My sister, Donna, is in remission from 4th stage breast cancer.
- My cousin Jim Allen from Surprise, AZ, pasted away last month unexpectedly.
- Martin Rogers is now happily married to his love, Denise Chapman Rogers.
- Raleen Hefner took a leap of faith to travel to Alaska, a secret longing for many years to travel.
- I didn't get to camp with Elaine McIntosh but will try for camping season 2014. She and Chuck also lost one of their beloved Papillions.
- Baby K, Molly and I have only been camping a few times this summer. The piggy bank is so lean the ribs are showing. Must wait for the fattening of the pig.
- Hope to camp in the White Mountains of New Hampshire next year. It's not too far, I just need gas money.
- I have to give a special shout out to my high school alumni group who created a website for anyone who attended MVHS. It's like having a whole new set of friends, some who you know but many more that you don't. It was an inspired idea.
Good Health to you all and remember to let your spirit soar with the eagles.
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