Each day of our journey can have us going 100 miles an hour. We can get distracted that next step and where it is going to take us or what that next “priority” is that we “must” take care of 😊. Each day also enables us to step back and soak it all in. To be present in the present – letting all those distractions and “things we need to get done” – slip away. Last week and was given an opportunity, sort of, but let’s just say some circumstances that weren’t ideal opened up to something that gives me great joy and fulfillment.
Last week I was on a red-eye flight to Philadelphia with the ultimate mission to move our youngest into her freshman year of college. The pictures you see, were not part of that ultimate mission initially, however, it is just how this journey unfolded, to my benefit 😊. These pictures are from the Appalachian Train near the Hamburg Reservoir in Pennsylvania. This section of the AT, as it is called, includes two well known areas, Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle. A couple of these pictures are from those lookout areas. Of course, I had to put in some questions of the “Green Tunnell” or “green canopy” as the AT can also be described as.
What is the significance? Thirteen years ago, I began venturing up here to find solace. This is where I started trail running, training, and ultimately participating in ultramarathons. This is also a place I came to escape. During those periods, I was consistently running from things. Those demons and devils that race through our mind trying to lead us to those dark places. I would come up to the AT here and run, think, find peace, and begin – eventually, healing. I had spent a lot of time in these woods and over the years, I stopped running from things and started running toward things. I ultimately realized that I can be better…….I must be better for my wife, for my daughters, and for myself.
Last weekend when I was up here again, it was a bit surreal. It was on a trip back to PA to move our youngest into college. Not a different experience than so many others out there. For me, it allowed be to reflect on where our collective journey has come from, and brought us, as a family. By no means have I become the husband, father, and human being I am meant to be or do I know if I will ever get there. I do see the lives we’ve been able to create and now the journey that both our daughters have chosen to take and; I am so grateful for finding these trails and chose, for myself, to run toward something!