More Posts to Katie and Nick on the Appalachian Trail

Day 136: (No Writing)

Day 137: I Love NY  

"Guess where we are?!?! Maybelline picked us up and has taken us to NYC! So amazing."  -- Katie 

Okay. I'm jealous. Really jealous. When we got the text from Katie (with the picture) telling us your trail buddy Maybelline snagged you from the AT and took you for a day into New York City…I was jealous…and I wish I could have been there. Last year at Christmas time we talked about maybe doing a Christmas in New York City one year. Seeing you two in the picture at the Rockefeller Center ice rink (where a Christmas tree will be standing in 3 short months) made me want to do it all the more. I can't wait to talk on the phone and hear about your trip--what you were able to see and do…what you ate…and what was your favorite part. 

I know this trip into the city was just another one of those completely unplanned, serendipitous turns on your path to Mt. Katahdin. You are both "people of relationship"; you have many friends and make friends easily. I love to hear of the fellow travelers you've bonded with along the way. I think it's great how you've been able to stay in contact with some of them like, Maybelline, who had to hop off the trail because of her knee issues…but when she knew you were hiking through her part of the world…she gave you this great gift. 

That's just the way life is sometimes. You think you've got your day all worked out, then it sneaks up on you…like a little kid from behind the door…and surprises you. 

I like to think it was just God rearranging life for the fun of it.

Is this maybe the way God works? I like to believe it is...and I believe all the more when I hear what happened to you today. The first time I ever thought of God in this way was after I read Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton 20 years ago. He explained it this way in his book:

“Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, 'Do it again'; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”   

And maybe God looks at us some days and says to Himself, "Wait 'til they get a load of this!" Then, He hides behind our thoughts and expectations…and when we least expect it…He jumps out and surprises us with something, like a trip to NYC, maybe…upending our worlds in joyous wonder. I like to think that God works that way. And maybe He's got all of these little surprises planned up and down the path of our lives. Maybe.  

"Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."   Psalm 40:5

"Now we are taking the train from Grand Central Station back to Pawling. I got to see everything I wanted to see today!!! I'm in love with New York!"   -- Katie    

Love,

Dad

Day 138: Grateful   

It's late and it's been a very long day. I got the news this morning that some friends are walking through some really, really tough stuff--stuff with their kids. And while my heart breaks for them…and I hurt for them…and I'm angry for them…I also feel guilty. 

I feel guilty because…deep down…I'm grateful. I'm grateful that we didn't have to deal with anything remotely close to what this family is going through. I'm grateful for my kids…and their spouses…and my grand babies…and the fact that we didn't have to walk through this dark passage that our friends are experiencing now. 

I also feel helpless. I want to do something for these friends…I want the ability to say something and alleviate their struggle…I want to erase this situation and make things new again. I want to do something more than pray, but as of right now…prayer is all I can think of and do, so I'll continue to pray:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”   (Numbers 6:24-26)

I'll gratefully be praying the same for you two.

Love,

Dad

Day 139: Gilmore Girls 

"I am at the airport! I already checked in, so I am just going to try and get some sleep and then my flight leaves at 10:25am. I love you guys!"  -- Katie 

This has been a crazy adventure for you two…and now you're flying to San Angelo, TX for Ashley's wedding, Katie. Looking at the photo you sent of your bed (Below) in the airport brought back a quick flash of my own night in the airport on my way back from hiking with you two. Ugh. That was miserable. I hope you sleep better (meaning, at all) than I did in the Reagan Airport in DC!

"By the way, I got to see a lot of Connecticut and it all looks like Gilmore Girls town. So cute. And we are officially in New England :)"  -- Katie 

Gilmore Girls. Of course! Katie, I really didn't think about how you'd be seeing New England for the first time…and how (obviously) it would remind you of Gilmore Girls. How many times have you and Mom been through that entire TV series? And yes, even though I tease you two about that show…I will admit: I did like it. 

But let me explain…before I get my Man Card revoked. Gilmore Girls was a "chick show", but it was witty and funny and filled with great cultural references. You know how much I love the game Trivial Pursuit. Trying to guess the multiple cultural references in each Gilmore Girls show was like playing a mini-game of Trivial Pursuit. But more than that, Gilmore Girls was a meeting place for you and me, Katie. It was neutral ground during a time where I felt we had little. Watching that show each week was always a respite…an oasis to some very volatile weeks…a place where we could sit and laugh and connect. And it was all through a stupid TV show. It reminds me of a line from one of my favorite movies, City Slickers, where Daniel Stern's character, Phil, is defending his obsession with baseball. In that scene he says:  

"…when I was 18 and my dad and I couldn't communicate about anything at all…we could still talk about baseball."  -- Phil from City Slickers

That's the way I feel about Gilmore Girls. In a time and place when I felt like we weren't communicating well at all, Katie…we could still talk about Gilmore Girls. And I will be forever grateful for those two ladies. God works in strange and mysterious ways.

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."  (Ecclesiastes 11:5)

Katie, be safe and have a great time at Ashley's wedding. Nick, try and have some fun while Katie's in TX…but not TOO much fun.  :)

Love,

Dad

Day 140: Surreal 

"I am in NC for my layover. I land in Dallas around 4. It was surreal taking a 2 hour flight from CT to NC and knowing that I have been walking that distance the past couple of months!"  -- Katie 

I know, Katie! It's crazy to think about…and probably not healthy to dwell on. It might sink you emotionally if you think too much about how long you've been out there walking…and how quickly you can get anywhere you need to go, if you really had to.

And now you're in San Angelo helping Ashley get ready for her wedding, Katie. I'm sure that has to be equally surreal--being thrust back into civilization with ceilings over your head and running water at your disposal. I remember how it felt the first night I slept in a real bed with a roof over my head after Ben and I hiked the Georgia portion of the AT. We had only hiked for 2 weeks, and still, it was strange sleeping in a bed…indoors. I stared at the ceiling in the dark…feeling weirdly cramped by the walls and ceiling of Uncle Doug and Aunt Patti's spare bedroom. I laid there…for what seemed like hours…trying to figure out why that 12' X 14' bedroom felt more confining than the 4' X 6' 2-man tent I'd been sleeping in. I remember thinking, "Maybe I can't sleep because it's too quiet." I thought that maybe I needed the wind blowing through the trees…or the toads chirping in the woods…or an owl or two hooting softly overhead to make me feel normal in that soft bed. And maybe that's the lesson from the wild…and from all the creatures that make it home. 

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."  (Job 12:7-10)

Whatever it was that made it feel so weird that first night sleeping back indoors…I knew one thing: Those two weeks in the wild with Ben changed me…even if only for one night…like the queasy sea legs you get when you've been on a boat or on the ocean for a long time. Coming back indoors felt wrong. 

I have a feeling, Katie, you might be having a similar experience tonight…if you sleep at all. Knowing that you're in the company of Ashley and Amber…you may not sleep at all. Nick, please let us know how (and what) you're doing while Katie's gone. I wish I could be there in Connecticut to keep you company.

We look forward to hearing the stories you'll both have from your separate weekends.

Love,

Dad

Day 141: Serendipity 

ser·en·dip·i·ty

ˌserənˈdipədē/

noun

noun: serendipity; plural noun: serendipities

1. the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."a fortunate stroke of serendipity"

Serendipity. 

Mom used that term multiple times as we enjoyed our evening with Robin and Vicki Piers--explaining the unplanned, almost-miraculous convergence of Mom and Vicki's friendship. 

Having grown up in the cauldron of middle school and high school in East Columbus, Ohio, Mom and Vicki were the kind of friends that make other people jealous; the kind of friends that eclipse normal friendship and catapult themselves into another stratosphere of friendship…beyond sisterhood…and into a realm rarely experienced. But like all great and beautiful things on earth…they have to come to an end. For Mom and Vicki, that seemed to happen to their friendship as they transitioned from high school into college. Vicki went to Ohio State. Mom went to Milligan College. They stayed in touch…and Vicki was even in our wedding, but things were already different between Mom and Vicki…and like a lot of people…life takes over and inseparable bounds get stretched…and eventually broken.

Or so Mom thought.

Until we came to Colorado for Thanksgiving in 2009. We came to spend the long holiday weekend with the Burgens and, on a whim, went into Boulder the Saturday after Thanksgiving,. Then, while standing on an extremely busy street corner…we saw Vicki, her husband Robin and their son Robert. Out of the blue!

Serendipity.

Now, fast-forward almost 6 years…we're living in Colorado…Vicki and her family live about 5 miles from us…and Mom and Vicki have been able to re-kindle…no, more than re-kindle…they've been able to pick up where they left off over 30 years ago. It's serendipity. And sitting in our favorite Mexican restaurant, Hacienda Jalsico, with Vicki and Robin…I couldn't help but think about you, Katie, and your friends…all gathered together for Ashley's wedding in San Angelo, TX. You were (begrudgingly) prepared to miss Ashley's wedding until everyone banded together to fly you to Texas. And now, in a very serendipitous way, you are re-kindling friendship after years of being apart. I hope you're able to see this experience for what it really is: an amazing gift from God.         

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  (James 1:17)

Enjoy this unplanned turn of events…just another twist and turn in your journey along the path of serendipity.

Love,

Dad

Day 142: Bunk Beds

Those bunk beds have seen a lot.

I don't ever remember getting them. They've just always been around as long as I can remember--which puts them EASILY at more than 50 years old. Uncle Dave and I were the first to sleep in them and he had the top bunk because I was too little. I don't know when we transitioned. All I remember is that I was sleeping on the top bunk when I was in 2nd grade (1967) and fell out of bed in the middle of the night…on the tile floor…busting my lip wide open and smashing my nose. From that point on I slept in the bottom bunk.

The bunk beds were their original color then; natural wood with a cherry stain.

The first time the bunk beds got a coat of paint was when I was in 4th grade (1969) when Nana "antiqued" them a dark red. She also antiqued a couple of dressers and a little brown jug lamp to match. Then, we went to J.C. Penny and bought some framed prints of Revolutionary soldiers to decorate the room. Uncle Doug and I were sleeping in the bunk beds then. Uncle Dave had moved up and had his own room. That summer our house flooded, filling the entire bottom half of our split-level home in mud and water. I can still smell that dank, sludgy mud when I think of those red antique-y bunk beds.

The beds stayed the same color for awhile. I remember they were still that antique-y red when Papa sat Uncle Dave and I down on them to tell us that Nana was diagnosed with a cancerous thyroid gland. I was in 5th grade (1970). It's the first time I saw Papa cry and I thought the world was coming apart. Not long after that…my Grandma Foote was killed in a car wreck…and I spent more nights than I can count lying in that bunk bed trying to wrap my head around why God let that happen.

The next color I remember was a chocolate brown. Nana re-antiqued the bunk beds when we moved out to the south end of Madison, where they still live. The new coat of brown paint matched well with the orange and brown carpet in our new home. I was in 8th grade (1973). Uncle Dave and I were bunk mates again then and it was a rough time. We seemed to be in one, long perpetual fight…even at night. There were multiple times where we'd be yelling at each other in the dark…and I'd kick the upper bunk from below…only making him more mad…and inviting him to "rain down wrath" from above.

I don't know how Mom and I wound up with those bunk beds. In the time that we've had them in our possession  they've been painted: Cookie Monster blue, then red (with baseball bed knobs) for Ben's baseball room. Ben was around 7 years old then (1992). I seem to remember painting them a grassy green color for Ben before the bunk beds made the move next door into Katie's room. Then, they were a yellow…then a light purple…then white. The next color I remember was hot pink and fluorescent orange. Katie wanted everything bright and colorful in her room. This was around the time she was in late middle school (2005). The beds were that eye aching color the first time I remember hearing Nick's name.

After the bright pink and orange phase, I swore I would never re-paint those bunk beds ever again. Then Emery was born in 2013. I knew eventually she would need a bed to sleep in at Grampa and Mimi's, so I went back on my word and re-painted them a light yellow. We've had them in our spare room waiting for her to grow up and be able to sleep in that bottom bunk…right where her Grampa spent most of his childhood (and into early adulthood) nights. I thought she would sleep in that bunk for the first time here in our house, but that's not the case.

Emery's got a new bed. It's a really old bed, but it's new to her. It's been through a lot…and it's seen a lot…and it's going to see a lot more. Emery moved out of her crib to make room for little Micah Man to take it over. She moved out of the crib and into my old bunk bed. Ben and I re-painted her room a more neutral color today. He said he didn't want Micah sleeping in a pink room. As we worked away painting the bedroom this morning, Ben was sort of thinking out loud--trying to figure out how Emery and Micah were going to sleep in the same room…and where they would put the crib…and how Micah was outgrowing his bed…and what they would do next. 

So I offered the bunk beds.

Ben and Ali want to get Em used to sleeping in the bunk bed before they bring Micah into the room. One big step at a time. Soon though, Micah will be in there. Emery will have a roommate. At some point in the very near future I'm sure the bunk in our spare room will join its mate with Em and Micah. And who knows what those bunks will live through next.

But for right now…there's a little girl spending her first night out of her crib…sleeping in a "big girl bed"... sleeping in a bunk that so many others who love her have slept in: her Grampa…her Daddy...and her Aunt Katie.

Emery is surrounded by love.

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety."  (Psalm 4:8)

Love,

Dad

The Journey Continues: My Most Recent Posts...

Day 123: Glimpses of Heaven  

If I know anything, I know that you two have had countless days like this on the Appalachian Trail; those days when everything seems more alive…more vibrant and real…and tangible. Where you seem to be more aware of what's going on around you. 

I was having one of those days yesterday. It was late-morning. Mom had just come back from taking Peanut on her daily walk through the neighborhood and the two of them were sitting in the shade on the front porch. I was in the middle of mowing the yard (which always makes me feel like a good neighbor) and for some reason everything seemed more intense, more vibrant: the roar of the mower…the deep, rich green of the grass…the honey bees that swarmed around me as I mowed past the lilac bushes on the side of the house. Everything. Everything seemed more alive. 

Then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was a text from the brother of the young man Scott and I visited at the hospital the other day--the man who was in a coma from a motorcycle accident. The text simply informed me that his brother had passed away. I stood for a moment in the front yard reading that text…surrounded by so much life…thinking about how fast it all goes by.

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." (Psalm 39:4)

I know a lot of this big adventure of yours was birthed in this very idea that life is too short and that you needed to try something like this before it was too late. It's true. Life is short and we're constantly being reminded of how quickly time passes…and of how (in the blink of an eye) it's all over. The first time I remember really understanding this was in 5th grade when my Grandma Foote was killed in a car wreck. It's one of the harsh realities of life, but there's always hope in death…for those of us living in the promise of Jesus:    

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."  (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

I know that the young man who died had a deep faith in Jesus…and he knew that Jesus had everything taken care of…and that death wasn't the end. And the vibrancy and intensity of this life holds no comparison to what's waiting for us. That young man is experiencing it right now…and some day…we will too. 

I'm not in any hurry, but I do long for that day. Until then, I know God will continue to give us glimpses of what's ahead. Glimpses of that vibrant life on the trail…and glimpses of it for you on the trail…and for me in my front yard.   

Love,

Dad

Day 124: Inspiring

Lyme disease? Really?

I won't lie. When Katie called this morning with the diagnosis from the doctor…it took the wind out of me. Lyme disease! I immediately thought of all the horror stories you see and hear on the news, but Katie sounded so upbeat…and relieved…that it helped me gain my mental footing. As the doctor said, it's great that Katie started taking the antibiotic doxycycline over a week ago…catching it in the early stages. I take back all the snide remarks I made about doctors in grocery stores ("Dr. Johnson, clean up in aisle three!"). I scoffed when you originally told us that the doc-in-the-box at the Piggly Wiggly told you it might be Lyme disease. I thought, "He doesn't know Lyme's from lemons!" I take it all back.

So now you know…you've got more antibiotics…Katie's feeling MUCH better…and by now, you're in New Jersey "The Garden State". I just want to write you both and tell you how proud I am of you. After getting the Lyme disease diagnosis, I don't think anyone would have thought less of you if you just packed it in. Instead, Katie took her meds and you two set off for the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border…undeterred from your goal. That takes great strength and guts! You've watched a lot of people drop off the trail for much, much less. 

You inspire me.

As I've already written (and said in person), you have no control of what's ahead of you; whether Mt. Katahdin will be open by the time you get there…what the weather holds for you as you trek into the Green and White Mountains in early September…or whether sickness or injury overtake you. All you have control of is your next step…and the step after that…and the next….and the next. 

You also have control over how you're going to deal with adversity and all I can do is repeat myself; you inspire me.      

"The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."  (Psalm 145:14)

Love,

Dad

Day 125: Wisdom Protection

"I just pulled another tick off. This is how tiny they are!!! That is a tick compared to an Advil." - Katie

You think I'm kidding, but I want you both to get to the store and stock up on Hartz Flea & Tick collars. You need to wear a couple on your legs, tie a couple to your backpacks and think about wearing one as a necklace! You need to protect yourselves from those little b@#%&*#s! We're grateful that you've got an early diagnosis, Katie, but you've still got 900 miles to go…part of that through Connecticut…where that miserable disease gets it's name. The first recorded cases of Lyme Disease came from some soccer moms and their kids living in Lyme, CT.

I was in a meeting tonight when my phone buzzed. It was sitting on a table and I reached over to press the button to stop the buzzing. I really couldn't answer it at the time, but I saw it was Uncle Dave. In an instant, I knew why he was calling. I knew that someone had obviously posted something on the internet about Katie's diagnosis of Lyme disease…and he was calling because he was worried. I couldn't call him back until 2 hours later, but I was right-on-the-money! He read something on Facebook about Katie being diagnosed with Lyme disease and wanted to know if it was true. I confirmed the online reports and filled him in on what I knew. As I finished up my phone conversation with Uncle Dave there was the flurry of text messages between Katie and Mom regarding the ticks…and the picture that accompanied it.

I won't pull any punches…we're worried about your health…both of you. Please do whatever it takes to ward off those little vermin and let us know how we can help. I loved hearing the vibrancy and energy in Katie's voice yesterday. Especially considering that it was right after she got the Lyme disease diagnosis. I love that you are both reignited with passion to continue on and finish off this journey. We just want you to be careful…make thorough tick checks each day…AND BUY SOME FLEA COLLARS! It's the wise thing to do!

"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."   (Proverbs 4:6-7)

Love,

Dad

Day 126: 7 Down...7 To Go

"Also, here's a picture of us leaving Pennsylvania!" - Katie

Seven down…seven more to go. You're halfway through the states on the Appalachian Trail.

Georgia…North Carolina…Tennessee…Virginia (Ugh!)…West Virginia…Maryland and Pennsylvania.

That's great! We're SO proud of you…SO glad you're feeling better, Katie…and SO glad you're one step closer to coming home. We're really missing you both. Nick looks like a freakin' mountain man with that beard! I know you're talking about shaving his hair and beard for tick prevention…and I know I sound like I'm contradicting myself from my note last night…but that beard is EPIC…and worth keeping!

I think Mom already told you that we're heading up into the mountains with Jim and Robin until Saturday, so we'll be out-of-pocket until then. I'll shoot you my daily notes as soon as I get service again, but please know that you're both constantly in our thoughts and prayers and that we're going to need to FaceTime soon! We need to talk and see your real-live faces...hopefully bearded!

I know that you're now hiking through some flat terrain, so enjoy…and I'll leave you with this promise:

"'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  (Isaiah 54:10)

I'll be emailing you in three days. See you this weekend?

Love,

Dad

Days 127 - 130

Here we go…as promised; an email dump from the last few days since we were up in the mountains and out-of-pocket:

Day 127:Thursday

"Katie and Nick are going to love camping up here when they get back…uh…wait. Probably not. They'll probably never want to go camping again when they get back!"  -- Jim

Mom and I were really looking forward to getting away.

It felt good to load all our gear into the car and make our way up to Allenspark…ready to spend the next few days camping in the majestic "Tent Mahal"…with no running water or electric (and more importantly) no cell phone service!

Peanut was VERY antsy the entire 1 1/2 hrs up to Jim and Robin's property…panting and grumbling…jumping between Mom's lap and mine. I had to stiff arm her as we snaked and winded our way up Highway 7 out of Lyons. Mom and I knew it was going to be a crapshoot with Peanut. This was her first time camping and we had no idea what to expect.

We got in an hour or so before Jim and Robin and set up the Tent Mahal (Below). 

I kept thinking to myself, "This has been Katie and Nick's life for the last four and half months?" Granted, you're not setting up and tearing down a 4 room tent each day, but you are pitching a tent, cooking, sleeping and packing everything back up every day. I kind of got exhausted thinking about it. Peanut nosed her way around the perimeter of our campsite until Jim, Robin and Gertie showed up (Below).

Yes…we cooked outside too. Just like you! I don't want to rub it in, but we had elk spaghetti, garlic bread and wine. Sorry. As we sat around the campfire after dinner, that's when Jim said, "Katie and Nick are going to love camping up here…" We all agreed that you both might need a little break from camping when you finally get home. Still, it's beautiful…and quiet…and VERY remote on the Burgen's property.

I'm sure you'll love camping up there too.

Day 128: Friday

"Crap. I'm in so much trouble when we get back." -- Thoughts in my head

Shortly after breakfast Jim asked if I wanted to hike with him up to the back edge of their property. He told me it was probably half a mile away…uphill. Uphill or not, I love traipsing through the woods, so of course I said, "Yes!" We loaded up our daypacks with some water and headed out with the dogs.

Now, I know you both remember that the last time Jim and I set off on a hike in the woods with Gertie and Peanut…we ended up getting lost for over 5 hours…and hiking about 12-14 miles…most of it in the rain. I kept trying to convince myself that nothing was going to go wrong.

Jim and I trekked up the mountainside with Gertie and Peanut leading the way. I love how Gertie and Peanut are buddies. Gertie's the only dog that Peanut can stand, and the two of them sniffed and snorted through the brush and leaves…slipping under downed trees and hopping over others. I noticed (about 15 minutes into the hike) that Peanut was getting braver and braver…venturing further away from us when Jim and I stopped to catch our breath…which was often! I kept yelling for Peanut to come back, which she always did.

We plodded our way up and up…higher up the mountainside…the whole time searching for the markers marking the national forest line and the cairn for Jim's property line. When we crested the top of the mountain Jim and I were scouring the area looking for markers--and not finding a one! We had been searching for about 5 minutes when I realized that Peanut was no where to be found. I asked Jim if she was with him…about 50 yards from me. No. I called for her. Nothing.

Then, I quit looking for property markers and started looking for Peanut. Five minutes stretched in to ten and still no Peanut. In my head I started to work the scenarios; I knew I was going to be in trouble. I lost Peanut in some of the most secluded terrain in Colorado. Mom would be upset. That was a given. But really…I was trying to figure out how I was going to tell you two…or even IF I was going to tell you. I wasn't panicked. I really wasn't. This is that weird part of me that kicks in when things get bad or someone gets hurt. I get super-calm. I was already (in my head) moving into the "new norm": life without Peanut. Jim and I kept searching for her, but I looked at him and said, "This is bad." He just nodded.

And just as I was fully prepared for the repercussions of losing your/our dog…Peanut came bounding over some rocks and ran straight to me. She was panting and looking a little frantic, but happy to be found.

I dodged a bullet…and I'm SO HAPPY I don't have to give you THAT news while you're out there on the trail.

Day 129: Saturday

Saturday was a blur. Getting away in the mountains went WAY too fast. We loaded everything back up, and again, all I could think about was you two; the routine you both have tearing down camp each morning, packing all your belongings up, and getting back to the trail. I was thinking to myself, If we did this enough (camp) we would get a good routine down too…and we'd be so much more organized and able to set up and tear down much faster…just like you guys.

We came down the mountain much like we went up…except Peanut was much more subdued coming down. She took turns snuggling in Mom's lap or on the pillows behind me in the back seat (Below).

She only got excited when we passed through a herd of horses on the dirt road that leads to and from the Burgen's land. Mom and I cracked up, wondering what Peanut must be thinking. She's never seen horses before, so we figured she thought they were really, really big dogs…and yapped her head off.

Saturday night at church was sign up for this fall's men's and women's retreat…and we sold out about halfway through the first service. I had a lot of conversations with folks about the retreats, but I also had people coming up to me about two things:

(1) Friends and people following you asking how Katie was feeling. How bad your Lyme disease is…and whether you're still hiking.

(2) People talking to me about Ben's message a couple of weeks ago. I've moved into a new phase in life; I'm now known to a large group of people as "Ben's Dad."

Both of those make me happy.

Day 130: Sunday

"When Katie and Nick get home, we're going to have to take them out for a big, fancy dinner!"  --Jim

We were all really missing you tonight.

The morning started out with Katie's phone call before church. Mom and I were both thankful…and grateful…and happy to hear how cheerful she sounded. And hearing the story about the New Jersey couple waiting with water and snacks at the shelter…then taking you out for dinner and beers…is just another…in a long list of…Trail Angels. Mom was even able to shoot them a note via Facebook because they tagged you two in their posting. Still, talking on the phone only wards off so much homesickness and missing you.

Ali texted us shortly after the 11AM service this morning and asked if we wanted to join everyone at Red Robin for dinner. It was going to be Ben and Ali and the kids, Jordan and Leah and the boys, and Jim and Robin. Of course we said yes!

It was a hoot! It's like a military invasion when we all go to a restaurant anymore--so much noise and activity! It's great! Red Robin is the perfect place to take all those kids. It's noisy and filled with other kids and no one looks twice when something gets spilled or someone cries.

Again, the only thing missing tonight was you two. I've written (and said) this before, but I'm going to do it again: we miss you SO much, but don't let that deter you…don't let that mess with your head. Keep on task. You're both amazing…and you're going to do this! There are plenty of big family dinners ahead for you…lots of time with family…but this thing you're doing is one shot. You've got so many family gatherings in the future, but only one shot at thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I know you miss us too, but we'll all be together soon…before you know it. And before you know it…all the hiking and sweating and living out of your packs will be a memory too…a great memory…and one that we can all revel in around a big dinner table soon.

"Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do."  (Ecclesiastes 9:7)

We're longing for that day.

Love,

Dad

Day 131: Mystery

"Hiking. Hiking was healing for Katie and me. Something about me walking in front her…her behind…the endorphin rush from the altitude…trudging uphill…and the fact that she couldn't see my face. She couldn't see my reaction if she said something upsetting. It helped. Whenever she said something that scared me or shocked me or made me mad…she never saw my face. 

There was a lot of healing that happened up there on the Flatirons."  -- Me

Tonight I had a premarital meeting with Marcus and Holly. I'm marrying them this weekend. They're a sweet, young couple your age…madly in love…and wisely trying to seek advice and wisdom on what marriage looks like. We sat in my office looking over a premarital assessment I'd given them--and going over the results. As we wrapped up I asked them if they had any questions. Marcus asked me, "What's been the hardest part about marriage for you and your wife?" I answered him honestly. I told him that Mom and I have had our share of struggles, but the most difficult thing we've walked through was trying to stay on the same page when it came to raising kids. I told them the biggest struggles we've had were between our differing approaches to parenting: how Mom is hardwired to love and care and protect her kids from anything that looks like a threat or appears remotely harmful…and how I'm hardwired to test and push and try to make my kids stronger. I told Marcus and Holly how discipline was always a minefield for us. Katie, you know firsthand how Mom and I differed on this issue…and how during your middle school and high school years…there were serious differences that really hampered us as a family. Marcus then asked me, "How did you work through all that?" I told him I didn't have a nice, neat little answer to that question other than this: 

We moved to Colorado.

It's true, Katie. Those Fridays…where we hiked together along all those different paths on the Flatirons…I think they saved us. They were healing. I told Marcus and Holly about the talks we had; good talks…hard talks…sad talks. We talked about stuff we couldn't talk about back in Texas. Stuff we were both too close to...to see clearly...with perspective. How we talked about fights we'd had…and missed opportunities…and unmet expectations…and how...it all seemed safer somehow…because we were hiking. 

Why were those hikes so healing to our relationship? I still can't put my finger on it. Maybe I'm not supposed to. Maybe that's part of the mystery of God…that elusive part of Him that we experience in His creation. Maybe it's simply God's healing nature…something that happens organically, like osmosis or mitosis or some other kind of "osis". All I really know is that I will forever be grateful for our hikes in Colorado…and how they healed us…and how they gave you back to me.

Now, 4-5 years later…I get excited to think about what mystery God is doing in your lives out there on the Appalachian Trail. You've been out there for 4 months…hiking from Georgia…and now you're in New York. He's got to be doing amazing things in your hearts and lives. My prayer is that God is bringing you new life and healing…and giving you back something you never knew was missing…and gifting you with more mystery.   

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us…"  (Deuteronomy 29:29)

Love,

Dad

Day 132: Dwelling

I started reading the the Book of Psalms again. I don't know how many times I've read through it, but every time I do it seems like there are different sections that speak to me differently than before. I know I'm supposed to give the "churchy" answer and say it's the Holy Spirit. That's true. I'm not discounting the Holy Spirit's ability to bring new insights from old verses…I just need to speak to another truth too. The other truth is that circumstances of the present tend to give new insight too. I experienced that yesterday. Mom and I went to bed on Sunday night knowing that you were both happy…and rested…and waiting to cross over into New York--leaving New Jersey behind. And when I woke up yesterday and started reading through Psalms…you were both still on my mind…and then I came across Psalm 4:8. It's one sentence…17 words…with two commas and one period. Still, wrapped in those 17 words is exactly the thought and sentiment Mom and I pray for you at night. It simply says,

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."  

So, until you come home to Colorado…and sleep in your own bed…where I know you'll be sheltered and safe…we will pray that as you lie down and sleep, the Lord will make you dwell in safety.  

One last note…we need to FaceTime. I'm really missing your faces and I need to see them soon. Tomorrow?

Love,

Dad

Day 133: Day and Shadows 

No matter how you slice it…it's long.

118 and a half days.

That's one third.

178 days is half.

Half a year, that is. 

And as I type this, I'm writing on day 133. 

When I look at that…that's WAY too close to being half a year. Half a year hiking. Half a year away from home. Half a year with very, very little communication; most of it being me sitting here at my computer each evening trying to write something to spur you on…to keep you encouraged…and to keep me connected to you both while you're gone.

But half a year?! That sounds MUCH longer than we first expected…but I know it's not. When I drove you to the airport on April 1st…your target end-date was the second week in August…giving you time to return home and for Katie to get to Texas for Ashley's wedding. 

Ashley's wedding.

We haven't heard, but I know Katie was supposed to call Ashley and tell her the harsh reality that getting to San Angelo, TX for the wedding was an impossibility. I know that had to be hard…just as hard as trying to plan out half a year of hiking when you've never done it before. I trust that Ashley understood…that she was disappointed, but understood. Best friends are in the business of understanding and I know that Ashley is one of the best. 

Today was one of the hottest days of summer, but it's coming to an end. Fall will be upon us and no doubt, you two will experience long before we do. You started this hike at the very beginnings of spring…hiked through summer…and now you're staring at fall coming down the pipe. One of the tricks I use to keep me encouraged is to remind myself how quickly time passes. I can't believe the summer is almost over…that Mom goes back to school next week…and that all that stuff that seemed so far away (men's retreat in September and my trip to Afghanistan in October) are right around the corner…and so is your return. We can't wait.

In light of all this, today was Mom's last day watching Em and Micah for the summer. She got choked up talking about it as we got dinner ready. It went by too fast. She's really going to miss watching over them each week. 

"…for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow."  (Job 8:9)

Our days are but shadows. Time always goes by too fast and I regret its passing…except when it comes to you two this year. I want time to speed up. I want the days to fly past. I want you to hurry up and ascend Mt. Katahdin…and I want you to be back here in our home again. Why is it that time seems to fly right past us most of the time, but then…always slows down or stalls with our expectations. Ahhh…I feel like I'm rambling. All I really want to say is…

…hurry up and come home. We miss you.  

Love,

Dad

Day 134: Tomorrow Will Worry About Itself

Katie, I know you're in a funk. 

Today was hard. 

The terrain was hard. 

Your hiking shoes are shot. 

Your feet are killing you.

You miss home. 

And now you've got a whole new set of circumstances to deal with. You've got some friends who are making sure you get to Texas for Ashley's wedding...taking you off the trail for 4 days as you fly to San Angelo. 

I know you feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders…along with an already heavy pack. 

I know you're worrying about next week. 

Worrying about getting to the airport Thursday…and the wedding Saturday…and back to the airport Sunday. 

All I can do is write and say don't. Stop. Quit worrying. But better yet, I'll let Jesus say it for me…

"…do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34)

Please don't worry about next Thursday…or next Sunday…or tomorrow, for that matter. Don't worry about the 4 days you'll have to make up from your trip. As Jesus says, there's enough trouble in each day without adding your trouble (worry) to it. You can't do anything about either of them, so relax. Try to lose that heavy feeling…and let your spirit be lifted by good friends. 

Good friends who will move heaven and earth to see you. 

Good friends who will band together to guarantee that you get to the wedding on time. 

Good friends who truly love you.

So, as you think about all your worrying...remember that you never have to worry about never having good friends.

Love,

Dad

Day 135: Life Lived Well  

"Holy crap! Really?! That sounds so long!"

Katie, that was your response yesterday when I told you Mom and I will be celebrating 34 years of marriage this weekend. And you know what? It DOES sound like a long time, and yet, it seems like only yesterday we gathered up our family and friends in the Norton Church of Christ and exchanged vows. 

I think it's probably a lot like your hiking miles. When I tell people you have hiked almost 1,400 miles…they have a similar response to Katie's at our 34th wedding anniversary. "Holy crap!" Even though I know 34 years of marriage is a feat by today's standards, it really doesn't seem that long to Mom and me. We talked about that tonight as we celebrated. Tomorrow's our real anniversary, but tomorrow's loaded up with too many things to celebrate, so we did it tonight. We went to The Melting Pot--that fondue restaurant in Louisville. They seated us in a booth with curtains and fed us cheese fondue and salad and several different kinds of meats (steak, chicken and shrimp), then topped it off with chocolate fondu. Yes. I'm writing all this to make you envious. To rub more salt into an open wound…it was abundant…and decadent…and delicious. I promise to take you there when you return . Anyway, I did what I always do on landmark occasions: I asked questions…questions that help encapsulate or describe whatever event we're celebrating. So…I asked Mom these questions…and here are her answers:

Me: "Does it seem like 34 years has really gone by?" 

Mom: "No. It's gone by too fast."

Me: "What would you say has been the happiest part of our marriage?" 

Mom: "I know it sounds like the easy answer, but having our babies. I loved having and raising them."

Me: "Hardest part?" 

Mom: "Katie. Those few tough years with Katie."

Now…the only reason I share that is because of what followed. I told Mom, "Yeah. There were some couple of tough years with Katie, but I'm so happy with where we are now." And it's true. Every relationship has struggles, but in the end…it all depends on where you land, right? And we've landed in a great place. I went on to tell Mom that I love where you and Nick and I are now and I'm so grateful for our relationship now. It makes me happy and chokes me up.

I guess I just wanted to tell you both that Mom and I are so grateful for 34 years of marriage…for the love that continues to deepen…for our kids and their spouses and our grandkids. If you had told me 34 years ago that I would be this happy and grateful…I wouldn't have believed you. But that's the beauty of a life lived well together…and the blessings that accompany it.

Love,

Dad

More Appalachian Trail Blog Posts...

Day 116: Helpless

"I only made it 4 miles. I am feeling terrible. There is a road in 3.5 miles from where we are right now. We are going to get to it in the morning and go to Harrisburg." - Katie

Helpless. 

That's all Mom and I feel right now…helpless. 

Katie, please do whatever it takes to get to the doctor to get a handle on what's making you sick. This is what we've worried about the most as you've been out there on the trail: sickness. I knew that the length of the hike or boredom (or both) threatened your ability to finish this thru-hike, but sickness (or getting hurt) was the thing that has worried me the most. The fact that you've been battling this sickness off and on for the last few weeks means that your body hasn't been able to fend it off. Mom told me that things didn't work out with borrowing Mary the Hostel Owner's van, so please do whatever it takes to get into Harrisburg to see a doctor. Don't worry about the costs…we'll dump money into your account. You need to get healthy!  

Please text or call when you know something tomorrow. Mom and I are praying for you.

"O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me."  (Psalm 30:2)

Love,

Dad

Day 117: Watching Over You

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me."  (Psalm 138:7)

Let's face it. Most of the time "butt dialing" is an unwanted occurrence. While sitting down your phone in active mode or hanging up from another call…we can end up accidentally calling someone else. As I hung up with Uncle Doug tonight, I walked into the house from the front porch and laid my cell phone on the kitchen counter. That's when I saw that I was butt dialing you, Katie. I told Mom I'd cook dinner tonight...and I needed to get started…but when I saw that my phone was dialing you…I needed to hear your voice more.

It was so good…even though you sounded weak. I know you're sick, Katie…and I know you're up against the wall…feeling like just coming home…but as I said on the phone to you; hang in there. You're so strong and you will fight through this. Take the antibiotics you got at the Doc-in-the-Box at the grocery store…and don't forget that God is REALLY watching over you two. 

Mom relayed today's story of your trail magic…that as you two waited outside the grocery store (with Bailey the Dog…because Homegrown was with Smoky at the hospital and couldn't take her) two ladies stopped to talk to you. You told them you were thru-hiking the AT…that your friend Smoky was at the ER getting help for the bug that's got him sick…and that you two had just gotten antibiotics in the grocery store clinic for the bug that Katie's been struggling with. 

Two nice old ladies who stopped to talk to the young thru-hiking couple with the black dog. 

And you had no idea what was going to happen next…no idea that in the midst of trouble (Katie's sickness)…God was going to stretch out His right hand to save you. This time…it happened to come in the right hand of those two, sweet old ladies who went into the grocery store and quickly returned…handing you a $100.00 bill…paying for your medicine, Katie. ANOTHER $100.00 dollar bill! The second instance of receiving a gift of $100.00 in less than a week! That gives me goosebumps writing it!

It's such an encouragement to see God caring for you two in ways none of us could ever imagine. All I can say and write is that it preserves my life…knowing that God is watching over you the way He is.         

Love,

Dad

Day 118: Present Sufferings 

He was in the worst condition of anyone I'd ever seen on a hospital visit--a young man broken and twisted from a motorcycle accident. I stood outside his ICU room with his dad, uncle and grandmother. We watched the team of nurses race around his bed; replacing IV bags…injecting him with medicine…reading printouts…and pushing buttons on the Christmas tree-like tower of monitors by the young man's bedside. While we stood outside the hospital room…watching the flurry of activity…we talked. We talked about the young man's life…his work…and his motorcycle accident. Eventually, his dad and I  went to the young man's bedside and we prayed.

A week after that hospital visit, his brother and sister met me after the 9AM service at church. They came to church and asked if I could meet with them. They needed some help--help finding a few Bible verses that they could read to their brother as he lay in a coma in the ICU. We talked…I pointed them to the Book of Psalms…and we prayed.

Today I spoke to his brother again. Things haven't changed and now they have to make some really hard decisions…really, really hard stuff. The doctors have little hope for any kind of healing. The motorcycle accident has damaged the young man beyond repair. And short of a miracle…the family is trying to answer the kind of questions no one ever wants asked of them…the literal decision of life or death. So, Scott Nickell and I are going down to the hospital to visit and pray for the family before their next steps.     

We all need a little perspective at times…especially me. It's easy for me to slip into a dark mood…consumed with worry, "what-ifs" and self pity. All it takes is for me to have one crappy day…and the next thing I know…I'm wallowing in that dark place. Then, God kicks me in the backside and sets me straight…like today's phone call from this young man's brother. 

I've been worrying about you two on the trail…with Katie sick…wondering what's wrong with her and whether she'll be okay. The truth is…she WILL get better and you two WILL look back on this leg of your journey and relive how hard it was…and how good it was. Tomorrow's a different story for the young man in the coma and his family. Tomorrow's the kind of day we all fear as a family…but the kind of day this young man has been looking forward to. His brother and sister told me about his love for Jesus…and his love for Flatirons…and how he never feared this day. They told me he loved life…and that he also really looked forward to life with Jesus…and how he had already told them what to do in this very situation. He always chose Jesus.        

And that's great perspective.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."  (Romans 8:18)

Love,

Dad

Day 119:  Crushed Spirits 

"I am still feeling awful. It is almost impossible to hike right now with the heat and rocks. Trying my best and hoping it gets better. I love you guys and thank you for your prayers." - Katie 

My heart sank when that text came through, Katie. Again, Mom and I feel helpless. I know this has to be the hardest part of your entire journey so far. As Mom and I talked about this tonight, we want you to know that you need to do whatever it takes to get healthy…whatever it takes. If you need to hop off the trail for a few more days to rest, do it! We'll make sure you're funded for that. I know you need to push yourselves, but if you're too sick to hike…you're TOO sick to hike, right? Don't think about what's ahead right now…just think about getting healthy.  

"Smoky is still in town with his parents and Homegrown. He is not doing well. I think he may go home."

I know it doesn't help knowing that you're about to lose Smoky because of sickness. It must be as hard losing another friend from the trail as much as dealing with your own sickness. It's enough to crush your spirits. That's why I want to share a verse from Psalm 34. Scott Nickell read the entire chapter to the family we visited in the hospital this afternoon--the family I wrote about last night. I just want to share one verse from Psalm 34 with you. I hope you both find it comforting too:

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  (Psalm 34:18)

Mom and I are praying that you feel God closer than you have on your entire trip and that…as you feel your spirits being crushed…you place your hope (on getting well and finishing this hike) in the only One who can save you…trusting and knowing He WILL!

Love,

Dad

Day 120: Fear, Obstacles and Adversity 

We talked on the phone for awhile this afternoon, Katie, so you know how Mom and I feel about all this:

1) Your need to get to the hospital to get some real medical help

2) How you need to focus on one thing at a time…dealing with what's at hand…namely getting healthy

3) Letting go of things you have no control over like, how soon you'll be well enough to hike again and when Baxter State Park in Maine really closes for the season 

I know it's hard to stay upbeat and positive when you're homesick and feeling crappy and sensing your dream escaping you, but try and focus on the things you can control. Get to the doctor…get a real diagnosis of what's wrong…get the remedy…and spend the time getting well. Then, you and Nick can reevaluate your situation and move on from there. That's all you two can really do and control. 

I know it doesn't feel like it, but you two are learning some great lessons…especially right now as you come against the hardest part of your hike; this place that feels insurmountable. I know you're feeling scared and oppressed with your backs against the wall. But here's a few good words: 

"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal."  - Henry Ford

"Courage is knowing what not to fear."  - Plato

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me...You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."  - Walt Disney

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"Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."  (Jeremiah 17:14)

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Don't lose heart. There are so, so many people praying for you and cheering you on. Stay strong and get well.

Love,

Dad

Day 121: Pants Off to You!

We expected to hear from you today. To hear whether you were able to hike to Port Clinton, PA and get a ride from your new trail buddy Snart into Reading, PA. Mom and I are trying to stay positive…trying to say, "No news is good news." Please let us know how you're doing. Good or bad…one way or another.

Today began with the text below from Ali. It cracked us all up and was accompanied by this picture:

"I just came downstairs to find Emery like this. And she was on her phone and I heard her say, "Hi Katie. Yeah. Pants off. Ok. Bye." Hahahaha! She is so weird!"

Mom said Em was talking on her toy cell phone the other day and was talking to Nick. I just wanted to let you both know that you're missed…by everyone…and some of us drop our pants to prove the point!

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful…"  (Proverbs 15:13)

Love,

Dad

Day 122: Sustained

This will be short. We spoke on the phone this morning and it's very, very late. 

I just wanted to let you both know how glad we were to hear that Katie's feeling better. She still needs to get to the doctor, but it sounds like the antibiotics she got last week are starting to kick in. Please call or text to let us know when you get to a place that will do some blood work on Katie. Our anxiety was eased a little by this morning's phone call, but we're still concerned about her getting a proper diagnosis. 

Mom and I will try and follow what King David writes in Psalm 55:22:

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall."

We're praying for you...for God to sustain you and never let you fall.

Love, 

Dad