The Journey Continues: More Posts to My AT Hikers

Day 84: Strong

It was a whirlwind, but I'm back home. I will admit…it was equally great to see you…and hard. 

I have missed your faces. Seeing you as I pulled up to the Middle Creek Camp Ground Saturday in my rental car was wonderful. Katie, you never looked so beautiful…even on your wedding day. The last 3 months have been the longest we've been apart, so see ing you smiling face (freshly scrubbed) face was like nothing I've ever experienced before. Even when Ben was in college, I think the longest we were separated was 2 1/2 months. I just sorry Mom wasn't there to join me. 

Hiking with you was great…and exhausting. As I told you, I've "let myself go" so that…when I start this Crossfit thing…I can get a real sense of going from zero to…whatever. To see if this exercise routine REALLY transforms your body. But…it was a killer hiking that mountain with you. Forget the fact that it was "Hike Naked Day"…and we passed a naked guy (twice) in his birthday suit…it would have been difficult anyway. 

I loved being able to spend time with you. And I enjoyed meeting some of your "Trail Family", but in the end…I will stick to my guns. It's great having friends out there on the AT, but don't let them hijack your dreams. You two worked…and planned…and prepared to FINISH this trail. All of it. From Georgia to Maine. Everyone back here…back home…is rooting for you…hoping for you…praying for you…to finish. As I told before I left you in that valley on Monday…stay true to YOUR goals and dreams. Your trail family doesn't have the same goals. It was obvious to me…most of them are on the trail to enjoy life and have a fling. Finishing the Appalachian Trail is inconsequential to that. 

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man."  Proverbs 24:33-24

I remember reading this section of Proverbs when I was a lazy, unmotivated middle schooler--who couldn't see the value of hard work and a job well done. I walked through some tough stuff after getting my first couple of jobs in the 8th and 9th grade. I even got fired from a job as a janitor at a little factory for doing the job poorly. It was hard, but I quickly learned that hard work…and sticking it out turning the times you want to give up…are worth it! I sneezed…in some of your Trail Family…"a little slumber, a little folding of hands to rest"…and, in the end, a thief will rob them of finishing the AT. 

Don't let it rob you. 

It's great to have people to lean on…and rely on…when times get hard, but if they have different goals than you…in the end…you will regret EVER relying on them. The great thing is this: you have each other. You have the same dreams, desires and goals. Use each other to spur the other along…use YOUR strength to encourage each other…and not let the weakness of others to rob you of your dreams. We did the math together around the campfire Sunday night: An average of 15 miles a day. You can do this! 15 miles a day is all that stands between success and failure. It all depends on what you're going to rely on…the strength in you…or the weakness of others. 

I KNOW you've strong enough. I pray that you'll KNOW this too.   

Love,

Dad    

Day 85: Strength 

I can't quit thinking about you two out there on the AT, now that I'm back. Our brief meet up and hike has me concerned and hopeful and conflicted. I know we had some tough talks and discussion about your progress on the trail…and my concern that you're falling behind on your goal to finish. Sitting in the airport, waiting for my flight back to Denver from Washington, DC, it was so good to get Katie's text. I read it…and re-read it…and got all self-conscience as I fought back the tears sitting amongst all those other travelers waiting for their planes. Since I've been back home, I've continued to re-read these words from her text:

"We did our 15 miles today! Today was by far the hardest day I've had on the trail mentally. I was using you as my motivation though. Thank you for always being so honest and giving me tough love. It was hard to have you look me in the eye and tell me we weren't going to finish this thing if we keep doing what we are doing. But it was exactly what I needed to hear."

As I hiked back to the rental car after leaving you two this past Monday morning, I was worrying that I was too hard on you both…that I was sticking my nose where it didn't belong…and that I was trying to place MY expectations on you two. I did a lot of praying for you both as I hiked those miles back to the car alone…and I will continue to pray for you. I want you to "Hike Your Own Hike"…but I also want to encourage you to finish what you set out to do: Thru-hike the ENTIRE Appalachian Trail. I know it's hard right now…and it's only going to get harder, but please try and think on these words from Paul found in Philippians 4:12-13:  

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." 

You're going to have days of need…and days of plenty for the duration of your hike, so listen to what Paul writes here; YOU CAN DO ANYTHING through him (Jesus) who will give you the strength. Lean into each other for help and support, but never forget where the strength to do ANYTHING comes from…and ask Jesus for the help you'll need to finish this thing off! 

I love you both.

Dad

Day 86: Peace

Tonight I married off Brandon Joy and Natalie Laband. I also talked a lot about you two. Lots of folks at the wedding were asking about you. Of course, you've been on my mind all day, but sharing parts of your experience...and watching people's reaction...is fun. But deep in my heart today...this is what I've been feeling the most:

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

I pray that the peace of God will overwhelm you...that it envelopes you and consumes you beyond anything that you can understand...and that His peace will protect your hearts from any negative thoughts...and give you the mindset that you can do anything!

Love,

Dad

Day 87:  Leap for Joy

My ringer was turned off, so I missed the first call this morning. 

I will be honest with you…when I noticed the buzzing of my phone on the immediate second call...and saw that it was Katie calling…I said a quick prayer. I quickly asked God that the call from Katie would be good news…and that the two of you had been making great headway on the trail…and that you were re-ignited with the drive to tackle your trek to Maine with new vigor.

Mom  and I knew immediately…by the sound of Katie's voice…my bullet prayer was answered. It was SO encouraging to hear that you are both rejuvenated and excited to hike again…and that you have strung a series of 18+ mile hikes in a row since I left you on the the trail this past Monday. As I told you on the phone, Katie…I've been in a funk since leaving you…wondering if you were both going to buckle down and commit to finishing off your goal of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Hearing the excitement and joy in your voice gave Mom and I so much peace and joy ourselves.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."  Psalm 28:7   

Our hearts were "leaping for joy" this morning as Katie told of the strength and determination that has consumed you over this last week…and how you have been hiking with new energy and focus! Keep it up! 

Mom and I will continue to trust that God has you in His hands…as your "strength and shield"…and our hearts will "leap for joy" knowing that He is helping you on your journey. 

Please call or text again soon. Your package is on its way to Harpers Ferry.

Love,

Dad

Day 88: Water   

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4

The equation is pretty simple and works a couple of different ways: 

1) Water = Life 

2) Water = Death

3) Water = Life & Death 

This weekend was a weekend where water was definitely the emphasis. 

After hearing from Katie how you both have been pushing yourselves on the trail the last few days….and (maybe) not getting enough food and water…it set my mind on this track. I know we already talked about this when we were together last week, but you need to keep yourselves hydrated because:Water = Life.

Tonight, we had our annual staff and families pool party at the Broomfield Bay Water Park. Mom and I went and got to help Ali with Emery and Micah because Ben is down in Durango with the high schoolers at a CIY conference. It's great! Em's a little water bug and near-fearless in the pool. Grampa got to watch over her all of tonight and it brought back memories of playing at the Plano Municipal Pool back in Texas with Katie and Ben when they were little. But at one point tonight, Em didn't want to hold my hand as she waddled across the kiddie pool. The water was up to her belly and right after she let go of my hand…she tipped over face-first into the water. I jumped, quickly snatched her up, and held her as she coughed and spit water all over me. It struck me again how quickly a fun time in the water can turn dangerous and how this can be true: Water = Death. 

Then, at church all weekend, we held an impromptu baptism weekend. Jim wanted to point people to some solid "next steps" after his message, so we set up one of the inflatable baptism tubs right outside the north doors--just to the right of the steps. I'm always humbled (and blessed) to be part of baptism weekends; looking people in the eye…listening to their confession of faith…speaking back words of truth to them (similar words that have been spoken for centuries). Then, taking them…forcing them back and into the water and under for a moment (a perfect picture of a life surrendered, buried with Christ)…and then, lifting them back up…raising them out of the water…the completed picture of a new life resurrected through Jesus because sometimes: Water = Life & Death.   

Whenever we do baptisms at Flatirons…in those inflatable hot tubs…I will always remember that Sunday…4 years ago…when I got the privilege of baptizing you, Nick. 

One of the best days of my life…marked by death and life and water.  

Love,

Dad

Day 89: There Is a Season 

Katie, one of the last things that we did together before you and Nick took off for Georgia in April was drive down to American Furniture and get the leather sofa for our newly re-vamped upstairs landing. I was going to wait, but you really wanted to see what it would look like before you left. That was 3 days before I dropped you at the airport for your big adventure. It still looks great up there…and it's great to sit in...and think in…and lose yourself in.

The landing's a great place to read and pray and meditate, too. That's what I was doing this morning; sitting in that leather sofa…reading and praying. I really don't know why, but I've been feeling led to read through the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes again…and as I was reading today…I came across this familiar passage in Chapter 3 and thought about you two: 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build...

A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance...

A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing...

A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away...

A time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak…

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

When I was a kid…before I knew this was in the Bible…I thought it was just a hippy song by The Byrds ("There is a season turn, turn, turn…"). There's a lot in those few sentences…and in light of all the stuff going on around us today…it's good to be reminded that life has seasons. Everything has a season: life and death…laughing and crying…keeping stuff and throwing stuff away. 

There's a time for everything. For you two…it's a time for walking…a time for separation…a time for growing closer…a time for living out dreams. It's a great time! I hope you're able to really realize it in the here-and-now.    

This is your time! Use it for all it's worth! 

Love,

Dad

Day 90: Mist  

I read Henry David Thoreau's Walden years and years ago…when I was still young and trying to understand what it meant to live life deliberately. I read the quote below in some other book or article and it stirred an interest in reading Thoreau's Walden: 

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." 

And while I may not have lived my life with the same "deliberateness" as Thoreau did…I feel like I've been pretty deliberate…or at least I think I have. I wouldn't change a thing about my life. Okay…maybe a couple of things, but nothing wholesale. Now days, most (if not all) of my direction comes from faith-related resources…and today's Bible verse (James 4:14) is no different:

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

That's a good reminder. Life is short. We are all but mist that appear for a few years…then we vanish. 

I think part of your desire to thru-hike the AT comes from this realization...and the desire to live life deliberately, right? To do something crazy and grand before it's too late…because we are all mist…and gone too soon. 

Still, when I really, really think and meditate on this reality…I see that being a mist isn't such a bad thing. All mists are brief and fleeting, but some mists are nourishing. I mean, it's mist and dew that waters most everything on earth. Things would die without mist. 

Mists give life. 

I pray that God presses this into your hearts. And that, while you ARE mist…you can also be life-giving mist…and you can make a difference in others' lives on this journey…before you vanish from the trail. 

Love,

Dad

Day 91: Wanted   

I'm calling it "The Grumpy Old Men Tour".

Bob Tunnell and I have put together another team of men from Flatirons to go over to Afghanistan in the fall. The average age of the 11 men on the team is 56 years old. That puts me under the median! Our youngest is 38 years old and the oldest is 66. Bob said we need to teach the guys how to say, "Get off my lawn!" in Dari. 

We had our initial team meeting tonight. It's always interesting to put the team all in one room for the first time--to see them interact and feel each other out. It's a good team and I'm looking forward to experiencing that part of the world with them. It's interesting. Bob and I chose each of them for the team. We chose them knowing we're going to be stressed and stretched together on this trip. We chose them only after interviewing them and asking a bunch of tough questions--in an effort to gauge their responses…and see if we wanted to spend 12 long days with them. We chose them. 

And I'm thinking about you two. I mean, I know you chose each other (For better…for worse…for richer…for poorer…"), but not every married couple chooses each other with the thoughts of doing what you're both doing right now. I know a lot of couples who…if you asked them if they wanted to spend 5-6 months hiking in the woods together…never leaving each other's side…they'd shoot themselves! I love that you chose to do this together. I love that…when we were together on the trail a couple weeks ago…I could see that you were both as madly in love with each other then as you were when you left in April. That says something! I heard this quote from Rich Mullins in a recording shortly after he died in a car wreck back in 1997: 

"God can use anybody. God used Nebuchadnezzar. God used Judas Iscariot. Its not a big deal to be used by God and the shocking thing in the book of Mark, and the reason why it is so shocking is because Mark is the briefest of all the gospels but he has these terrific little details and one of the little details is that it says, 'and Jesus called to Him those that He wanted.' (Mark 3:13) And you realize that out of the twelve people that He wanted, only one was essential to His goal in coming to earth. The other eleven people were useless to Christ but they were wanted by Christ. And I kind of go, I would much rather have God want me than have God use me." -Rich Mullins  

I love that! And while Bob and I have chosen 9 other men we want to go to Afghanistan with us…and I pray that he'll use us…I'd much rather have God want us than have God use us.

Which is the same thing I'll be praying for you too.     

Love,

Dad

Day 92: Six Years    

Tomorrow is July 3rd. You know what that means, right? Six years ago tomorrow we were all gathered in Johnson City, TN for Ben and Ali's wedding. 

A lot can happen in six years.

Six years ago both of you…and Mom…and I were living in Allen, TX without even a thought of Colorado. 

Six years ago we (The Burgen-Foote Clan) merged together in Tennessee for a wonderful week of pre-wedding arranging and eating and laughing and getting to know each other. 

Six years ago was an almost magical week that culminated in one (of two) of the sweetest weddings I'd ever experienced. (Below) The other one was your wedding on June 8, 2012...in Colorado.

Six years ago we watched Ben and Ali drive off into the dark for their honeymoon and we parted ways with the Burgens. Then, about 9-10 months later…Jim called me and asked if I would interview for the job as Men's Pastor at Flatirons. Two months after that…we packed everything up and moved to Colorado.    

A lot can happen in six years. 

Now, six years later, we're all up here…you two are married…we've got Emery and Micah…and life looks SO much different than it did back in 2009 (Below). Six years isn't that long, yet look at all the changes. Not only does our life look different…the entire world looks different. It's always hard for me to see change while it's happening. I only seem to recognize it in the rearview mirror…which makes me wonder how different life is going to look in six more years. 

Mom and I are going to celebrate Ali and Ben's anniversary by watching Em and Micah while they go out for dinner--and while I thought, and tried to imagine, what being a grandpa was going to be like--I never imagined I was going to love it like I do. The truth is…no matter how hard I try to imagine what the future is going to be like…it never seems to turn out like I thought. It always looks different…and somehow better. I guess because it's real. 

As you two hike your way through the woods of Virginia…I sit here trying to imagine what your life will look like in six years…and no matter what I conjure up…I know (in the end) it will look different…and it will somehow be better…because it will be real. 

I'm looking forward to what the world holds in store for you two in six more years, but right now…it's hard enough just waiting for September 25th…when you finish this amazing journey…and come back home.  

"Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is."  Psalm 39:4

Love,

Dad

Day 93: Peanut    

"I believe that it (America's independence--the 4th of July) will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."   John Adams

Obviously, John Adams didn't have a dog.

Poor little Peanut is a nervous wreck from all the fireworks going on in the area. I think she has PTSD. She's cowering around the house with her tail between her legs shaking like she's trying to poop peach pits. I thought Jack Russells were supposed to be tough little dogs. 

I know you've had Bailey the black lab on the trail to help you both get your dog fix, but she's no Peanut, is she? I know Peanut's too old to ever do something like a thru-hike, yet in her day…6-8 years ago…she could have done it in a heartbeat! It's too bad. She would have been a great companion for you guys on your journey. 

Ecclesiastes 9-12 isn't about dogs, but sometimes…when I read it…I think about how it could be. King Solomon writes:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

So much of that could easily pertain to a dog, couldn't it? Especially Peanut. Last week at Brandon Joy and Natalie Laband's wedding, Natalie's sister-in-law brought her daughter over to meet me. The little girl was about 4 years old. Her name was Ellie. She was one of the flower girls. Ellie's mom said, "This is Mr. Dan. He's the man who drew all the pictures in your Easter Book." At first, Ellie's shyness kept her from looking at me, but when she learned I drew the Easter Book the church passed out to the kids…her eyes got all big and she whispered something in her mom's ear. Ellie's mom nodded and said, "Yes! He drew Peanut too!" which afforded me a big smile from Ellie. Peanut's a celebrity in Flatirons Kid's Ministry.  

I know you miss her. Just know, that when you get home…Peanut will be more than ready to defend you and keep you warm…but not protect you from fireworks. You're on your own when it comes to those.     

Love,

Dad

Day 94: The Dream of Tomorrow    

We met her on "Hike Naked Day". June 21st, remember? Thank goodness we weren't naked. And, oh my gosh! Thank goodness she wasn't naked! She was a member of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club--one of the trail maintenance groups. I have a hard time gauging people's age anymore, but she was easily north of 70 years old. She asked for your trail names, but she never gave us hers. Seemed odd. Maybe the trail maintenance crew isn't supposed to give out their names or maybe she was just a little skittish about divulging personal information to strangers. As I told you that day hiking, she reminded me so much of Mrs. Baker, Nana and Papa's neighbor and friend for almost 50 years. 

The trail maintenance lady's soft, heavily accented, voice betrayed her Virginia heritage. I was impressed by her stamina--to be ascending Fork Mountain from the north as we were ascending from the south. She wasn't even out of breath when she asked, "Where ya'll from?" Chatting with her at the crest of that mountain was enlightening--to say the least. After asking each of us our names, where we were from and where we were heading, Nick told her about how you two were thru-hiking north to Maine. "Oh my!" she gushed. "That's something I'd dreamed of doing since I was sixteen years old…and as you can see…that was a long, long time ago. I will forever regret not doing that when I was younger." 

I know that hit you even harder than it hit me. That's just the way life is. There are some things we can choose to do or not to do our entire lives…but there are some things (like thru-hiking the AT) that only pass through once-in-a-lifetime. Trail Maintenance Lady is proof. We never got her whole story, but one thing we know for sure: She dreamed of thru-hiking the AT and something happened that closed that window. Given her age…and the culture of her day…she probably met a man, got married, had kids…and watched her dream pass her by. Like Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham says in "Field of Dreams": 

"It was like coming this close to your dreams... and then watch them brush past you like strangers in a crowd."     

That's the way some dreams are; fleeting moments, that when passed on…are gone forever. I know you two recognize the significance of this moment in time…this window of opportunity to fulfill your dream…I just don't want you to lose it. Maybe I'm living a little too much through your journey…maybe I've vicariously implanted myself into your dream. I don't know. All I know for sure is that…whatever tomorrow holds…this summer will never come around again…this open opportunity to take 6 months and hike 2,168.1 miles may NEVER come around again. You could hear it in the Trail Maintenance Lady's voice…and I know you can read it in my words: Carpe Diem! Seize the day! 

All you have is today. And today is where your dream lives. Never, never bank on tomorrow.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."   Proverbs 27:1

Love,

Dad

Day 95: A Pile of Goodness     

All hell broke loose starting last night when our air conditioning went out. Mom noticed the house wasn't cooling off about the time the sun starts to set and scorches the front porch for about 2 1/2 hours. We turned off the AC and I replaced the air filter (I need to remember to just put "Replace Air Filter" every other month on my calendar!) and hoped for the best. Last night was bad; all the windows upstairs were open as we tried to stay cool. There was residual firework bursts going off periodically all through the night in the neighborhood…making Peanut a nervous wreck. She was already a mess from the Frederick/Firestone Fireworks Celebration and the neighborhood show only had her shaking and quivering through the night. 

I got up this morning and turned the AC back on. It kicked on and seemed to be cooling. Hopefully it was just a dirty filter and frozen coils that needed to thaw. Then, we got your text:

Hello. I am very sick right now. I woke up with a pounding headache yesterday morning and I had a fever. Then I started puking last night. We are in Shenandoah at Skyland Resort at a super nice cabin because we had no other choice. I had to be in a bathroom last night. Feeling a little better this morning. Still have a fever. I have no idea what it is. It's possibly Noro. Please be praying. Yesterday was the first time I wanted to quit. It is no fun being sick in the woods.

Knowing you had service, Katie, I called. It was really hard hearing about the physical issues you've been dealing with…and your worries about possible Lyme's Disease. We feel so helpless. All we can do is urge you to go to an Urgent Care or Doc-in-a-Box and have someone look you over. After we hung up with you, Mom and I talked and tried NOT to put each other in a deeper funk. We started getting ready for church and I went downstairs to make a little breakfast and went to make coffee. I opened the fridge to grab the eggs and everything was warm. Poop! Was everything that cooled at the house going to break down?!! We shuttled everything we could salvage to the garage fridge…and threw out the rest. Then, we ended up missing church as I researched a bunch of refrigerator troubleshooting websites and worked on the fridge.

Sometimes life sucks, doesn't it? Things break. You get sick…and it seems like everything is going against you. But then…it's never permanent, is it? As I type this, the house is still cooling. About an hour ago Mom even said, "I'm kind of cold." To which I gave her a nasty look. So, the AC is working again. I'm monitoring the fridge, but it seems to be cooling again…although it's empty. And then late this afternoon you shot us this text, Katie:

I'm feeling a lot better. Fever is gone and I haven't thrown up all day. I still just feel very weak and tired. Savage's mom heard that I wasn't feeling well, so she bought us a room at a Best Western so that I can rest today. We are in Luray near the doctor in case I feel bad again and need to go.    

We're still going to worry, but at least we know you're feeling better and you're out of the elements for the night. Please tell Savage to pass along our thanks and gratitude to his mother. Trail magic never ceases to amaze me! Lots of people call it Paying It Forward these days, but I think Jesus said it best in Luke 6:38:

"Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

The measure you give will be given back to you…a heaping pile of goodness dumped into your lap. We'll probably never know, but I will pray that sometime soon…someone will give back to Savage's mom…a huge pile of goodness that completely blows her away…the way Mom and I were blown away by her goodness towards you. 

Love,

Dad

Notes From My AT Hike

Day 80 thru Day 83: Wounds

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6

-----------------------------------

Day 80: Reunion

"Please try to come out and hike with us this summer," my daughter Katie pleaded…right before dropping her, and husband Nick, at the airport to start their big adventure of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. That was on April 1st. 

On June 20th, I knew things weren't going to go as planned. After several weeks of trying to land a date, time and place to meet up, we decided on Harpers Ferry, West Virginia--the halfway spot of the 2,168.2 mile Appalachian Trail. I got word from Katie the week before that they weren't going to be able to make it to Harpers Ferry by Saturday, June 20th…which meant I needed to get a rental car and drive to meet them. 

I got the garbled phone message from Katie after my plane landed in Washington, DC. I was able to make out the most important part. She and Nick and their little band of hiker friends had made it to Jennings Creek, VA and they were going to stay put until I got there. I stood at baggage claim and waited for the conveyor belt to vomit up my backpack on to the carousel and tried to find the rental car place on my phone. I finally found the Advantage Rental Car office about the same time my overstuffed Gregory backpack slid down the shoot. 

It had been almost 30 years since I was in Washington, DC last and I was a bit overwhelmed by the size. Riding in the rental car shuttle to the rental office was a blur. I was back on my phone trying to log "Jennings Creek, VA" into the GPS of my phone in hopes of getting the directions to the campground where Katie and Nick were waiting. As I stood in line at the rental office I was able to get the wifi needed to find Jennings Creek. I logged it into the Maps app and hit the "Route" button. My phone displayed the directions and all that jumped out to me was "Estimated Travel Time: 3.5 hours." 

3 1/2 hours! This REALLY wasn't turning out as planned!    

My head was swimming with questions like, "Why are they SO far away from Harpers Ferry?" and "What's slowed them down?" and "Are they okay?" as I drove west and south out of DC. It took a little over 3 hours for me to find Route 614 off of I-81. It was north of Roanoke about 50 miles. Man! The kids were SO FAR away from Harpers Ferry! It was plainly obvious…they were WAY behind their original schedule. 

None of my thoughts and concerns mattered as I spotted Katie from the band of hikers loitering around the storefront at the Middle Creek Campground. She ran to me and we caught each other as I stepped out of the car. I couldn't hug her tight enough. As she wept into my shoulder she said to her friends, "See? I told you that you'd see me cry." Nick stepped out of the camp store and gave me a big hug. It was so good seeing them, blurred as my eyes were in tears.

The reunion was sweet. Katie, Nick and I sat on the camp store porch and caught up (Below). 

They told me story after story of their trail journeys. It was fun to hear and get a sense of what life had been like for the 3 months we'd been apart. There was an obvious rhythm and routine to their world: hike, get water from any-and-all water sources you cross, eat, go to the bathroom in the bushes, hike, get water, hike, eat, find a trail shelter, read the shelter log to see what the other hikers were up to, go to the bathroom in the shelter privy, hike, eat, find a campsite, set up camp, eat, tell stories, go to bed, get up, get water, eat, tear down camp and repeat. 

As I listened to their stories I quickly noticed another routine that had slipped into their lives: defeat. There was a lot of casual talk about NOT finishing the thru-hike from some of their "hiking family". One of their group said, "If I don't finish this year I'll just come back out next year and finish it off." A few others agreed. What concerned me the most was Katie's and Nick's silence.  

I took Katie and Nick into the nearest town and treated them to dinner: Ruby Tuesdays (Below). 

I wanted to get them a steak…to celebrate their 3rd anniversary…which was 12 days prior. Nick got the steak, but Katie couldn't pass up the huge salad bar. "We never get anything fresh on the trail," she said. After they gorged themselves we went to the Walmart and got them stocked up. I pushed the shopping cart as Katie and Nick went in opposite directions--grabbing exactly what they needed…as about as efficiently as you could imagine. Pop Tarts, packaged tuna, boxed pasta, etc. They were done in minutes. 

Back at the campground it was drizzling. I took turns shuttling Katie, Nick and their friends the (almost) 2 miles down to the campsite at the AT trail crossing. We set up our tents and I wished everyone a good night. I was bushed and stressing over the hike we were going to make the next day. Katie and Nick had already warned me, "It's going to be a rough onetomorrow. It's supposed to be one of the hardest parts of the trail in Virginia." Great. I laid on top of my sleeping bag and worried myself to sleep, regretting not getting into shape for this hike…and fretting over what I was going to say to Katie and Nick the next day. I felt very, very convicted to talk with them…but I didn't want to wound them. 

Laying in my tent in that forest…my biggest concern was the trees. I was afraid Katie and Nick were lost. I was afraid they couldn't see the "forest through the trees"…and that their dream was slipping away--that they weren't going to finish in time if they kept their current pace…and friends.        

Day 81: Hike Naked Day

I slept surprisingly well that night. Thank you, Ambien! The campsite was abuzz with excitement and everyone was talking about "Miss Janet" the trail angel. After I had dozed off, the rest of the camp stayed up talking until 2AM (Another Caution Flag!) and got a chance meeting with the famous Miss Janet. I learned that Miss Janet follows "The Bubble" (the large group of thru-hikers that set out from Georgia to Maine each year) in her van--offering help, rides and advice along the way (Below). 

She's a bit of a legend and everyone was acting as if they'd bumped into the president that night. 

Katie and Nick got breakfast (french toast and eggs) at the campground before we set off. I didn't want to hurl a big breakfast on the trail, so I nibbled on a Clif Bar. I checked my rental car with the camp manager who agreed to watch over the car while I hiked, then we set off and hiked the 2 miles down to where the AT picked back up. I apologized to Katie and Nick for what was about to happen; my inability to hike like them…and my need for numerous rests. They both assured me things were going to be fine.

They were great. My legs weren't. 

I couldn't get over how much my body had atrophied since my hernia surgery…and my hiatus from working out. Still, it was fun to be hiking again…and I DID notice that living in the Colorado altitude really helped with my oxygen intake. Both Nick and Katie had warned me that it was "Hike Naked Day" on the trail--an annual event each year where AT hikers hike bare-butt naked to celebrate summer solstice. Sheesh! I almost didn't believe them…until I saw this hairy, little hiker coming up the path wearing only his day pack, shoes and a stupid grin. "It's Hike Naked Day," he said…as we all averted our eyes to the tree tops. Nick's great. There's a reason his trail name is "Breeze" because he's so easy going and friendly--like a cool breeze. Nick and the hairy naked hiker talked for a bit while Katie and I looked ONLY at each other. When Nick told the hairy naked hiker that we hadn't seen any other naked people, the hiker said, "Wow. That's embarrassing. I don't want to be the only one." I couldn't take it any longer and said, "What?! That's what's embarrassing to you? That you're alone in this?! Not that you're bare-butt NAKED?!" He laughed, said good bye and went on his way. After he was out of earshot, Nick told us his trail name. I re-named him. I dubbed him "Acorn on a Fur Coat". 

The hike was exhausting and I knew I was slowing Nick and Katie down. I REALLY knew it when their hiking buddy "Savage" caught up with us (Below). 

Savage was thru-hiking with his best friend "Homegrown". Katie and Nick had already told me that Savage had run through his hiking funds and was going to have to bail on the trip. His only hope for continuing was selling his truck, but it was obvious to me that he was done…the talk of selling his truck and continuing was just that: talk. He was a good hiking companion, funny and easy-going with a quiet, southern sort-of charm. Nick led the way and Savage brought up the rear…and Katie and I stayed in the middle. 

We hiked until we came to the shelter--passing a rotted raccoon carcass along the way. At the shelter Nick, Katie and Savage took turns reading through the shelter log…gleaning info on the hikers that were ahead of them. Again, it was slowly becoming more obvious to me…the people that Katie and Nick started off hiking with were now 2 and 3 weeks ahead of them and it worried me that neither of them seemed concerned.

The shelter was packed with hikers, so we backtracked a few hundred yards…past the dead raccoon…to a nice, flat, shaded spot and set up camp for the night. After our tents were in place (with Savage in his hammock/tent hanging over the stream) we sat and talked. I couldn't help it…I had to say something, so I asked Nick to get his trail guide out. He downloaded the entire AT guide on his phone for quick reference. 

I told them both that I wanted to hike with them for another day or two, but I needed to plan that out. As Nick looked over where we were on the trail…where they were going the next day…and where I could get off the trail to catch a ride back to my rental car…it became clear: I couldn't go on with them. We had only hiked about 6 miles that day, but it was rough. The trail ahead was even harder…going deeper into the woods…and we wouldn't come across a road for another 24 miles. That sealed the deal. I had to get up the next day and re-trace my route back to the car.

Then, I asked Nick to calculate how many more miles they had left: 1,418 miles. Then, I asked them when they needed to finish by: September 25th…which was 96 days away. Then, I asked Nick to divide 96 into 1,418. It came out: 14.7…almost 15 miles. "There," I said. "That's the number you're dealing with. 15 miles a day." It was glaringly apparent…they needed to average no less than 15 miles a day…every day…in every terrain…including the daunting Green and White Mountains that await them in New England. And if they didn't…they wouldn't make it to the end…Mt. Katahdin…before it closed for the season. 

I felt like Debbie Downer, but someone needed to speak the truth to Katie and Nick…and it wasn't going to be anyone in their group. They were all out there on the trail for their own reasons and none of them involved finishing a thru-hike. One of their crew told me the night before, "I'm out here running away from Sallie! I'm hiding from Sallie." When I asked him if Sallie was his girlfriend, he chuckled, "No! Sallie Mae! I graduated from school last year and now all my loans are due. They can't find me out here." My heart sank. I knew all-too-well that you can't run from Sallie Mae. She'll never leave you alone…and if you ignore her…she only gets bigger with interest…and meaner. 

Dinner that night was somber. I brought some of those Mountain House meals…hoping to give the kids a good trail meal, but Chili Mac and Cheese and Southern Corn Chili were overshadowed by the reality that was now in front of them. Savage grew quiet and averted his eyes from me whenever I spoke. The night was briefly lifted when fellow hiker "Maybelline" joined us. When Savage asked if she had hiked naked that day she said, "Yeah, but when I was up there, about 300 yards back (pointing to the trail) and saw his red shirt (pointing to me) I put my clothes back on." "Thank you," I said with relief. 

None of us had hiked naked that day. The only thing that was naked was the truth: Katie and Nick were falling behind and about to forfeit their dream.                   

Day 82 & 83: Hard Truth

At breakfast I was struck by how much Katie reminded me of her mother--her beautiful eyes and smile…her sweet, gentle nature…and her humor. Both Katie and Amy are hilarious with a quick wit and a self-deprecating playfulness. I watched her quietly as I ate my Clif Bar…already dreading telling her good bye…and telling both of them my thoughts and concerns. 

I wanted to stay. I wanted to spend the next two days just sitting at that campsite enjoying time with Nick and Katie, but I couldn't. I didn't want to be part of the problem…they were already at risk and I knew if I held them back more…it could be the nail in the coffin. So, after finishing up breakfast I packed everything up and readied myself to leave. I was already choking on my tears. Once again, Maybelline saved the day. She had spent the night at the shelter, but came back to join Katie, Nick and Savage for that day's hike. 

I used Maybelline's entry as my exit. I hoisted my backpack on and cinched it up. "I want to walk with you down there a ways," Katie said, already in tears. "Do you want it just the two of you?" Nick asked. "No," I told him. "I want you to come too." We walked in silence about 200 yards from Savage and Maybelline. Then, I told them, "This is really hard for me to say, but I have to say it…" and I launched into all my concerns. I asked them if they STILL had the goal of finishing this hike…of thru-hiking the AT. They both said yes…and I looked them square in the eyes and said, "Then you need to get your act together. You need to get about hiking again…and you need to lose your friends because they're stealing this from you." I went on, "None of them have the goal of finishing…and they're slowly grinding to a halt…and dragging you with them. If you continue at their pace…you're NOT going to finish. It's that simple. 15 miles a day…or it's over." Katie was sobbing and Nick just stood, rail straight, emotionless. I couldn't tell if he was mad, hurt, shamed or what. "Now…I've got to get back to that rental car and back home. And you two need to get back to hiking," I choked out. 

I hugged them…I told them I loved them…gave Katie one, last kiss on the cheek…and walked away. It's one of the hardest things I've done in my life. Everything in me was telling me to go back…tell them everything was going to be fine…and spend the rest of the day lounging around the campfire laughing and telling stories. But I knew I couldn't. As I hiked up the mountain I could still see Katie and Nick together where I left them…Katie, enveloped in Nick's embrace as he consoled her. Once again. I was grateful they had each other.

But did I help them or wound them beyond repair?

I trudged my way back over the path we had hiked the day before…up the hill…down the hill…past our first campsite (where two of Katie and Nick's friends STILL were)…and back to the car. I was wiped out. I bought a bottle of water…rested a bit, then got the car and headed back to Washington, DC. I called the airline and got an earlier flight (the earliest was 1:30PM the next day)…dropped off the car…took the shuttle back to Reagan International and looked for a locker to put my hiking backpack…and my book backpack. I wanted to unload these burdens and ride the Metro into DC and see some sights. One problem. Airports don't have lockers anymore--post 9/11. 

So I had a great social experiment. Me and my two backpacks took the Metro to Lafayette Park and I walked around the White House looking (and smelling) like a homeless man. I walked around the sightseers and protestors at the White House…around the Ellipse…and over to the Washington Monument…all while getting cautionary glances and sidestepped by everyone I passed (Below). 

I dropped my pack and sat under a shade tree near the Washington Monument and watched a co-ed softball game. I rested there wondering if the teams were made up of summer interns or lawyers or lobbyists. Whatever they were…you can always spot the weekend warriors re-living their glory days and the wannabes who never were. 

I made my way back to the Metro Station and stood on the platform awaiting my train back to the airport. I felt a tap on the shoulder and turned around to see another dirty, disheveled man with a hiking backpack and a book backpack slung over his arm. "Man! I thought I was the only one with backpacks!" he laughed. "No. I've got some too," I replied, smiling…at him and the other commuters who watched us out of the corner of their eyes. "You on a journey too?" Backpack Homeless Guy asked me. "Yeah…I'm on a journey," I said. "Me too," Backpack Homeless Guy belted out. "I left Chicago four years ago…and I'm still journey-ing. Where you from?" "Boulder," I told him…as a professional-looking woman in her 30s slowly inched her way from us. Backpack Homeless Guy chuckled, "Boulder?! Man, this ain't Pearl Street! Where you headin'?" I hesitated for a second, trying to figure out if I was about to have a train/airport mate for the rest of the night. "I'm riding back to the airport to catch my flight back to Boulder," I finally told him. "Oh," Backpack Homeless Guy mumbled…his countenance completely changed. "Then, you want to catch the Yellow Line. You standing at the Blue Line. Yellow will get you back quicker." And with that…he disappeared into the throng of commuters. 

The rest of the night was a series of moving from seat to seat…trying to get comfortable and sleep. I didn't. I eventually took the cue from several of the seasoned travelers who had made makeshift bunks against the windows overlooking the tarmac on the air grates. But it's hard to sleep when the recorded PA announcer squawks every 10 minutes, "Please don't leave your baggage alone…" and so on. Most of the time I was lost in my head…wondering and worrying about Katie and Nick. I had called Amy on the drive back to DC and told her about my trip…and she was quick to jump into that pool of worry with me. I kept asking myself (and Amy) if I did the right thing.

I pity the woman who sat beside me on the flight back to Denver. I took a homeless bath in the airport bathroom around 3AM and put on some clean clothes I had in Ziploc bags…but you can only do so much to cover up 3 1/2 days of stench. I dozed off and on the entire way back..wallowing in worry and concern. For months I had planned this trip…expecting it to be this wonderful, magical time of joining my kids on their big adventure…but the reality was much different. And all I could think about was…did I do the right thing in speaking hard truth to Katie and Nick…and more to the point…did I break them with this hard truth.

I like being alone, but I don't like being lonely. It was a very lonely trip from Bryant Ridge Shelter in the woods of Virginia back to home…until Amy came home. When she got home I felt less lonely…but it didn't curb either of our worry.         

Dan

Playing Catch Up: Several New Appalachian Trail Posts

Day 72: Life as a Story

“And once you live a good story, you get a taste for a kind of meaning in life, and you can't go back to being normal; you can't go back to meaningless scenes stitched together by the forgettable thread of wasted time.”  Donald Miller-- A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

We missed you both tonight. Emery had her 2nd birthday party tonight. Same park…same people (with the additions of Micah and Carter)…same time of the day…and same weather as her 1st birthday party last year. It all looked and felt the same…all except you. You were missing. Family stuff just doesn't feel the same without you. You were missed. 

It's hard to believe that Em is two years old already. Another year…another chapter. 

Our Stories

Steph Brooks was asking about you guys today at the office. She wanted to know how you were doing…and what was the latest news…and how far along you were. I filled her in with what I knew--that as of last Saturday--you were about 650 miles into the AT…just outside of Pearisburg, VA. I told her that you sounded great and that you had a good group of fellow hikers you had connected with. She asked if the people you were hiking with were all doing the same thing: thru-hiking all the way to Maine. After I told her they were, Steph just smiled and said, "That's really, really cool! They're going to have such great stories when they get back!" I agreed.   

When I first read Donald Miller's book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, I loved his concept…or outlook on life: That we should view our lives as a story…like a novel or a movie…and join God in the creation of a great story…or great life. That's what I think about you two right now. You're deep in the middle of writing an original, wonderful story…full of adventure…and great characters…where I can't wait to turn the next page (or more to the point…get the next call). It's exciting to think how this journey…this leap in faith…is going to effect the rest of your lives…and your outlook on life. 

And He (Jesus) said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."   Matthew 4:19

Jesus asked Peter and Andrew to follow him. They had the choice of staying put…to continue to fish…to keep things status quo. But instead, they dropped their nets and followed Jesus into history…and eternity. They took a leap of faith and let God write an amazing story with their lives. 

I'm inspired by their courage…and yours.

Love,

Dad

p.s. 

Sold! I've got $90 in my pocket to deliver to you in Harpers Ferry now. Some nice guy named Dustin bought your Osprey backpack, Nick. I know Craigslist can be creepy, but so far…it's worked out great for us…and Dustin! 

Day 73: Days of Your Youth

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—before the sun and the light and the moon 

and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;

When the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop,
when the grinders cease because they are few,
and those looking through the windows grow dim;

When the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades;
when people rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;

When people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets;
when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags itself along
and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home
and mourners go about the streets."   (Ecclesiastes 12:1-5)

I remember first reading that passage from Ecclesiastes when I was in middle school--in 6th or 7th grade. The main reason I remember reading it was because I read it from this Bible called: Good News for Modern Man. They passed a bunch of them out at youth group one Sunday night…and the only reason I was even remotely interested in reading Ecclesiastes…were the illustrations. The Good News for Modern Man Bible was peppered with these funky--almost stick figure-like--illustrations (Below). 

The illustrations for Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 helped make sense of that whole section. Each of the metaphors Solomon used in this were illustrated with a drawing depicting what the metaphor was referring to: 

Keepers of the house - Legs

Grinders - Teeth

Windows - Eyes

Tree blossoms - White hair

I remember looking over those drawings as a kid in the basement of the Madison Church of Christ thinking, "Getting old is such a long, long way off!" Now it's here. Already. Needless to say, I was thinking about this part of Ecclesiastes because we're packed and ready. We're flying to Florida to see Grandma and Grandpa Hysell. It's sad, but so much of Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 applies to them now. Age can be debilitating. Alzheimer's has stolen Grandpa away...and osteoporosis (and gravity) are crushing Grandma's body like a bug. 

So…"remember your Creator in the days of your youth". This hike of yours…at the age you are…is such a blessing. I love that you are squeezing the life out of your youth…and getting all that you can out of it. 

Be strong. I'll see you in a week! Seven days and counting! 

Love,

Dad

Day 74: Plans

I immediately turned on my phone once the plane touched down in Tampa...like I always do when I fly somewhere. I'm not the only one, of course. I mean, the wheels barely touched down and all you could hear was text alerts and people calling others up and down the aisle. Katie, when I heard your message...where you cryptically said, "Please call me when you can. We NEED to talk." I knew already, but Mom went into hyper-worry mode asking, "How did she sound? Is everything okay? Do you think she's hurt? Is Nick hurt?" 

But I already knew.

So when you called tonight, Katie, it REALLY eased Mom's mind to hear you were fine. And like I said, I already knew. I just knew you were calling to tell me you weren't going to be able to make it to Harpers Ferry by this coming Saturday. I knew it was going to be a gargantuan task to get there by then. So...no big deal. I get a rental car and come your way. Hiking the Shenandoah sounds wonderful! 

The best laid plans...

I knew it was going to be hard to target an exact time and place to meet up, so I was already set for flexibility. Planning ahead has never been my strong suit...and I never wanted you two to feel any pressure to hit a specific mark at a specific time. At the heart of it...this little section from James 4:13-15 says it all:

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'"

It really is up to God's will, isn't it? Whether it's Shenandoah this coming weekend...or even waking up tomorrow. So, let me just say...I plan to fly to DC on Saturday, June 20th, then...rent a car...and then drive the 2-3 hrs to the Shenandoah National Park...meet up with you two...and hike...

If it's the Lord's will.

Love,

Dad

Day 75: Last Supper

When they walked through the door I recognized that little red leather box immediately--about 8"long by 4" wide by 2" deep. They smiled and introduced themselves: Jay and Mike. Jay looked like he was mid-to-late 60s and wore a Harley t-shirt and jorts (jean shorts). Mike was suited up in standard-issue dressy Florida wear: Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts and mandals (man sandals). And he was the one carrying the little red leather box. 

They were both genuinely glad to see Grandpa and Grandma, but Jay was the warm one, with a folksy, teasing nature to him. He joked with Grandpa (the way old men like to do), "Hey there Jackson! You keeping yerself outta' trouble?" Grandpa smiled and said, "Nah...never do." I was amazed. Grandpa didn't skip a beat. His quick, yet quiet, gentle sense of humor hasn't been erased by this miserable disease. 

As Jay made small talk with Grandma, Mom and I (with an occasional side comment to Grandpa), Mike sat down at the kitchen table and opened the leather box. He took the lid off a tiny gold cylindrical container and took out a purple plastic bottle, then he removed a stack of little plastic cups...and counted out four of them...returning the rest to the little red leather box. After sprinkling out four tiny wafers from the gold container into the lid--which doubled as a tiny gold plate--Mike squirted grape juice into the four plastic cups. "Well, why don't we get started," Mike said very officially. 

Then, we took communion.

Shortly after we got to Grandpa and Grandma's trailer this morning, Mom whispered to me that a couple of guys from their church were coming to serve Grandpa and Grandma communion--because they missed church on Sunday. I knew instantly what it would be like...or so I thought. I've seen this done (and done it myself) more times than I can count. A man (or men) from church come to serve communion to the "shut ins"--that's what we always called the elderly people who couldn't make it to church. 

Only today was different. Today the shut ins were people I deeply love...people I knew and loved way before age robbed their bodies and minds. Today I watched two people take part in a ritual that they've participated in hundreds and hundreds of times before...to the point where I cynically thought it was meaningless...but it wasn't. It was beautiful. Today we took communion with Grandpa and Grandma...maybe for the last time...and it reminded me of this from Matthew 26:26-29:

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.'”

Most everyone calls this part of the Gospels The Last Supper. 

Evangelicals call this rite or remembrance communion.

Catholics call it Eucharist and refer to the bread as the "Body of Christ". 

Today was all of those to me. 

It was communion...and it was our last supper...and it was the Body of Christ...the church...caring for others. And they included our "shut ins" this morning, but someday...because Jesus promises...we'll get to do this all over together...anew. Everyone together. No twisted and broken bodies...and no Alzheimer's.

And today only made me miss you more than ever. Five more days.

Love,

Dad 

Day 76: Old Dogs

You can't help but love an old dog, can you? 

There's something sweet and sad and majestic about a big, old dog living out his last days. The way he squints and looks off into the distance...as if trying to remember...and re-live...the old days...times of great rabbit chases gone by and long ago hikes and campfires long past. When you look at an old dog...especially your own...you can still see...buried under all that white hair on his muzzle...you can still see the young dog, like a watermark...a hint of who he used to be. 

That's where my mind has gone the entire time here in Florida with Grandpa and Grandma. Grandpa's like a sweet old dog...sitting on the couch or under their trailer breezeway...staring off in the distance...lost in days past. It's sad, but so wonderful too. Throughout our time here, Mom and I have seen glimpses of the old Jack. His wry smile and quick wit are still there. He may not know who he's teasing, but he still teases. 

We ran Grandpa through the wringer today: To the lawyer, then the bank...for extended meetings at both. The lawyer and the bank manager HAD to ask him questions. It's their duty. They had to see if Alzheimer's had really incapacitated him, so they had to look him in the face and ask the simplest of questions, "Jack, do you know who this is?" (Pointing to Mom). He smiled and said, "Well...I think it's my daughter" unable to remember Mom's name. It needed to be done, but it seemed cruel, like chucking a ball to an old dog saying, "Fetch!"...knowing they can't run. When I shifted in my chair under the awkwardness...I accidentally kicked Grandpa in the leg. I told I was sorry and patted his knee and he smiled at me and said, "That's okay. You woke me back up." See? He's still in there, somewhere!

"Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—"  Ephesians 6:2

I'm so proud of Mom because that's what she did these last couple of days--she honored her father and mother by coming here...listening to her mother...following her wishes...and, in the end, gave her peace. And even though Grandpa didn't remember her name...I know, if I know anything...he knew what she was doing...and he felt loved for...cared for...and honored. 

What more can an old dog ask for?

Love,

Dad

p.s. Loved the picture of you all (Below) on McAfee Knob! Could you feel my jealousy as you stood on that iconic cliff? Again, I couldn't be happier to see (and hear) the joy on your faces and in your voices. Four days and counting!

Day 77: Run 

The first alarm (Mom's) went off at 3:30AM (Eastern Time) this morning. 

The second alarm (mine) went off at 3:50AM. 

We were out the door of the Ramada Inn by 4:00AM. Our rental car needed to be returned by 6:00AM in Tampa (an hour and a half away) and we had to make sure we caught the shuttle to the airport for the7:00AM flight. Shortly after the plane touched down in Denver today, I told Mom, "I'll be doing this all again in three days." She asked me, "Are you dreading it?" "No," I told her. "I can't wait!"

Three days…and counting.

I know our plans got rearranged, but it's all good. After I land in Washington, DC on Saturday…I'll quickly grab my rental car and head your way…which (I hope) is the Shenandoah National Park. It's still Shenandoah, right? Let's try and touch base tomorrow for an update. Either way, I'll start trying to connect with you after I land so that we can synch up our meeting place and time. Please let me know what to bring you. Now's your chance to really milk me! 

I feel like it's Christmas time; that excitement you get…deep in your stomach…anticipating the joy of Christmas morning. That's the way I feel about Saturday. I can't wait! Trust me, I'm REALLY not calling you prodigals, but the only Bible verse I'm thinking of right now is from Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son. As Jesus tells the story, a man's son asks for his inheritance (before his dad has even died), takes it, and blows it all on wild living. When the money's gone…and a famine overtakes the land…the son decides to go back home…tail between his legs, broken and repentant…hoping against hope his dad will show a little mercy and let him work as a slave. And then Jesus tells us in Luke 15:20…

“But while he (the son) was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."  

Like I said, I'm not saying you're prodigals. All I'm saying it that I'm going to embarrass myself (and probably you too). 

In Jesus' day and time, it was a great shame for a man (especially an elder or father) to run in public. It was seen as a disgrace and made you unworthy of respect. And that's Jesus' point. Jesus made it abundantly clear that God's love for us has no bounds…no matter what we've done…He's waiting for us to give in…to turn from the messes we've made…and come back home to Him. And when we do…He runs! The God who created everything in the universe…runs to us. He's so happy to see us return that it's embarrassing. 

I love that…and can't wait to embarrass myself Saturday. 

Love,

Dad

Day 78: Rest

Sorry. I guess I'm still reeling from our LONG day yesterday…and it was another long one today. Bob Tunnell and I spent the day interviewing men to take on our next trip to Afghanistan in October…and my brain is fried. I know you two are dealing with A LOT more fatigue than me, so I will simply share this verse tonight:

"Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."

I will (try to) return my soul to rest tonight. After tomorrow, I'll will be with you two in Virginia…proof that the Lord has been good to me. Can't wait!

Two more days!

Love,

Dad    

Day 79: Continually

This will be my shortest email to you yet. I will see you guys in less than 16 hrs. at Jennings Creek. I am SO looking forward to this…and nervous because I'm in anything but hiking shape. No matter what…we'll be together in a few short hours. Mom's jealous, but is excited for us too. 

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

I AM rejoicing because I'm joyful about our next few days together…and I AM giving thanks in this circumstance in particular. 

I've always struggled with "praying continually". How DO you pray ALL the time? If it means that you need to be thinking about your life, your struggles and everyday issues…and continually think about how God is in all of them…then, I think I'm good. I really don't think it means stopping, shutting down and sitting in a corner--deep in prayer. I don't know how you do that. 

So, I will be praying…and thinking about life…and our next few days together in Virginia…and I will rejoice. 

Continually. 

Love,

Dad