[Believe51]

My Father and I would take 12 mile hikes in the woods, many areas that only experienced walkers could achieve. One walk I told him that there were easier ways to kill me, as I stuck my fingers into the side of a cliff and made sure my feet stayed steady on the 10" footing. I made it across and when Daddy and I came to the top of the mountain we walked through a hallway of hardy pines. The clearing that we came to was like a doorway into another land. I was on top of the world. I startled a giant hawk and as he passed me at eye level I swear his long wings were like an industrial fan. I felt the breeze it produced, he was huge and scared the daylights out of me. I will never forget the moment Dad and I finally sat up there. This was another world, I knew it was now. Pure nature at its best and I was experiencing this with my Dad. We stayed there as complete peace encompassed us. Daddy no longer hikes anymore, he physically is not able to and he is Marine tough. This makes each hike, each water break, each bird call we heard a precious memory deeply encompassed into my mind. When I meditate, I sometimes use this day as a tool to bring me to the zen I felt that day, works every time. I will have more stories and pictures but now I must get to work.

Chrisy, this thread is a tribute to the admiration and appreciation we have for you. You are loved and respected, and cherished just like you very well should be. Thank you for sharing your journey, your life and your being with us. Sending love tonight as I write with you on my mind.....and thanking Bill.