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To The Waterfall

Yesterday, I hiked.
I strapped baby boy to my chest and met aunts, grandma, uncle Brett, and cousin kidlets at the trailhead
And away we went!
Up, up, up, and down, down, down, to the waterfall.



Anne carried my backpack. I had a baby in tow and didn't know what all he'd need,
so I over prepared.
She helped save me from being too much of a pack mule
And I helped save the worries of those that used the outhouse
because in my over-preparation I had brought hand sanitizer.



There were steep parts with slippery needles from pines
There were trip wires made of tree roots
And slick rocks worn from thousands of hikers' boots
So 9-year-old Ben stopped to be my anchor
I held his shoulder while I clambered down



I hiked this trail before when I was 13
with my Young Women leaders and friends
And it kicked my backside when I had to climb the steep parts
But this time, I did it with baby boy strapped to my chest
I surged ahead with stamina and a smile.
It felt pretty rad to be in better shape this time.



The sound of water wafted through the trees
Tally heard it, Lindy heard it
and I was like the parents in the Polar Express who couldn't hear the bell
and disbelieved
until I saw the water cascading down the mountain's cheek
And conceded to their lovely ears
that knew it was there without seeing.

Lindy found a butterfly


JJ found a heart rock


Charlie & Jane found a way to nap


Josie found my next-door neighbor, Park Ranger Joe


Ben and Tally and Calvin found the water


There at the base of the waterfall

Grandma shared her grapes
Katie shared a way to help me change my Charlie
We all shared laughs and Anne of Green Gables Quotes
We shared in sweat and smiles
But most of all, we shared in Family Time.


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