Tremendous Trails

            It’s now been more than four days since Michelle and Celia left, and not only have I gotten a fantastic amount of stuff done around the house, I’ve had time to think, read and even go for a huge hike. Saturday was so gorgeous, I just had to get out, and I chose the most difficult hike I could find, knowing full well that I may not get another chance in a long time. Michelle loves hiking, but as soon as I involve her we’re slowed down not only by our little daughter, but the little bun in the oven, popping out of her belly.

            The last hour of the hike was pure snow and crazy verticals that caused me to slip and get some new scrapes and scratches. When I grunted my way up the last incline through rugged trees and made it to the top I reeled in shock at just how gorgeous and dynamic the rugged peaks of British Columbia are. I stood there in awe, fumbling for my camera to catch some sort of inadequate reflection of the experience.

            I was unbelievably thankful to be there, yet wished Michelle could be with me. Oddly enough, my cell phone, which had been out of service the entire hike, suddenly blipped to life at the top, probably picking up some random signal from the city. I eagerly dialed Michelle in Montana, but couldn’t get through. I sat back and grinned into the sun. I’d have to be happy atop the alpines alone.

            My legs are sore today, reminding me of the phenomenal experience and the possibilities for more in the next two weeks. And yet, I miss them already. Video chat is a great invention, and I smiled when Celia kissed the computer screen yesterday, but it pales in comparison to a real kiss. I want to hold my ladies again.

            It’s interesting to me that all of this is relatively new for me – both the wife and the kid – and yet I’ve grown to appreciate and expect them to be integral to my life to the point where even a few days away feels like a big meaty chunk has been ripped out of my heart. A piece of me has been taken away. That kid, who didn’t exist a couple of years ago, is now more important to me than I’d ever imagined. And I love it.