A Letter to My Boy

 Below is part of a letter I wrote to Taylor yesterday morning reflecting on our time this week hiking: 

"First of all, I want to reflect on the time that we had as we sat overlooking the views at Dragontail yesterday afternoon and the mountains beyond mountains. I sat there and was overcome with awe and gratitude, and I motioned for you to come and sit with me as we had sat together overlooking the sunset at Hidden Lake Lookout. As we sat together at Dragontail, I said the words, “Thank you.” It had a double meaning. One was a prayer that was to God—thank you for this life, for the unbelievable gift of being in such beauty, for the time with you. And the second was meant for you- thank you for being YOU and for your uncanny ability to coach me up that mountain. When I said I could imagine you being an ER doctor, I was thinking back to you telling me exactly what to do when I was on the ice field. “Mom, watch my feet. Just one step at a time. Put your ice ax in first, then your pole, and then plant your feet. Don’t look anywhere except watching my feet. You got this. You are crushing this.” I was never nervous because you were with me, and you were so grounded that it made me feel grounded.  Whether it is that you end up doing down the road, I just want you to know I see in you such a strength, courage, and beauty that you are able to give to others, and it is amazing."